MIDLAND MEMORIES SERIES 
2008-09
Sponsored by Park National Bank

• Dave Bennett's Benny Goodman Tribute

• Ben Vereen

• Garrison Keillor

• Dukes of Dixieland

Dave Bennett's Benny Goodman Tribute
Friday, September 26 • 8:00 pm
Tickets: $50.00, $45.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $20.00

The Midland Memories Series is designed to highlight entertainment from the 1930s to the 1960s and celebrate The Midland Theatre's first successful era. Sponsored by Park National Bank, this performance series kicks off our seventh season, beginning with Dave Bennett's Benny Goodman Tribute. Only "twenty-something!", Dave and his All-Star Septet play Goodman's "swing-era" classics: Moonglow; I've Got Rhythm; Body and Soul; Sing, Sing, Sing; and many others. Dave is a jaw dropping clarinet prodigy who brings to life the music of "The King of Swing." His incredible technique, expression and sensitivity gained this response from guitar legend of the NBC Tonight Show and Goodman Band member (1966 to 1986), Bucky Pizarelli, "If Benny had heard this guy he would have had him over to play duets!" 

An Evening with Ben Vereen
Friday, November 7 • 8:00 pm
Tickets: $65.00, $50.00, $40.00, $30.00 and $20.00

Few entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen, who will take The Midland Theatre stage on November 7,2008 at 8:00 p.m. This Broadway star, actor, singer, and dancer has had electrifying success as the result of rare talent, superb mastery and strong discipline. His Broadway appearances include Wicked, Fosse, the critically acclaimed I'm Not Rappaport, Jelly's Last Jam and Pippin for which he won the prestigious Tony Award and Drama Desk Award. In television he is best known for his Emmy Award winning performance as "Chicken George" in ROOTS, Ben guest starred on ABC's hit primetime drama Grey's Anatomy for which he won the Prism Award and NBC's Law & Order: Criminal Intent. This fall, Ben will be seen in the feature film "Mama I Want To Sing." His first love and passion, though, is and always will be the stage. "The theater was my first training ground. It taught me discipline, dedication and appreciation of hard work and values that will stay with me a lifetime. The stage sharpens the creative instrument and encourages you to go deeper inside and try new things." states Vereen. For over 25 years, Ben has showcased his versatility and creativity, performing countless one-man shows world-wide. His legendary performances transcend time and have become woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy.

An Evening with Garrison Keillor
Wednesday, January 21 • 8:00 pm
Tickets: $85.00, $75.00, $50.00, $40.00 and $30.00

Charming, witty, and always entertaining, Garrison Keillor comes to the Midland stage on January 21, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Best known as host of the immensely popular radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, Garrison Keillor is one of this country's favorite humorists and storytellers, along with being a best-selling author. This one-man show highlights his wonderfully dry sense of humor and promises to delight audiences with a truly enjoyable evening. True to his radio form, Keillor shares hilarious anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest as well as the aging process — including late-life fatherhood — all with his one-of-a-kind blend of humor, wit, and wisdom.

Dukes of Dixieland
Friday, April 17 • 8:00 pm
Tickets: $50.00, $40.00, $30.00 and $20.00

Bringing the very heart and soul of New Orleans-authentic Dixieland jazz, the Dukes of Dixieland take the stage on April 17, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. The Dukes of Dixieland are stirring audiences throughout the world, maintaining their preeminent position in their art for four decades. As the oldest continually-performing jazz ensemble in New Orleans, the Dukes create a distinctive blend of traditional Dixieland. Keeping their sound alive and growing, they continue to thrill audiences, sharing the art of Dixieland jazz with new generations of music lovers.

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