For over 25 years Assane Konte, co-founder and artistic director of KanKouran West African Dance Company, has staged authentic glimpses of the peoples and cultures of West Africa. This year's concert production revives several works from the company's vast repertoire. Selected dances will recount the rich history of Senegal, Guinea, and Mali through traditional celebration dances and music. The Company will be joined in the performance by dance selections from the community and children's classes.

Join the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, for their distinctive mix of contemporary big band sounds and classics from the swing era, featuring guest artist vocalist Kurt Elling.

Since 1990, the Jazz Heritage Series has entertained local audiences with concerts featuring internationally acclaimed jazz artists. The series’ alumni list is a “who’s who” of jazz, ranging from such legendary performers as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Clark Terry and Ron Carter to modern stars such as Arturo Sandoval, Eric Marienthal and Michael and Randy Brecker, among others.

Ralphie May’s popularity exploded after the success of NBC’s hit reality series, Last Comic Standing, when America thought he was robbed of the winner’s title during the first season. But, coming in second place has not stopped him from becoming one of the most recognizable comedians in the country.

Ralphie’s second CD and DVD titled “Girth of a Nation,” produced by Jack Records and Warner Bros. Records was recently shot in Knoxville, TN and released on November 7, 2006. His first DVD, “Just Correct,” released in 2004 by Melee Entertainment, a division of Dreamworks, has reached platinum sales status.

Known for his hip-hop brand of comedy, Ralphie has his Ebonics and quick wit down pat, which has earned him roles in such urban films as “For Da Love Of Money” and “Gas.” He has gained notoriety from being an equal-opportunity offender with a political incorrectness and plain-spoken truth-telling in his routines that is reminiscent of rap. With catch phrases such as “Yeah…. I said it,” this detail becomes more intriguing when considered along with his Southern drawl, and even his laugh. Most recently, Ralphie participated in VH1’s first season of Celebrity Fit Club, in which eight celebrities bravely stepped forward and acknowledged that they’ve been losing the battle of the bulge. Ralphie has struggled with his weight since he was a teen. At the age of 16, he was in a car accident that left him in a coma for 10 days, with 42 broken bones, and which was the cause of his weight gain. Weighing in at over 400 pounds, he doesn’t rely on his weight as a physical prop or crutch. “I could do a whole hour of fat jokes easy,” says Ralphie. “The challenge is coming up with material anybody could use.”

Ralphie rails about the Hollywood bias against overweight people, “It isn’t a fat joke… it’s a prejudice joke.” He talks about the time he auditioned for the role of a fat person, only to be told he was too overweight. “Too fat to play fat?” And he describes the time he did a showcase for one of the late-night talk shows and they told him he was the best comic of the bunch, but that because of his size he’d never get booked. “Comedy is not about appearance, it’s about rockin’ a mic,” he says. “Are they laughing? That’s the only test.”

Ralphie caught the comedy bug at a young age. While attending the University of Arkansas, he entered a radio station-sponsored talent show in which the winner would get to open for Sam Kinison. A dream came true... Ralphie won the contest and after the show, Kinison turned to Ralphie and said, "That was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life."

At Kinison’s suggestion, Ralphie moved to Houston to work on his craft before heading out to Los Angeles where he works as a comedian, actor, writer and producer. He has worked on ESPN's Mohr Sports starring Jay Mohr and made four appearances on CBS's The Late Late Show w/ Craig Kilborn as well as eleven appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has appeared on The Man Show and MTV’s Bash as well as in guest-starring roles on numerous television shows including NBC’s Whoopie. As if that’s not enough, on one of his recent appearances on The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno, he received a standing ovation, the first comedian in 10 years to receive this honor.

The Original and only Broadway production, Forever Tango, Luis Bravo's acclaimed and Tony nominated dance spectacular features an all-Argentinean cast of world-renowned dancers, an on-stage orchestra comprised of members of the Argentinean National Symphony, and powerful vocalists.

Over the past decade Forever Tango has returned to Broadway twice and has wowed audiences throughout the US and worldwide. Repeatedly breaking box office records, see why the critics all agree:

“A must see!” – New York Times.

“Forever Magical” – San Francisco Chronicle.

“Torrid, tremendous and terrific” – The Toronto Sun.

Join the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, for their distinctive mix of contemporary big band sounds and classics from the swing era, featuring guest artist trumpeter Allen Vizzutti.

Since 1990, the Jazz Heritage Series has entertained local audiences with concerts featuring internationally acclaimed jazz artists. The series’ alumni list is a “who’s who” of jazz, ranging from such legendary performers as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Clark Terry and Ron Carter to modern stars such as Arturo Sandoval, Eric Marienthal and Michael and Randy Brecker, among others.

Perhaps Mel Brooks put it best when he said, "Richard Lewis may just be the Franz Kafka of modern day comedy."

Lewis has taken his lifelong therapy fodder and carved it into a commanding, compelling art form. His early career as a stand-up brought him to the top of his ranks and over time he broadened the scope of opportunities so others could share in his brilliantly warped world. The NY Post recently said; “Richard Lewis built the strongest stand-up comedy career on a blazing trail of neuroses since Woody Allen.”

Lewis can currently be seen on his sixth season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and is on his “Misery Loves Company Stand-Up Tour.” Lewis is also in the process of updating his book “The Other Great Depression” to be reprinted, with updates, through Public Affairs Books in April ’08. He’s furthering along the development of his own "dark ensemble comedy,” and all the while praying that Mr. David will be inspired for a seventh season of "Curb."

Available at the Lisner Box Office, TicketMaster Outlets, PhoneCharge (301) 808-6900.


Ever wonder what happens when you die? Join TV’s top medium and clairvoyant Lisa Williams as she describes the transition into the spirit world. Like her show on Lifetime, she will demonstrate by performing readings with the audience.

Available at the Lisner Box Office, TicketMaster Outlets, PhoneCharge (301) 808-6900.
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172067

The Magnetic Fields, back from their European tour, are happy to announce that they will be touring stateside once again with a short string of performances this October. The shows kickoff Friday, October 10 in Minneapolis and end with a run up the East Coast that will include a stop in Washington, DC.

Join the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, for their distinctive mix of contemporary big band sounds and classics from the swing era.

Guest artist to be announced.

Since 1990, the Jazz Heritage Series has entertained local audiences with concerts featuring internationally acclaimed jazz artists. The series’ alumni list is a “who’s who” of jazz, ranging from such legendary performers as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Clark Terry and Ron Carter to modern stars such as Arturo Sandoval, Eric Marienthal and Michael and Randy Brecker, among others.