Schedule for 2016 Center Stage Series at Luther announced

The acts for the Luther College's 2016-17 Center Stage Series were announced this week. Starting on September 10, 2016 and running through April 7th, 2017, Luther's Center for Faith and Life stage will be graced by an eclectic group of artists and performers.

The 2016-17 Center Stage Series is sponsored by Decorah Bank and Trust, Gundersen Health System, Winneshiek County Medical Center, and Luther College's Diversity Council.

The complete list of performers and dates is:

'The Complete History of America (Abridged)': Election Edition—Sept. 10

           Just in time for the 2016 presidential election, the Reduced Shakespeare Company delivers 600 years of history in 6,000 seconds. From Christopher Columbus to Neil Armstrong, and George Washington to Barack Obama, audiences will take a ride on the roller coaster of American political history. In the spirit of Shakespeare, RSC shows contain some occasional bawdy language and mild innuendo.

'The Aca-Perfect Concert Experience'—Oct. 7

           From the creative mind behind "Pitch Perfect" and "The Sing-Off" comes an over-the-top celebration of a cappella singing. From Gregorian chant and barbershop to the Beatles and Bruno Mars, Vocalosity's "The Aca-Perfect Concert Experience," choreographed by original "Stomp" member Sean Curran, takes a cappella to a whole new level.  Local a cappella groups can submit a video for a chance to open for this performance—more information to come.

Versa-Style Dance Company—Oct. 21

           Highly energetic and inspiring, Los Angeles' Versa-Style celebrates the essence and power of hip-hop, showcasing popping, locking, Boogaloo, house and Afro-Latin styles such as salsa, merengue and cumbia. Its signature piece, "Box of Hope," uses a Motown soundtrack and vibrant choreography to deliver the message that where there are inequalities and struggle, there is also hope.  More information to come on hip-hop workshop opportunities in town and on campus.

'Judgment at Nuremberg'—Nov. 3

           In its signature radio-theater style, L.A. Theatre Works brings vivid life to the absorbing and complex drama of the Nuremberg Trials—American-led tribunals formed to prosecute war criminals for their roles in the Holocaust. A top-notch cast of unforgettable characters transports us to the 1940s to explore questions of justice and meaning: how compassion can become secondary to the rule of law and how human rights are compromised during times of conflict—issues still relevant today. A conversation with the cast will be held following the show.

'The River and the Thread' Rosanne Cash—Nov. 12

Rosanne Cash, one of America's distinguished singer-songwriters, collaborates with husband John Leventhal to tour her three-time Grammy Award–winning latest release, "The River and the Thread." This album has been called "the crowning masterpiece" of her 35-year career, and its captivating exploration of the South prompted the Boston Globe to pronounce she has "come full circle as a storyteller of exceptional grace and grit."

Calmus 'Luther's Lieder'—Feb.4

This charming and flawless a cappella quintet embodies the rich choral tradition of its hometown of Leipzig, Germany, the city so closely associated with Bach and Mendelssohn. In anticipation of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, Calmus has created a unique and entertaining program of choral-motets crafted from diverse music connected to the songs of Martin Luther.

Sō Percussion—Feb. 18

For more than a decade, Sō Percussion has redefined the scope of the modern percussion ensemble, pushing its voice to the forefront of American music. Praised by The New Yorker for an"exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam," Sō's adventurous spirit is written into its sensational interpretations of modern classics, championing musical curiosity.

The Nile Project—March 4

In one of the tightest cross-cultural collaborations in history, the Nile Project brings together artists from 11 Nile countries for a thrilling exploration of music that celebrates their shared Nile identity. More than just a band, the Nile Project uses a menagerie of instruments and vocals in 10 languages to inspire awareness of cultural and environmental challenges, and invite all to be Nile citizens.According to The New York Times, the Nile Project "is a committed euphoric international coalition."  

Shaolin Warriors—March 11

This wildly popular theatrical experience brings to the stage the remarkable skill, stunning artistry and death-defying martial-arts prowess of more than 20 kung fu masters. Performing unbelievable feats of athleticism that seem possible only in movies, The Washington Post says these artists "combine the agility and grace of gymnasts with the showmanship of Cirque du Soleil performers."

The Bad Plus—April 7

The Bad Plus—bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson, and drummer David King—have Minnesota roots and a well-earned reputation for pushing musical limits. Through almost 15years and 14 albums, they have thrived at the intersection of jazz, indie rock and iconoclastic covers of artists, inspiring Rolling Stone to call them "about as badass as highbrow gets."

Ticketing order and mailing information can be found at www.tickets.luther.edu.Tickets for Center Stage Series events can be purchased as a subscription package through Aug. 26. The Luther College Ticket Office will accept mail orders throughout the summer from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. on business days.

Questions should be addressed to (563)-387-1357 or at boxoffice@luther.edu