Performing Arts Series

2012

Exciting New Performing Arts Fund Raising Series - As you are aware, we have a very inspiring matching fund available to us through the generosity of an anonymous donor -- who will match dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 per year in money raised by the Society via fund raisers. That's a serious $40,000 total that we could add to our bottom line -- which would vastly improve our ability to finance good things at USH!

Sing We’re happy to announce that we have already seen nearly $2,000 in profits from this venture, which will of course be doubled by the matching grant. When you join us for these entertaining evenings, you are supporting the Society in a much-needed way.

Your Performing Arts Committee prepared a slate of varied events for the 2012 season to earn these fund raising dollars. We originally offered six evenings of great entertainment for the price of five. And now that the first event has passed (see below) we are still willing to make you an offer we hope you can’t refuse!

Premium tickets for FIVE events now sell for $130 per person. Each performance only costs you $26 when you buy a ticket for the remaining season. We urge you to support this wonderful effort and buy these tickets as a series, which maximizes both our profits (that is, YOUR USH profits) and our ability to plan.

This is a wonderful way to support the Unitarian Society of Hartford. Buy them for yourself, your partner, your children, your in-laws, and your neighbors. Buy them for everyone you know!

If that amount is high for your budget, we also offer the bargain rate of only $65 for the five remaining events on our Performing Arts Series list. Still a deal at only $13 per seat instead of $15 when purchased individually.

Of course, if you can't spring right now for the whole enchilada, you can certainly buy tickets on an individual basis. Everything helps!

Tickets will be available via phone and we'll be selling them in person after services. Here's the line-up:

A WONDERFUL TIME WAS HAD BY ALL AT -
Katie LaPorta Jesensky and Friends - Saturday, January 21, 7:00

Katie, beloved former soprano soloist, returned to the Meeting House to bring us an evening of glorious music. Katie appeared in both her Broadway and opera diva modes, and was joined in the first half by an a cappella vocal ensemble. Of course, the inimitable John Jesensky, now her husband, played stunning piano.

NEXT UP -
Love That Jazz! - Saturday, February 11, 7:30

February is a good month for love, and your heart will beat faster when you hear these real jazz players! We'll have tables set up down in Fellowship Hall, and your tickets get you a great evening of music. It’s BYOB with munchies provided. Headliners will be husband and wife cabaret specialists Patrice Fitzgerald and Richard Leslie, along with a few surprise guest performers. Come feel the vibe on a sizzling night at the Meetinghouse.

Concert Pro Femina - Saturday, March 10, 7:30

Once again USH is proud to present this exciting and varied concert of works by women, part of the 12th annual Hartford Festival of Women Composers. Chamber ensembles, solo instrumental works, vocal solos, and pieces for small choir will all be part of this showcase of compositions designed to prove that artistry is not limited by gender.

Concert TBA – Saturday, April 14, 7:30

Watch this space for an announcement about an evening of music that will be different from anything else on our schedule.

Anhared Stowe and Carolyn Halsted – Saturday, May 19, 7:30

Glorious piano and violin sonatas by USH’s own Anhared Stowe and our former interim music director Carolyn Halsted. You are guaranteed a concert that will sweep you away on wings of music.

Play Night with Jacques Lamarre – Saturday, June 2, 7:30

Friend of USH, playwright, and theatre promoter extraordinaire Jacques Lamarre will bring some of his own works as we present an evening of short plays -- some hilarious, some poignant, and all entertaining.

Sharon Katz & the Peace Train – possible visit date to be determined

We hope to host this fabulous South African group of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists when they come through this area again… no unexpected weather this time!

The Mission of the Performing Arts Committee is to:

Plan for a series of concerts throughout the Fall and Spring.
Provide opportunities for people from the wider community to come into the Meeting House.
Welcome those new to the Meeting House into our building and make available to them, if desired, information about USH.
Plan carefully so as to raise money for USH or at least to break even so that no expenses are incurred.
Send music out into the universe.

Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 01/25/11)