Celebrity Series Celebrates 50 Years of Bringing World Class Entertainment to the Region

Celebrity Series at Westminster College readies an exciting 2017-2018 season jam-packed with homages to the classic sounds of Paul McCartney and the king of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley. The 50th anniversary season is presented in memory of J. Fred Rentz, a lifetime member to Celebrity Series.

“J. Fred Rentz recognized the transformative value of the arts to enhance the quality of life,” said Connie McGinnis, director of Celebrity Series at Westminster College. “He saw Celebrity Series as an important source of enrichment, entertainment and inspiration for all who entered Orr Auditorium doors.”

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in the William W. Orr Auditorium unless otherwise indicated.

Kicking off the season is STEPPIN’ OUT WITH BEN VEREEN on Saturday, September 16, sponsored by First National Bank. Vereen continues to dazzle audiences around the world. Few entertainers today are as accomplished or as versatile. Come enjoy an evening filled with song and dance, stories of his life, and a great deal of humor and inspiration.

On Saturday, October 21, experience An Evening with Chris Botti sponsored by Giant Eagle. Multi Grammy Award-winning master trumpeter Chris Botti has recorded and performed alongside Sting, Barbra Streisand, Yo-Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, and Frank Sinatra amassing multiple Gold and Platinum albums and a spectacular variety of honors becoming the nation’s largest selling instrumental artist.

The electrifying Brandon Bennett of the hit musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will set the stage ablaze in a spine-tingling tribute to Elvis Presley on Saturday, November 18. Bennett was named the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland. ELVIS MY WAY is sponsored by the Springfield Restaurant Group.

Spend the holiday season being serenaded by the soothing sounds of The TEN Tenors Home for the Holidays on Monday, December 11. Sponsored by UPMC Jameson, this magical experience for the whole family will dazzle, delight and captivate. Join Australia’s rockstars of the opera as they amaze and enthrall with their unique selection of traditional and contemporary favorites.

Sponsored by Huntington National Bank, THE McCARTNEY YEARS takes center stage on Saturday, April 28. Don’t miss this premiere Paul McCartney experience that is period-true and technically stunning. The explosive live concert features the music of Paul McCartney spanning two decades from The Beatles to Wings.

Celebrity Series for Kids presents How I Became a Pirate on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. This swashbuckling, high energy, funny-bone tickling musical adaptation of Melinda Long’s best-selling book is sure to leave young “mateys” singing and dancing in the aisles! The show is sponsored by Pizza Joes, Hoyt Arts & Education, Dr. Richard Ribarevski, New Wilmington Family Medicine Associates, P.C. and Pek C. Te h, M.D.  F.A.C.O.G.

The Westminster College Celebrity Series is partially funded by the Caroline Knox Memorial Trust Fund —reflecting God’s light into the world. Season tickets and Early Bird Ticketing are available for best seats and best savings. Paid orders placed over the phone before July 15 will be placed on wait list then seated first-ordered, first-served immediately after the season renewal upgrades and BEFORE tickets go on sale to the general public on July 15.

For more information or to order tickets, contact Georgene Gib by calling 724-946-7354 or online at www.westminster.edu/celebrity.

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