Arts & Entertainment
Pepperdine to Feature Performances by Wynonna, Branford Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel

Country music star Wynonna, jazz artist Branford Marsalis, Aussie guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples, comic jugglers the Flying Karamazov Brothers, and the Complexions Contemporary Ballet are among the performers heading to Pepperdine for the upcoming season.
Indie musician Aimee Mann and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins will offer an evening of acoustic music and poetry, and Tony Award winner Faith Prince performs her one-woman show, "Have a Little Faith."
The Pepperdine Fine Arts Division will present Mozart's opera Così fan tutte; theatre productions of Richard Greenberg's Three Days of Rain, Boublil and Schönberg's Les Misérables, Eve Ensler's Necessary Targets, and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream; as well as a series of performances by Pepperdine student music ensembles throughout the fall and spring semesters.
Tickets for all performances are available by calling (310) 506-4522 from 12 noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and two hours prior to curtain time. Tickets to all events are also available at: http://arts.pepperdine.edu/tickets/.
Here are the performances:
Wynonna and The Big Noise
Backed by her band, The Big Noise, five-time Grammy winner Wynonna performs her biggest hits, along with a rockin' selection of her favorite covers.
Thursday, September 19, 2013, 8 p.m.
$75, $67, $40
Smothers Theatre
Roger McGuinn and Marty Stuart with the Fabulous Superlatives
Two legendary musicians and a great band join forces for some of folk rock's most beloved anthems, including "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Eight Miles High," and "Turn, Turn, Turn."
Thursday, October 10, 2013, 8 p.m.
$55, $49, $40
Smothers Theatre
An Evening with Branford Marsalis
The renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and Tony Award nominee leads his jazz quartet in what promises to be an astounding performance.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 8 p.m.
$65, $58, $40
Smothers Theatre
Andy McKee
After 150 million collective views for his YouTube videos, this self-taught musician from Topeka has emerged as one of the world's finest steel-string acoustic guitar soloists.
Friday, January 10, 2014, 8 p.m.
$35, $25, $15
Smothers Theatre
Tommy Emmanuel featuring special guest Martin Taylor
Australian virtuoso guitarist and Pepperdine favorite Tommy Emmanuel is joined by Britain's Martin Taylor to promote their new album, The Colonel & The Governor.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22, 8 p.m.
$45, $40, $25
Smothers Theatre
Mavis Staples
A member of the groundbreaking family group the Staple Singers, this Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner is joined by her three-piece band and a trio of backup vocalists.
Saturday, January 25, 2014, 8 p.m.
$45, $40, $20
Smothers Theatre
Spirit of Uganda
With powerful drums, dramatic choreography, and gorgeous call-and-response vocals, 22 vibrant performers, ages 10-20, bring to life the sounds and movements of East Africa.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
$35, $30, and $15 for adults
$15 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
An Evening with Richard Marx
This Grammy-winning songwriter's first seven singles, including "Right Here Waiting," reached the Billboardsingles Top 5--a feat that remains unchallenged.
Friday, February 28, 2014, 8 p.m.
$40, $36, $20
Smothers Theatre
Aimee Mann and Billy Collins
Oscar-nominated songwriter and indie music star Aimee Mann is joined by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins for an evening of acoustic music and spoken word/poetry.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014, 8 p.m.
$45, $40, $20
Smothers Theatre
World Blues
Featuring
Taj Mahal Trio
Vusi Mahlasela
Fredericks Brown featuring Deva Mahal
Anchored by folk-blues icon Taj Mahal, this concert features the South African blues of guitarist/vocalist Vusi Mahlasela and rock-and-roll of Fredericks Brown, a band featuring Taj's daughter, Deva.
Sunday, October 6, 2013, 7 p.m.
$50, $45, $30
Smothers Theatre
Celtic Nights: The Emigrants Bridge
A Night of Music, Song, and Dance
Through the power of music and the fury of dancing feet, six of Ireland's most prominent vocal talents and six of its most accomplished step-dancers tell the exhilarating story of a proud people who dared to carve out a home in the New World.
Thursday, January 23, 2014, 8 p.m.
$40, $36, $20
Smothers Theatre
DANCE
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Whether it be a single style, period, venue, or culture, this relatively young company transcends them all, creating an open, continually evolving form of dance. This project received support from the California Arts Council; WESTAF, the Western States Arts Federation; and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 8 p.m.
$40, $36, $20
Smothers Theatre
Keigwin + Company
Founded in 2003, Keigwin + Company presents an electrifying brand of contemporary dance. "The kinetic delight of Keigwin's high-powered dancing is infectious, and he doesn't shy away from the 'e' word: entertainment" (Dance Magazine).
Sunday, April 13, 2014, 2 p.m.
$40, $36, $20
Smothers Theatre
ROOTS AND FOLK
Hot Club of Cowtown
Following appearances on A Prairie Home Companion and the Grand Ole Opry, this Austin-based band has created an international cult following with its sizzling blend of hot jazz and Western swing.
Saturday, October 5, 2013, 8 p.m.
$35, $25, $15
Smothers Theatre
The Dunwells
With an exhilarating blend of English rock and American roots music heightened by soaring vocal harmonies, these five "best mates" from England create songs that feel bracingly fresh, yet warm and familiar.
Friday, October 11, 2013, 8 p.m.
$35, $25, $15
Smothers Theatre
WEEKEND WONDERS
Recycled Percussion
From NBC's America's Got Talent to sold-out shows in Las Vegas, Recycled Percussion galvanizes audiences as it uses, misuses, and abuses pretty much anything it can find at hardware stores, junkyards, and landfills.
Sunday, September 22, 2013, 2 p.m.
$35, $30, and $20 for adults
$20 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
Story Pirates
The Story Pirates present a sketch comedy musical based entirely on stories written by elementary schoolers. Kids and parents alike will enjoy this rollicking show, which includes some hilarious on-the-spot skits based on audience suggestions.
Saturday, January 18, 2014, 11 a.m.
$15 and $12 for adults
$10 for children
Smothers Theatre
Family Art Day
Featuring special art projects and Weisman Museum tours.
Sunday, September 22, 2013, 12 noon-2 p.m.
Saturday, January 18, 2014, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Family Art Day is free and open to the public.
Gregg G. Juarez Palm Courtyard
Golden Dragon Acrobats
With their award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, and spectacular costumes, the Golden Dragon Acrobats present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.
Sunday, October 27, 2013, 2 p.m.
$40, $36, and $25 for adults
$20 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
Family Arts Fest
Featuring family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities, food, face painting, Weisman Museum tours, music, and more.
Saturday, March 1, 2014, starting at 11 a.m.
Family Arts Fest is free and open to the public.
Flying Karamazov Brothers
Expect the unexpected with the Flying Karamazov Brothers, featuring four self-proclaimed lunatics spicing things up with laugh-out-loud comedy, wild theatrics, and astonishing juggling feats.
Saturday, April 19, 2014, 2 p.m.
$40, $36, and $25 for adults
$20 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
CLASSICAL MUSIC
The Recital Series
Four Sunday recitals at 2 p.m. in Raitt Recital Hall
Series price--$80 (Save 20%, Full price--$100)
All seats are reserved.
Chee-Yun, Violin
This violinist's flawless technique, dazzling tone, and compelling artistry have enraptured audiences on five continents.
Sunday, September 29, 2013, 2 p.m.
$25
Raitt Recital Hall
Steven Lin, Piano
A victory at the 2012 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition is the latest in a growing list of awards for Steven Lin, an engaging and imaginative young Taiwanese American pianist.
Sunday, November 10, 2013, 2 p.m.
$25
Raitt Recital Hall
Adam Golka, Piano
With his "brilliant technique and real emotional depth" (The Washington Post), this pianist has garnered top international prizes, including the 2008 Gilmore Young Artist Award.
Sunday, January 12, 2014, 2 p.m.
$25
Raitt Recital Hall
Amphion String Quartet
Violinists Katie Hyun and David Southorn, violist Wei-Yang Andy Lin, and cellist Mihai Marica create an "intensely focused sound that makes every line in a texture stand out clearly" (The New York Times).
Sunday, March 2, 2014, 2 p.m.
$25
Raitt Recital Hall
Jessica Rivera, Soprano, and Robert Spano, Piano
Pepperdine alumna Jessica Rivera and her frequent collaborator, pianist/conductor Robert Spano, have earned accolades for their stunning interpretations of some of the most renowned contemporary masterpieces.
Sunday, October 20, 2013, 2 p.m.
$25, $22
Raitt Recital Hall
GREGG G. JUAREZ STARS OF STAGE AND SCREEN SERIES
Faith Prince
The Tony Award winner presents a veritable smorgasbord of Faith Prince, from her Broadway triumphs to tales and songs from her early off-Broadway gems to her latest Broadway roles.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 8 p.m.
$40, $36, $20
Smothers Theatre
FREDERICK R. WEISMAN MUSEUM OF ART
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and one hour prior to most performances through intermission.
Art for Art's Sake: Selections from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation
August 26-November 24, 2013
Reception: Saturday, September 7, 5-7 p.m.
Focusing on the sumptuous beauty and pure visual effects in works by Mark Chariker, Tara Donovan, Stephanie Patton, Brian Porray, and others.
LAND/MARK: Gretchen Batcheller and Ty Pownall
December 3-13, 2013
Reception: Tuesday, December 3, 5-7 p.m.
Featuring paintings and sculpture by Pepperdine's new Art Department faculty members Gretchen Batcheller and Ty Pownall.
Wayne Thiebaud: Works on Paper, 1948-2004
January 11-March 30, 2014
Reception: Saturday, January 11, 5-7 p.m.
Covering Thiebaud's entire career from the 1950s to the present, including examples of etching, lithography, woodcut, and other graphic media. Drawn from the holdings of the California State University, Sacramento.
Studio Art Thesis Exhibition
April 10-26, 2014
Reception: Thursday, April 10, 5-7 p.m.
Featuring art by Pepperdine seniors graduating in April.
Bob Peak: Master of the Movie Poster
May 10-August 3, 2014
Reception: Saturday, May 10, 5-7 p.m.
Featuring Peak's original poster artwork for My Fair Lady, Camelot, and Apocalypse Now, among others, as well as examples of his work for Time, TV Guide, and Sports Illustrated.
Major exhibitions are held in the Gregg G. Juarez Gallery and Wilson Gallery in the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, with exceptions noted. Funding for all exhibitions is provided by the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation, and additional donors, as noted. There is no admission charge for exhibitions. Exhibitions and dates are subject to change. Call (310) 506-4851 to confirm schedule. Museum office: (310) 506-7257.
STUDENT PRODUCTIONS
The Pepperdine University Fine Arts Division presents the Mary Pickford-Stotsenberg Performances
OPERA
The Flora L. Thornton Opera Program presents
COSÌ FAN TUTTE ("All Women Are Like That!")
Henry Price, Director
With the Pepperdine University Orchestra
Mozart's sparkling comic opera is sung in Italian with English supertitles.
Thursday, February 20, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22, 7:30 p.m.
$20
Smothers Theatre
DANCE
Pepperdine Student Activities presents
DANCE IN FLIGHT
Bill Szobody and Alexandra Palmer, Directors
This inspiring company consists of students from a variety of dance backgrounds, interests, and fields of study, brought together by their passion for the art of movement.
Thursday, February 6-Saturday, February 8, 2014, 8 p.m.
Matinee: Saturday, February 8, 2 p.m.
$20
Smothers Theatre
MUSIC
Free tickets to choir and orchestra concerts are available for Pepperdine students, faculty, and staff with ID.
Christopher Parkening Master Class
Saturday, September 28, 2013, 2-6 p.m., Free
Raitt Recital Hall
Pepperdine New Music Recital
A performance of student compositions from the studio of N. Lincoln Hanks.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 7:30 p.m., Free
Raitt Recital Hall
Pepperdine Wind Ensemble
Tony Cason, Director
Thursday, October 17, 2013, 7:30 p.m., Free
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine Women's Chamber Choir
Ryan Board, Director
Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 7:30 p.m., Free
Stauffer Chapel
Pepperdine University Orchestra
Tony Cason, Conductor
Thursday, October 24, 2013, 7:30 p.m., Free
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine Jazz Ensemble
Brian Scanlon, Director
Monday, December 2, 2013, 7:30 p.m., Free
Raitt Recital Hall
Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert
Ryan Board and Tony Cason, Directors
Thursday, December 5, 2013, 7:30 p.m., $10
Smothers Theatre
Christopher Parkening Master Class
Saturday, February 15, 2014, 2-6 p.m., Free
Raitt Recital Hall
Pepperdine Wind Ensemble
Tony Cason, Director
Thursday, March 20, 2014, 7:30 p.m., Free
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine Chamber Choir
Ryan Board, Director
Thursday, March 27, 2014, 7:30 p.m., Free
Stauffer Chapel
Pepperdine Collegium Musicum Novum
N. Lincoln Hanks, Director
"New Music for Silent Film"
Thursday, April 3, 2014, 7:30 p.m., Free
Stauffer Chapel
Pepperdine Jazz Ensemble
Brian Scanlon, Director
Monday, April 7, 2014, 7:30 p.m., Free
Raitt Recital Hall
Pepperdine Orchestra and Choir Masterworks Concert
Ryan Board and Tony Cason, Directors
Thursday, April 10, 2014, 7:30 p.m., $10
Smothers Theatre
THEATRE DEPARTMENT SERIES
$48 for four events
THREE DAYS OF RAIN
By Richard Greenberg
Scott Alan Smith, Director
A famous architect dies, leaving his two children and their childhood friend the task of sorting out his mysterious will and making sense of their families' combined history.
Tuesday, October 8-Friday, October 11, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 12, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
$15
Lindhurst Theatre
The Pepperdine Fine Arts Division
Music and Theatre Departments
Present
A new production of
BOUBLIL and SCHÖNBERG'S
LES MISÉRABLES
Cathy Thomas-Grant, Director
Still running on London's West End more than 27 years since its opening, Les Misérables has also had two successful runs on Broadway, as well as dozens of international tours.
The Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical
Thursday, November 14-Saturday, November 16, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Matinee: Sunday, November 17, 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 21-Saturday, November 23, 7:30 p.m.
$20
Smothers Theatre
NECESSARY TARGETS
By Eve Ensler
Marya Mazor, Director
Two American women--a Park Avenue psychiatrist and an ambitious young writer--travel to Bosnia to help women refugees confront their memories of war.
Tuesday, January 21-Friday, January 24, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 25, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
$15
Lindhurst Theatre
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
By William Shakespeare
Jason Chanos, Director
This enchanting and original vision that interweaves desire, magic, farce, and the theme of transformation showcases Shakespeare at his best and is regarded as his most beloved comedy.
Wednesday, April 2-Saturday, April 5, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
$15
Smothers Theatre
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