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Home , Billy Dean, Hello Mary Lou, Herb Pedersen, John Jorgenson, Marvin Goldstein, World Music Awards

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2020–21 SEASON SPONSORS DIAMOND LEVEL 20/21

TAYLOR/BLACKBURN FAMILY

PLATINUM LEVEL

RON SACHS & GAY WEBSTER-SACHS

GOLD LEVEL

HERB & KEN KATO MARY & NAN NAGY FSU License Plate JERVIS

SILVER LEVEL

LINDA J. LEE SMITH, PHD HINKLE

BERNADETTE & ROGER LUCA MIKEY BESTEBREURTJE & WILSON BAKER TERESA BEAZLEY WIDMER

MARSHALL & KIMBERLY CRISER

BRONZE LEVEL

CHARLES JIM & LARRY & & SUSAN BET T Y ANN JO DEEB STRATTON RODGERS Architects Lewis + Whitlock

SALLY STEFANIE & KARIOTH ERWIN JACKSON

IN-KIND SPONSORS, GRANTS & ENDOWMENTS

LAURIE & KELLY DOZIER ENDOWMENT

SPONSOR SUPPORT DOES NOT INDICATE ARTISTS’ ENDORSEMENT OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

2 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS Performing Arts Return

he 2020–21 Season boasts a mix of well-known and Our website will be your best source of the most up-to-date emerging artists representing all genres. A special information regarding dates, times and locations for T attraction this year is the “Florida’s Finest” series performances this season as well as for health and safety featuring talented artists from the sunshine state. protocols. All CDC and state guidelines will be followed. The lineup presents an eclectic series of 22 performances, Performances will be held off campus at locations where seating can be arranged to allow for social distancing. The including music, comedy, spoken word and visual arts. Music health and safety of our patrons remains our priority. genres such as roots, bluegrass, vocals, , singer-, pop, Celtic, rock, country and holiday are represented. This In the next week or so you will receive information about year, there is really something for everyone’s interest! when sponsors, members and the general public may purchase tickets. The season begins with the free virtual presentation “I Have a Song to Sing, O!” by New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and members who This virtual performance represents a collection of the theatre have kept the arts alive through their support. Thank you for company’s favorite songs from a variety of its productions. believing in the power of the performing arts and in the future of Opening Nights. Live, in-person performances begin on December 5 with “Florida’s Finest” Marvin Goldstein who will create a festive Stay safe and the Opening Nights team looks forward to mood with his holiday performance. Due to the pandemic, seeing you soon. we have spread out our performances, capping off the season on July 27 with great pop phenomena ABBA The . The key word for this season is flexibility. Changes due to COVID-19 may continue to occur. We will keep you updated Michael Blachly on any adjustments that need to be made. Director, Opening Nights at Florida State University

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 3 2020–21 SEASON CALENDAR

O’Connor Lee

OCTOBER FEBRUARY

2 New York Gilbert & 6 Mutts Gone Nuts Sullivan Players family musical theatre, virtual 7 PRISM classical, jazz, marching band, pop DECEMBER 9 Keb’ Mo’ roots, , singer-songwriter 5 Marvin Goldstein, piano , holiday 14 The King’s Singers vocal JANUARY 23 Remembered Starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson rock & roll 21 Time Between: An Evening of Stories and Songs featuring The King’s Singers photo by Rebecca Reid & folk, roots, singer-songwriter

4 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS MARCH

4 Max Weinberg’s Jukebox rock & roll 6 Jeanne Robertson humorist 27 Streetlight Cadence folk, pop, punk-folk

APRIL

1 Máiréad Nesbitt Ensemble Celtic, instrumental 15 Michael Rosato: Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist spoken word, visual arts 16 Sons of Mystro crossover, , pop, hip-hop Mutts Gone Nuts photo by Eric Forberger MAY

2 Edwin McCain Trio JUNE singer-songwriter, indie rock 8 Matthew Whitaker 10 Veronica Swift jazz, instrumental jazz, vocal 21 O’Connor Lee 17 An Evening with Billy Dean Americana, bluegrass country, singer-songwriter

27 Old Salt Union bluegrass JULY

27 ABBA: The Concert pop

DATES, TIMES AND PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE Cover: Keb’ Mo’

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 5 TICKET WINDOWS20/21 For the 2020–21 Season, there will be three ticket purchasing periods: Winter, Spring and Summer.

WINTER (Performances in December, January and February) SPONSORS Monday, October 12 at 11 a.m.

MEMBERS Producer’s Circle: Monday, October 26 at 11 a.m. Associate: Thursday, November 12 at 11 a.m. Partner: Monday, November 2 at 11 a.m. Debut: Monday, November 16 at 11 a.m. Friend: Friday, November 6 at 11 a.m. Solo: Thursday, November 19 at 11 a.m.

GENERAL ON SALE Monday, November 23 at 11 a.m.

SPRING (Performances in March and April) SPONSORS Monday, January 11 at 11 a.m.

MEMBERS Producer’s Circle: Tuesday, January 19 at 11 a.m. Associate: Wednesday, February 3 at 11 a.m. Partner: Monday, January 25 at 11 a.m. Debut: Monday, February 8 at 11 a.m. Friend: Thursday, January 28 at 11 a.m. Solo: Thursday, February 11 at 11 a.m.

GENERAL ON SALE Monday, February 15 at 11 a.m.

SUMMER (Performances in May, June and July) SPONSORS Monday, March 1 at 11 a.m.

MEMBERS Producer’s Circle: Monday, March 8 at 11 a.m. Associate: Tuesday, March 23 at 11 a.m. Partner: Thursday, March 11 at 11 a.m. Debut: Monday, March 29 at 11 a.m. Friend: Tuesday, March 16 at 11 a.m. Solo: Thursday, April 1 at 11 a.m.

GENERAL ON SALE Monday, April 5 at 11 a.m.

To become a member visit: Give.fsu.edu/OpeningNights OCTOBER 2nd

VIRTUAL The New York Gilbert PERFORMANCE & Sullivan Players I Have a Song to Sing, O!

An exclusive video celebration of timeless Gilbert and Sullivan favorites! A cast of seven principal performers of New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players explore repertoire from seven Gilbert and Sullivan operas in this creative and entertaining concert. Filmed this ARTIST PAGE summer from locations throughout the , you’ll delight in the fun and variety of the performances, and the opportunity to see and hear everything up close and GENRE personal. The concert features recognizable favorites from The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, and The Mikado, as well as lesser performed gems from Patience, Ruddigore, musical theatre Iolanthe, and The Yeomen of the Guard. I Have a Song to Sing, O! Is a great introduction to Gilbert and Sullivan for new audiences and a treat for die-hard Savoyards.

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 7 DECEMBER 5th

FLORIDA’S FINEST Marvin Goldstein, piano

Internationally acclaimed Marvin Goldstein is a piano performer, arranger, music producer, and entertainer. He began his music training at the age of 9 and at 18, he was awarded a music scholarship to University School of Music in . His studies continued at the famed “Mozarteum” of , , and he completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Florida State University. In six-decades of performing, Marvin has traveled extensively performing in places such as , Denmark, ARTIST PAGE England, and throughout Canada and the United States. His greatest passion is to pull varied cultures together through musical performances, fostering peace that only music can bring. He has recorded over 50 CDs in genres including popular music, patriotic GENRE melodies, show tunes and love songs. Marvin has a unique ability to draw an audience into the music with the emotions a particular piece may invoke. He truly makes the instrumental, holiday piano come to life. Marvin will perform selections of holiday music for an enjoyable evening for all.

8 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS JANUARY 21st

Chris Hillman Trio Time Between: An Evening of Stories and Songs featuring Herb Pedersen & John Jorgenson

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and pioneer Chris Hillman has been making music for six decades. Through his work and co-founding of notable bands such as The ARTIST PAGE Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas and , Hillman has carved a permanent niche in the history of contemporary American music. His work has granted him induction into the Hall of Fame, four Country Music GENRE and GRAMMY® awards and the Americana Music Association Lifetime Achieve Award folk, roots, among many others. Chris Hillman’s repertoire translates impeccably to the concert stage, enhanced by his vocals and gifts as a musician. Joined by the founding members singer-songwriter of The Desert Rose Band, Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson, this acoustic performance highlights the trio’s remarkable talent with Hillman on mandolin and guitar combined with Pedersen playing rhythm guitar and and Jorgenson on guitars and mandolin. Their singing and harmonies make for a magical night of music.

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 9 FEBRUARY 6th Photo by Eric Forberger by Photo Mutts Gone Nuts

Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance ARTIST PAGE that leaves audiences everywhere howling for more! From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action-packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented four-legged performers. Among GENRE them are Chico, the first performing dog of Mutts Gone Nuts; Feather, who has the unofficial world record for highest jump by a dog; Charli, who makes wire-walking look family easy; and Geronimo, who has received belly rubs from Whoopi Goldberg and David Letterman! Deemed “A Must See” by The Washington Post, these dogs are sure to steal your heart and then your socks! SPONSORED BY

RON SACHS & GAY WEBSTER-SACHS

10 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS FEBRUARY 7th Photo by Lax Bill

PRISM A Collaboration with the Florida State University College of Music

Featuring students from Florida State’s top-ranked College of Music, PRISM offers a wide array of entertainment from Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, jazz ensembles, the ARTIST PAGE Marching Chiefs, and many more exciting groups. The Tallahassee Democrat might put it best: “The PRISM shows are built on a more-is-more philosophy…PRISM’s contrast between traditional fare and more experimental groups may be one of the reasons behind GENRE the program’s success. Its multifaceted nature makes PRISM a gem among music lovers. classical, jazz, Because of its design, [the performance] offers a unique show depending on where an marching band, pop audience member sits—those in the balcony will be nearer to certain ensembles than those in other sections, and vice versa.” So come experience this unique event that lauds our students and faculty. It’s fantastic, fresh, and not to be missed! SPONSORED BY

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 11 FEBRUARY 9th

Keb’ Mo’

Making music for over a quarter of a century, Keb’ Mo’ has proven that he is a musical ARTIST PAGE force that defies typical genre labels. With 14 in total, five GRAMMY® awards, 14 Blues Foundation Awards and six Broadcast Music, Inc. Awards, Keb’ has cultivated a reputation as a modern master of American roots music through the understated GENRE excellence of his live and studio performances. Artists who have recorded his songs blues, roots, include B.B. King, Buddy Guy, The (Dixie) Chicks, Joe Cocker, Robert Palmer, Tom singer-songwriter Jones, Melissa Manchester, Solomon Burke and the Zac Brown Band to name a few. Keb’ has also collaborated with artists such as , Taj Mahal, , , , Natalie Cole, Lyle Lovett, Aries, James Cotton, Bobby Rush, Timothy B. Schmit, Marcus Miller and many more. Come hear the legendary SPONSORED BY artist who has earned a reputation for his mastery of multiple blues styles, his ability KEN KATO to combine traditional approaches with a contemporary attitude, and for his timeless storytelling sensibility. & NAN NAGY

12 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS FEBRUARY 14th Photo by Rebecca by Photo Reid The King’s Singers

The King’s Singers was initially founded in 1968 by six choral scholars from King’s College who had recently graduated. Founded in Cambridge and debuting in , the vocal make-up of the group has not changed over the course of their five-decade- long career. Today, it consists of Patrick Dunachie and Edward Button (countertenors), ARTIST PAGE Julian Gregory (tenor), Christopher Bruerton and Nick Ashby (baritones) and Jonathan Howard (bass). In its early years, the group was distinguished for their musical diversity despite coming from traditional choral roots. They quickly became a weekly fixture GENRE on prime-time television and their unique British charm, combined with their precise musical craft, captured the hearts of audiences around the world. The King’s Singers vocal have been welcomed on the world’s great stages such as London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall in New York. Acting as ambassadors for musical excellence across the globe, the King’s Singers currently hold two GRAMMY® Awards, SPONSORED BY an Emmy Award, and a place in Gramophone magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame. While a lot has changed since the original King’s Singers first came together, today’s group is HERB & MARY still charged by the same lifeblood—one that radiates the joy singing brings every day and JERVIS gives life to audiences with their virtuosity and vision for an exciting musical future.

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 13 FEBRUARY 23rd

Ricky Nelson Remembered Starring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson

Ricky Nelson Remembered is an interactive, multi-media rock & roll concert experience that takes the audience on a musical journey down memory lane with the life of the ARTIST PAGE founder of the country genre. Largely credited as one of the most important rock artists of the ‘50s and ‘60s, the show celebrates the life of America’s original “Teen Idol” through never-before-seen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews GENRE from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson. Performed by his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, their father’s greatest hits including “,” “Hello Mary Lou,” rock & roll “Travelin’ Man,” “I’m Walking” and “Garden Party” are showcased among many others. The triple platinum recording artists also incorporate their own self-penned chart toppers, like “Love & Affection” and “After the Rain” for an Americana experience that appeals to a multi-generational audience. Hailing from three generations of #1 hitmakers, Matthew and Gunnar put the Nelson family in the Guinness Book of Worlds as the only family in entertainment to accomplish this. With their rock band NELSON, Matthew and Gunnar have five Top 40 Billboard hits, four #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide!

14 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS MARCH 4th

FLORIDA’S FINEST Max Weinberg’s Jukebox “Max Weinberg’s Jukebox was one of the most interactive, energetic performances that we’ve ever had!” ARTIST PAGE — Marc Steczyk, Director of the Lincoln Amphitheater

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox continues to barnstorm the country, blasting out the hits! GENRE Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Max Weinberg, most widely known for his nearly 44-year rock & roll association with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, brings power, dynamism, versatility, and chops to all of his musical aggregations. Max Weinberg’s Jukebox comes armed with an unlimited repertoire of classic songs, engaging the audience in a truly interactive concert experience. The audience calls out any of 200+ titles, creating the set SPONSORED BY list in real time, and Weinberg and his four-piece group play songs on deman. No show is the same.

RON SACHS & GAY WEBSTER-SACHS

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 15 MARCH 6th

Jeanne Robertson Jeanne Springs Forward

Jeanne is 77, she has more than 100 million YouTube views and has published ARTIST PAGE four books. The former Miss North Carolina, standing tall at six-foot-two, has a vivacious personality, heart and season of humor. Jeanne tours nationally, with regular appearances at the Grand ‘Ole Opry. The demand for her family-friendly and engaging GENRE brand of humor has grown exponentially, with popular anecdotes like “Don’t Go to Vegas Without a Baptist” and “Don’t Send a Man to the Grocery Store” becoming humorist national favorites. Robertson’s witty depiction of everyday situations never fails to have audiences rolling with laughter, and you won’t want to miss the performance of this truly funny lady! SPONSORED BY

16 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS MARCH 27th

Streetlight Cadence

Streetlight Cadence is a fresh and energetic 4-piece band that specializes in a “punk- folk” sound that is established through violin, cello, accordion, guitar and drums with group vocals. The band began as three college students busking to afford food after a full day of classes. Jesse responded to a Craigslist ad posted by Jonathon seeking “Interesting Musicians,”and together with Brian, their fellow orchestra compadre, ARTIST PAGE took to the sidewalks of Waikiki, Hawaii. Years later, long-time friend Ben made the monumental decision to leave his day job and join the group. The members of Streetlight Cadence are friends first and bandmates second, which is felt through their GENRE performances and relationship with fans. The group has three unique Billboard chart placements and even self-produced their own Emmy-nominated travel TV show, folk, pop, punk-folk Will Play For Food. Highlight performance locations beyond the sidewalks include Aloha Stadium, Hawaii Theater, Grand Hyatt in the Bahamas, Disneyland Resort, Italia Cultural Hall in Japan and more! Nine years in and still going strong, Streetlight Cadence continues to step forward in the touring music world with the support of their diverse fanbase from all over the world.

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 17 APRIL 1st

Máiréad Nesbitt Ensemble Celtic Spells

For more than a decade, GRAMMY®- and Emmy-nominated artist and composer, Máiréad Nesbitt has enchanted millions of fans around the world as the Celtic violinist. ARTIST PAGE As the founding member of the music phenomenon, Celtic Woman, she has been the featured violin soloist on 11 of their albums, all of which have become #1 on the Billboard Chart. She has been featured on the original for GENRE Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and Disney’s Tinker Bell and Tinker Bell and Celtic, instrumental the Lost Treasure. An Irish Music Magazine Best Traditional Artist and multi Irish Music Awards recipient, Máiréad has emerged as one of Ireland’s most in-demand musicians and a prominent presence on the Celtic and World Music scene. Her eclectic career has always encompassed the contrasting styles of classical and Irish traditional music and has allowed her to perform with international artists such as Nigel Kennedy, Van Morrison, and Irish music icons such as Sharon Shannon and Paul Brady. Loyal fans of all ages, across geographical and cultural boundaries far beyond the musical heritage of Ireland, have adored her beguiling stage presence and versatile instrumental talents that make her “a demon of a fiddle player.” In her new production,Celtic Spells, Nesbitt will tell the story of star-crossed lovers who are forbidden by their religions from being together. They must leave their homes and families, cross the ocean to build a life and a family, and cross-time in the lives that they create together.

18 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS APRIL 15th

FLORIDA’S FINEST Michael Rosato Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist

Michael Rosato specializes in designing and painting large-scale murals for public and private spaces. Mr. Rosato has been commissioned to create artworks for display in museum exhibits, corporate headquarters, retail spaces, restaurants, sports arenas, ARTIST PAGE outdoor venues and private residences. His recent mural of abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, has received international acclaim. Mr. Rosato describes his style as representational realism and he enjoys telling vivid and GENRE often emotional stories through his work. His murals can be seen in venues across the country, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial; Texas Motor Speedway; the spoken word, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History; Bacardi Headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico; visual arts Globe Life Park, home to the Texas Rangers; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Museum; the Chesapeake Country Mural Trail; the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the Harriet Tubman Mural at the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cambridge, Maryland. SPONSORED BY

LAURIE & KELLY DOZIER ENDOWMENT

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 19 APRIL 16th

FLORIDA’S FINEST Sons of Mystro

Sibling duo Malcolm, 23, and Umoja, 20, were born and raised in South Florida to ARTIST PAGE a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother. They learned to play violin through South Florida’s public-school system and attended Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. Together, the two brothers are Sons of Mystro. They use their violins to interpret GENRE reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations accompanied by a DJ and a drummer. Mentored by iconic violin/viola duo Black Violin, Sons of Mystro, are crossover, reggae, garnering national attention for their fresh and fun interpretation of classic songs. They pop, hip-hop are winners of the Emerging Artist Under 21 Years Old award at IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards). Their debut recording, “Reggae Strings” is available now wherever music is streamed or sold.

20 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS MAY 2nd

Edwin McCain Trio

Called the “great American romantic” by The New York Times, Edwin McCain has built an enviable career over the past 20 years by balancing his massive pop success with the year-round touring schedule of a tireless troubadour. His hit songs, authentic spirit and ARTIST PAGE surprisingly affable sense of humor keep fans coming back time and time again for nights that feel more like parties with old friends than rock . After recording two of the biggest love songs in the history of and experiencing the success that GENRE comes with a television show on Animal Planet (Flipping Ships), McCain will perform in Tallahassee with his acoustic trio. indie rock, singer-songwriter

SPONSORED BY

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 21 MAY 8th Photo by Jacob Blickenstaff Blickenstaff Jacob by Photo

Matthew Whitaker

Born in 2001 in Hackensack, New Jersey, Matthew Whitaker grew up surrounded by music. His love for playing music first began at the young age of 3, after his grandfather ARTIST PAGE gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. Matthew has had years of music instruction, currently studying classical piano and drums at The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School in New York City. It is the only community music school for the blind and GENRE visually impaired in the United States. He is currently enrolled in the BA Jazz Studies program at Juilliard in New York City. He’s extensively toured the United States and jazz, instrumental abroad, performing before The Youth Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, and on other world renowned stages, including: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; the Apollo Theater; Carnegie Hall; Jazz at Lincoln Center in New SPONSORED BY York City; SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco; and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Most recently, Matthew was featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes. RON SACHS & GAY WEBSTER-SACHS

22 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS MAY 21st

O’Connor Lee

Tennessee-based Americana duo O’Connor Lee (Kate Lee and Forrest O’Connor) recently signed to Compass Records and are putting the finishing touches on their debut full-length . Prior to signing with Compass, they earned national recognition as co-lead singers and primary of the O’Connor Band, a group they co-founded along with Forrest’s father, seven-time Country -winning violinist Mark ARTIST PAGE O’Connor. They wrote the majority of the band’s first album,Coming Home, which ® debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums Chart and won a GRAMMY Award in 2017. Both independently and as part of the O’Connor Band, O’Connor and Lee have GENRE collaborated with Paul Simon, Zac Brown, Kenny Loggins, , Béla Fleck, Jerry Americana, bluegrass Douglas, Dan Tyminski, and many others. They have performed at the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and Fenway Park, as well as some of the most prominent festivals and performing arts centers around the country.

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 23 MAY 27th

Old Salt Union

Despite coming from varied musical backgrounds, Old Salt Union’s collective melting pot of styles and musical vocabularies informs their fresh approach to modern string band music. The high-energy quintet includes Ryan Murphey (banjo), Justin Wallace (lead vocals and mandolin), John Brighton (violin), Jesse Farrar (lead vocals and bassist) and newest member Graham Curry (guitar). Old Salt Union recently enlisted GRAMMY®- ARTIST PAGE winning banjoist and Compass co-founder Alison Brown to produce their self-titled Compass Record debut. Their second album, Where The Dogs Don’t Bite, builds on this non-traditional string band’s varied musical backgrounds for a wildly entertaining, GENRE eclectic batch of songs. The band from Belleville, Illinois, was able to carve a unique niche bluegrass for themselves in the industry and are proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

24 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS JUNE 10th Photo by Raj Naik by Photo Veronica Swift

At age 26, Veronica Swift has become one of the world’s most sought-after jazz talents. Swift recorded her first album , at age 9 and began professionally Veronica’s House of Jazz ARTIST PAGE touring with her parents as well as singing and playing trumpet in the youth jazz group, The Young Razzcals Jazz Project. It was with the Young Razzcals she had her first opportunity to perform on festival stages like the Telluride Jazz Festival and would for GENRE the next 10 years. At age 11, after recording her second album It’s Great to be Alive, she headlined her first show at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola - Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York jazz, vocal City. Swift continued touring throughout college, and the past few years, she has toured and performed on numerous occasions with Michael Feinstein, Benny Green, Wynton Marsalis, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 25 JUNE 17th

FLORIDA’S FINEST An Evening with Billy Dean

Billy Dean is an American Troubadour who has mastered the art of singing, songwriting, and storytelling. His unique ability to morph into the characters in his songs, brings the storyline to life, captivating his audiences with musical drama. Billy’s finger-style acoustic guitar playing is reminiscent of James Taylor. Billy’s charismatic charm and approachable ARTIST PAGE personality puts you in an intimate setting, where he hits every emotional nerve, leaving you musically nourished with a renewed spirit. Although Billy’s best known in the Country Music genre for his 11 Top Ten singles, five #1’s and over 4 million albums GENRE sold, his musical roots are entangled with Folk, Southern Rock, Bluegrass and Classic Country. Billy Dean has been nominated by every major music award entity. Most country, singer-songwriter recently he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. His accolades include a GRAMMY® participate award for Country Salutes Gospel, a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year and The Song of The Year at The Academy of Country Music Awards, for “Somewhere in My Broken Heart.” SPONSORED BY

26 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS JULY 27th

ABBA The Concert “This is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get!” ABBA The Concert brings one of the greatest pop phenomena back to life! Dance, sing, and have the time of your life at the ultimate tribute celebration! Iconic hits including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen” will have you ARTIST PAGE on your feet. From their many successful U.S. tours, ABBA The Concert has sold out performances at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce and the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The group has also played for 20,000 at GENRE Highland Park in Chicago, and over 11,000 at the Seaside Summer Concert Series in Brooklyn. Critics agree that ABBA The Concert is the most amazing and authentic pop tribute show.

SPONSORED BY

LAW OFFICE OF JOHNNY DEVINE

OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU | 27 openingnights.fsu.edu

28 | 2020–21 OPENING NIGHTS