PERFORMANCES + EVENTS
It is with great enthusiasm that we present this year’s upcoming programming below. If you are visiting for the first time, or returning as a longtime supporter, we thank and welcome you to Suffolk Center!
CAROLS & LULLABIES OF THE SOUTHWEST
Saturday
December 15, 2018
4:00pm
Location:
Birdsong Theater
Ticket Prices:
$15 for Reserved Seating
The Virginia Choral Society in partnership with the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts are proud to present “Carols and Lullabies of the Southwest” on December 15. This concert features a major work by Conrad Susa titled, “Carols and Lullabies-Christmas in the Southwest” which is a collection of Spanish carols from across the Spanish language countries. In addition, there will seasonal carols such as “The Wexford Carol”, “People, Look East” and “In the Bleak Midwinter”. Other songs include “Ding! Dong! Merrily On High”, “Ocho Kandelikas”, “White Christmas” and several others. The Chorus will be joined with marimba, guitar and harp in addition to our talented accompanist, Ms. Diane Drury on piano and organ.
And, as part of our mission to support the arts in Hampton Roads, Grasslands High School, Chesapeake, VA under the direction of Ms. Elise Krepcho will join VCS at this concert.
WILL OVERMAN – DOWNSTAIRS AT THE CENTER
Friday
January 18, 2019
8:00pm
Location:
Downstairs at Suffolk Center
Ticket Prices:
$10 (Adults 21+ only)
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Will Overman’s incomparable voice — he made it through two levels of NBC’s “The Voice” — is at once melodic as it is relentless, as refreshingly unique as it is familiar and evocative. Overman’s music — call it Americana, a mix of folk, country, rock, and pop — is as energetic as it is passionate. It can be haunting and evocative yet sincere, sweet.
Musically and lyrically, Overman draws deeply from his Virginia roots, producing a rare combination of enticing straight-ahead, hard-charging rhythm and riffs and introspective melodies paired with sleek vocals. He takes on love, life and loss. All with an edge driven deep in reality.
Reserved seating for tables of 8 only. All others open seating. First come – first served. Call for details.
Whether performing solo or with a full band, Overman is a poet, reminiscent of a young Bruce Springsteen, (think “Nebraska”) or Bob Dylan. He’s a folksinger and a rocker (think “Born to Run”), whether performing solo or fronting a talented group of musicians swinging from flawless riffs to intoxicating beats.
And while his music is rooted deeply in the South, it transcends genres and convention, blending essential elements of rock, folk, and country, wrapped in a thin varnish of pop sensibility, to create a concoction reminiscent of Ryan Adams, Josh Ritter, with the softness of James Taylor.
Overman has quickly built a reputation as a fan favorite at music festivals including MerleFest, Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival, Front Porch Fest and Appaloosa Roots Music Festival, and Lynchfest. He was a finalist in the “Rockn to Lockn” contest.
Overman has played hundreds of shows from Burlington, Vermont to Columbus, Ohio, New York City and Washington, D.C., to Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee, and in between. He’s busked in lonely subway stations and performed to sold-out crowds in Charlottesville.
In 2017, Overman found himself at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively, professionally and personally. He said farewell to the band that has borne his name over the past several years and embarked on his first solo project since 2013.
“Crossroads,” his newly released solo EP produced by Rockfish Music, is without a doubt his most self-reflective work yet. He recently submitted one of the singles, “Decatur,” to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.
Drawing comparisons to Jason Isbell and Damien Rice, Overman carries an unwavering commitment to his music and to his fans. Soulful and unforgettable. Addictive and sometimes playful. Meaningful and real. Those factors, plus a transcendent passion and unyielding commitment to his craft, are what truly define this rising, must-see young artist, who has only just begun what promises to be a long and fruitful musical journey.
Movies at The Center – GREASE
Thursday
January 10, 2019
7:00pm
Ticket Prices:
$2 Donation and canned goods
Please join us for Movies at the Center presented by Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in partnership with Suffolk Tourism. On Thursday, January 17, 2019, we’ll be showing the 1978 cult classic, Grease. This rousing musical about teens in love in the 50’s lit up the box office and made stars of Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.
It’s California in 1959 and greaser Danny Zuko and Australian (and resident good girl) Sandy Olsson fall in love over the summer, not expecting to see each other at summer’s end. When they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance? An all-star cast includes John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn, Dinah Manoff, Eve Arden, and cameos by Sid Caesar and Frankie Avalon. This film is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Movies at The Center – FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF
Thursday
January 17, 2019
7:00pm
Ticket Prices:
$2 Donation and canned goods
Please join us for Movies at the Center presented by Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in partnership with Suffolk Tourism. On Thursday, January 17, 2019, get to know the legend that is Ferris Bueller, when we show the modern classic film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This iconic hit smashed box office records and made a star of Matthew Broderick.
High school student and resident wise guy Ferris Bueller wants a day off from school and he’s developed an incredibly sophisticated plan to pull it off. All he needs is his best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane to help him elude principal Ed Rooney as they play hooky and have the adventure of a lifetime in downtown Chicago. An all-star cast includes Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey, Jeffrey Jones, Cindy Pickett, Lyman Ward, Edie McClurg, and Ben Stein. This 1986 film is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Movies at The Center – CLUELESS
Thursday
January 24, 2019
7:00pm
Ticket Prices:
$2 Donation or bring canned goods
Please join us for Movies at the Center presented by Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in partnership with Suffolk Tourism. On Thursday, January 24, 2019, visit the world of Beverly Hills when we show Clueless. This cult classic spawned many iconic lines and made a star of Alicia Silverstone.
Cher, a rich high school student in Beverly Hills, tries to boost a new pupil’s popularity, while still navigating her own tricky affairs of the heart. Her initial superficiality gives way to a blossoming wit, charm, and intelligence that help her to deal with relationships, friends, family, school, and the all-important teenage social life. An all-star cast includes Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, Jeremy Sisto, and Wallace Shawn. This 1995 film is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Movies at The Center – MEAN GIRLS
Thursday
January 31, 2019
7:00pm
Ticket Prices:
$2 Donation and canned goods
Please join us for Movies at the Center presented by Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in partnership with Suffolk Tourism. On Thursday, January 31, 2019, become one with the Plastics as we show Mean Girls. This hit film was so popular it made stars of Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams and eventually spawned a successful Broadway musical.
Cady Heron, a home-schooled girl whose parents are zoologists, has recently come back to the United States from Africa and is trying to fit in at high school. While initially finding her friends with the outcasts, Cady finds herself a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George. Cue the D-R-A-M-A! An all-star cast includes Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Lacey Chabert, Lizzy Caplan, and Tim Meadows. This 2004 film is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 1 hour and 37 minutes.
JACKIE ROBINSON: A GAME APART Written & Performed by Mike Wiley
Tuesday
February 5, 2019
7:00pm
Location:
Birdsong Theater
Ticket Prices:
$15 for Reserved Seating
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Mike Wiley Productions’ JACKIE ROBINSON: A GAME APART written and performed by Mike Wiley. This unique one-man play by Mike Wiley will intrigue, educate and set your students’ thirst for success on fire by telling the powerful lesson of courageous African American athletes who pushed the color barrier to the breaking point. See the dedication and leadership of role models from the outfield, the backcourt, the track, the ring, and the blacktop — all pouring out the sweat and tears of a bygone era of separate unequal locker rooms, whites-only hotels and restaurants with only a back door through which colored athletes could enter.
Movies at The Center – REMEMBER THE TITANS
Thursday
February 7, 2019
7:00pm
Ticket Prices:
$2 Donation and canned goods
Please join us for Movies at the Center presented by Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in partnership with Suffolk Tourism. On Thursday, February 7, 2019, we’ll be showing modern classic film Remember The Titans. This is the true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.
Suburban Virginia schools have been segregated for generations. One Black and one White high school are closed and the students sent to T.C. Williams High School under federal mandate to integrate. The year is seen through the eyes of the football team where the man hired to coach the Black school is made head coach over the highly successful white coach. Based on the actual events of 1971, the team becomes the unifying symbol for the community as the boys and the adults learn to depend on and trust each other. Starring Denzel Washington, this 2000 film is rated PG and has a running time of 1 hour and 53 minutes.
SOUL STREET DANCE COMPANY
Saturday
March 9, 2019
8:00pm
Location:
Birdsong Theater
Ticket Prices:
$25 – $30 for Reserved Seating
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Houston based Soul Street Dance Company is one of the most dynamic premier dance companies in existence. Their technical and artistic skills, stage presence and wit allow them to push the performance envelope to an amazing standard of excellence.
Although they are called a “Dance Company,” their talents far outstrip any one category. In addition to dance, Soul Street performers are actors, athletes (with uncanny strength), and lately, songwriters and musicians.
Soul Street has the amazing ability to totally engage audiences from ages two to two hundred. A huge repertoire and outstanding flexibility have earned them the title, “Rock Stars of the Educational Theatre World” and they’re working hard to expand these accolades worldwide!
From educational shows, workshops, full-fledged evening performances or any combinations of the aforementioned, Soul Street can bring it to you with an excellence that will leave you speaking of nothing else for days!
THE NEXT GENERATION LEAHY
Saturday
March 23, 2019
8:00pm
Location:
Birdsong Theater
Ticket Prices:
$25 – $30 for Reserved Seating
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It is this drive to create music that has led the Leahy children to achieve so much, even at their young ages. Still all in elementary school, they are all accomplished multi-instrumentalists and released their first self-titled CD in December 2015.
Live performances are filled with the high-energy, infectious Celtic-based music people associate with the Leahy heritage. Fiddle, cello, French accordion, vocals, piano, and French-Canadian step-dancing all find a voice on stage. The Leahy children, so in love with what they do, enamor audiences and keep them constantly coming back for more.
THE EMBERS FEATURING CRAIG WOOLARD
Friday
April 5, 2019
8:00pm
Ticket Prices:
$35 for Reserved Seating
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Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and most recently the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers featuring Craig Woolard are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music.
The Embers are widely considered a musical marvel and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as ‘Beach Music’ in the Carolinas, Virginias, the gulf coast region of North America and every beach in between. A true musical tradition with which many Americans have listened to from childhood to adulthood. The Embers consider the genre of Beach Music as “music with a memory” and have been creating lasting memories since its inception in 1958. Simply put – Heart and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Feel Good Music.
CHOWAN UNIVERSITY CHOIRS
Sunday
April 28, 2019
3:30pm
Location:
Birdsong Theater
Ticket Prices:
$10 for Reserved Seating
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The Chowan University Singers and Men’s Chorus, the premier touring choral ensembles of Chowan University, combined with the Chowan Community Chorus, will present a concert at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts on Sunday, April 28 at 3:30 PM.