From New York jazz and R&B to Flamenco dancing, Afro-Cuban rhythms and a quartet from Jerusalem, the Bailey Hall Presents series opens Sept. 25 with Metta Quintet.
“We are really establishing a niche for high-quality events that will be different,” said Dr. Dan Barnard, associate dean of cultural arts at Broward College Central Campus. “We’re kicking off the series with Metta Quintet, a group of jazz players from New York who are most known for their educational performances. They bring historical jazz singers to life by playing a vintage video clip of a jazz singer, playing along with them and then offering their own modern interpretation.”
Since Barnard’s primary role at Broward College is putting together cultural entertainment for students and the community, he attends two major conferences annually to scout talent from around the globe to bring to the college. “I was hired in May, and I’m proud this season really has my thumbprint on it,” he said.
“A lot of people tend to focus on marketing, but my thinking is from an artistic point of view first,” he added. “I’m always asking myself ‘What can I do for the cultural life of this community?’ It has to be appealing enough for audiences to attend and substantial enough for their spirit to be enriched.”
Barnard is clearly passionate about his job. “Our season is a neat mix that definitely has a lot of highlights,” he said. “Bettye LaVette is a soul singer who has been compared to Aretha Franklin. Hiromi is an amazing Japanese pianist. She’s so petite, and the music that comes out of her is huge, and she has an incredible technique. Chanticleer has this amazingly pure sound. We have a wonderful production of Romeo and Juliet. There are so many reasons to check us out this season. Whatever we bring will be particularly excellent, or we won’t do it.”
Included in the lineup is the Koresh Dance Company, a multi-genre dance troupe with interactive performances.
“Our goal is to serve communities with accessible dance education that suits the needs, interests and context of those involved,” said Kate Aid, director of marketing and communications for the Koresh Dance Company. “For some communities, this means being on their feet, learning movement. For others, it means joining a facilitated discussion about where cultural roots are visible in performed dance. Our goal is to curate an interest in the arts and to bring communities together through that appreciation.”
Enriching the cultural life of the Broward community is also a top priority for Adriana Fazzano, chief of staff of Broward College.
“As part of its role in the community, Broward College has provided outstanding arts and entertainment programming to diverse audiences,” Fazzano said. “More specifically, since 1979, Bailey Hall has filled the need for a premier cultural performance center for the tri-county area, hosting a wide variety of high-quality performers and visionaries, and enriching the cultural life of South Florida.
“The Bailey Hall concert series is very special, bringing world-class performing artists to a smaller, intimate stage and offering the opportunity to see so many talented and world-renowned artists that the audience may not have the opportunity to see elsewhere.”
Last year, Bailey Hall underwent a massive renovation, said Fazzano, who added that it now has more than 1,000 seats, an expanded concession area and box office, and one of the largest stages in South Florida. “We are excited to welcome the community to experience the newly renovated Bailey Hall, which will host the Bailey Hall Presents concert series, as well as some wonderful educational and children’s programming, and a piano series, providing an opportunity for our outstanding faculty to perform pieces by Schubert and Chopin.”
Call 954-201-6884 or visit BaileyHall.org.
Upcoming events for Bailey Hall Presents
Season Opening Party with Metta Quintet, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, Bailey Hall, Building 4, 3501 SW Davie Road, Davie. Metta Quintet brings the glory of jazz and introduces a modern twist. The college will also be giving away door prizes and opportunities to win tickets to future events. Tickets: $20.
Jerusalem Quartet, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m., string instruments that will tug at your heart strings. Tickets: $12 to $22.
Flamenco Vivo/Carlota Santana: Poema De Andalucia, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Experience the discipline and tradition that makes Flamenco dance so legendary. Tickets: $26 to $49.
Aquila Theatre presents Romeo & Juliet, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. To understand why Shakespeare is still relevant after all these years. Tickets: $20 to $39.
Chanticleer: An Orchestra of Voices, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. Powerful singing from men around the world. Tickets: $20 to 39.
Bettye LaVette, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Soulful singing from a Grammy-nominated songbird. Tickets: $36 to $59.
Koresh Dance Company: Evolution, March 18, 7:30 p.m. Passionate dance with a powerful social message. Tickets: $26 to $49.
The Pedrito Martinez Group, April 2, 7:30 p.m. Afro-Cuban beats that will make it difficult not to dance in your seat. Tickets: $20 to $39.
Hiromi: The Trio Project, April 5, 7:30 p.m. Electrifying jazz from Japan. Tickets: $26 to $49.
