Burlington County Library Presents “Sundays On Stage” This Fall
The Burlington County Library is pleased to announce the 2016 fall schedule for “Sundays on Stage,” a series of one-hour performances featuring everything from a musical trek through jazz, blues, and American songbook classics, to a rollicking comedy show harkening back to the days of vaudeville.
Hosted by the Burlington County Library System and the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the performances begin Sept. 11 and run through Dec. 11. All shows start at 2 p.m. inside the Westampton facility’s beautiful 250-seat auditorium, and admission is free.
The library’s indoor stage performances are presented each year in the spring and again in the fall in an effort to bring a diverse selection of culturally enriching entertainment to the residents of Burlington County. The perfect way to start (or end) the week, the shows are chosen to reflect the BCLS mission to enrich lives by providing opportunities for learning, growth, and personal development.
Funding is made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts through a grant to the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Those who attend are encouraged to arrive early, since seating is limited. Doors open at 1:40 p.m.
The 2016 Sundays on Stage performances include:
September 11 — Haddonfield School of Music
Enjoy an eclectic performance of classical, rock, pop and jazz music by professional and student performers from the Haddonfield School of Music as well as a few guest performers. Sit back and relax to the sounds of violins, cellos, piano, guitar, and vocalists during our kick-off performance. www.haddonfieldschoolofmusic.com/
September 18 — Divine Hand Ensemble
Prepare to be mesmerized by this Theremin-fronted ensemble featuring a seven-piece string section, two harps and percussion performing a variety of classical, opera, movie themes and pop favorites. The world’s first electronic instrument at nearly 100 years old, the Theremin is the only instrument played without touching and in 2015 the Divine Hand Ensemble was selected to perform for the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia. The group’s long-awaited visit to New Jersey is sure to please. www.divinehand.net
September 25 — Kameelah Samar
Join multi-talented singer Kameelah Samar and her band for a musical journey through jazz, blues, and contemporary and American songbook classics. With a crowd-pleasing repertoire that includes original song interpretations, Kameelah Samar’s cool, breezy sound has earned her a legion of fans from live performances in the Caribbean, South America and here in the tri-state area. www.kameelahsamar.com
October 9 — An Afternoon of Indian Classical Dance
A group of young dancers perform Bharathanatyam, an ancient art form of India that transcends language and culture. The performance portrays a story of love, victory and happiness with simple yet beautiful expressions and energetic footwork. Led by Ahimsa Aradhya, a senior at Moorestown Friends School and a graduate of Shishya School of Performing arts, the choreography encourages each dancer to be expressive while still part of a team, bringing out the most complex of human emotions in simple yet universal language.
October 23 — Boy in Black
Anthony Caserta presents an electrifying and energetic portrayal of Johnny Cash. Performing songs from Cash’s early career at Sun Records to his final recordings at American Recordings, Caserta delivers a truly charismatic, spiritual, patriotic and humble show. Surrounded by some of Delaware County’s finest musicians, Anthony Caserta and Boy in Black hit home with songs for everyone. www.FaceBook.com/BoyinBlackBand
November 6 — Parallel Exit’s WHAM, SLAM, and BAM!
Parallel Exit presents WHAM, SLAM, and BAM! — a special, rollicking speed-of-light comedy show harkening back to the days of vaudeville. Inspired by the films of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, this trio of physical comedians presents a wide range of old-fashioned family entertainment, from tap dance, to live music, to slapstick. Parallel Exit has toured the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia to great critical acclaim, and the company has received three Drama Desk nominations for Unique Theatrical Experience and a “Spirit of the Fringe” award from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. www.parallelexit.com/
November 20 — Big Soul Chicken
Big Soul Chicken delivers a performance that’s like a master class in soul, R&B and Motown. The show features Philadelphia soul scene veteran Rodney Dickerson, a 2016 Versatility Entertainment and Image Award winner, and Tom Verdi who has performed around the world in the 19th Army Band and as a house musician for Club Med. Together since 2010, Big Soul Chicken has played numerous venues and community events throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. www.bigsoulchicken.com
November 27 — Craig Bickhardt
Sit back and enjoy this live performance by Craig Bickhardt, whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, BB King, Ray Charles, Martina McBride, and more. Bickhardt also has many film and TV credits to his name, including writing and performing two songs in the Academy Award winning Robert Duval film “Tender Mercies.” www.craigbickhardt.com/
December 4 — Comic vs. Movie
Discover the history of comics and some movies they inspired. Hear a reading from a comic featuring Barry Allen, aka The Flash, discuss how he is represented in print, then watch an episode from the CW television series on our big screen.
December 11 –
TAP TEAM TWO, MEN ON TAP, and UNITING COLLEGES THROUGH TAP
Get ready for some holiday entertainment when the Philadelphia-based tap company Tap Team Two performs “The Sounds of the Season.” Through rhythm, dance and song, the group explores the traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Special guests Men on Tap, Uniting Colleges Through Tap, and others will join in to honor the traditions of the past, embrace the holiday season, and welcome the New Year. www.facebook.com/TapTeam2/www.menontap.org/www.uctt.net/
The Burlington County Library is located at 5 Pioneer Boulevard off Woodlane Road in Westampton. For more information, call (609) 267–9660, or go to www.bcls.lib.nj.us.
