A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

   The Board of Directors and Administration at the Wilson Performing Arts Center are extremely happy to place this outstanding season before you today. The consistent quality you have come to expect from all of the artists who come to our stage is of great importance and pride to us, because your entertainment expectations require it. Each concert, play, professional presentation has been planned for the enjoyment and growth of you and your family. We respect your involvement and the trust you place with us to provide only quality entertainment at a price we can all afford.
    This season's brochure has a new look. By combining the 2010-2011 season announcement and ticket offerings with your Patron's involvement opportunity, we give you more choices to support the PAEA of Southwest Iowa, and also save money. The Wilson Performing Arts Center needs you to become involved. We offer you a new discount season package, allowing you to pick and choose what makes the most sense to your needs and then purchase the season at a savings over single ticket prices. We need to fill all the seats, and you can help by calling a friend and encouraging them to join you at the Wilson. Please make a contribution as a Patron of the Arts.
   This year has been challenging because of low interest rates on our Endowment investments. What can I say to interest you in investing in the work and programming at the Wilson other than we need your financial involvement. It is just that simple. We must have your presence at our events and we must have your Patrons donation too. You are the key to our success just as we are the key to providing the quality experience you have come to expect. What a team!
    We can't wait to see you next season.

Larry Brandstetter
PAEA Board President

   Carpe Diem String Quartet is an exciting group that has captured the imagination of audiences, the respect of critics, and is becoming one of the most versatile ensembles of their generation. Carpe Diem has earned critical acclaim with innovative programs, electrifying performances, and a passion for audience engagement. The quartet is committed to changing the concert experience of chamber music. They champion the music of living composers as well as the traditional classic masters such as Beethoven and Debussy.

"They play magnificently. Beautiful tone, lots of Slavic passion, perfect ensemble - they are living proof that one need not be a part of a national tradition to perform it." - Kenneth Keaton, American Record Guide "Carpe Diem is lighter, cleaner, more lyrical, and more rhythmic, an approach that works wonderfully well." - James Leonard, All Media Guide

   Four hands, two pianos, two brothers, and excellent music for the Christmas season! Their accomplished and multi-layered piano presentations have struck a chord with wide audiences, and their solid reputation is well-deserved. Internationally recognized pianists, the O'Neill Brothers have sold more than two million CD's, and their music has been featured on national television, including NBC, CBS, ESPN, PBS, and HBO. Their CD collection has won acclaim, hit the Billboard charts, and won an Emmy nomination. Various guest musicians accompany the brothers on guitar, violin and saxophone in several numbers, and they will also be bringing Irish Dancers on this tour.

"Gentle, graceful magic...accomplished keyboard artists." -Los Angeles Times

   Tony Kenny is an icon in the world of Irish music, having received three of the industry's most prestigious awards: the "Performing Artists Trust Society Annual Award for "Entertainer of the Year," and "Ireland's Industry Music Hall of Fame Award," in 2008. Ireland's multi-talented, award-winning performer has assembled a talent showcase that will have you singing, toetapping, cheering, and laughing as he presents his allstar cast in Jury's Irish Cabaret. Tony is joined by Ireland's Leprechaun of Laughter and Song Richie Hayes, and the lovely dancing singer Victoria Kenny, the celebrated Dublin City Dancers, and traditional Irish musicians.

All that's wonderful about Ireland and its people comes to you in an entertainment extravaganza called Jury's Irish Cabaret!

   Billy McGuigan is the mastermind of this great "celebration of Beatles music." The format is simple, before the concert, audience members submit their requests for favorite Fab Four songs, and truly Beatles scholars, they are prepared for anything, and use Beatles trivia throughout the show. Pop artist Peter Max has inspired the set and lighting design that brings a special sense of nostalgia to the entire event. This event showcases the unforgettable music of the Beatles, and the experiences of those decades, and the outstanding talents of the band. You won't want to miss this exhilarating performance.

"Remaining loyal to the Fab Four, ...this band sings their hearts out and thrills the audience."

    An archaic spelling of the word gospel, Godspell is the 1970 musical by Stephan Swartz and John-Michael Tebelak. It opened off Broadway on May 17, 1971, and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since. Several cast albums have been released over the years and one of its songs, "Day By Day" from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in the summer of 1972.

Godspell is a powerful reminder of the joys of friendship and community, an oasis of sincerity in a sometimes cynical world.

The mission of the Performing Arts and Education Association of Southwest Iowa is to honor the heritage, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future of southwest Iowa by enhancing and creating.

Diverse artistic performance experiences for audiences and Performers.

Arts education opportunities for all ages.

A premier performance venue for music, dance, and theatre.