Rutherford Weekly

This year's performance line up at The Foundation Performing Arts Center will feature performances by Grammy award-winning artists as well as local favorites. "We bring good quality and broad genres," said Russell Wicker, director of the Foundation. "This year we'll be keeping the focus on those artists who are recognizable and in pop vein." The season kicks off on Sept. 10 with a performance by Sam Bush, who is co-founder of the genre-blending New Grass Revival. The season will continue with several tribute performances. Beginnings: the Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band, Resurrection: A Journey Tribute Band and The Drifters Rock and Roll Famers will all take the stage in the Frank and Mabel West Auditorium. "Normally I might do one tribute band a year, and we've had some really successful ones, like the Eagles tribute," Wicker said. "We have three this year, and they are selling better than anything else." Local performances during the season will include Travis Powell, an Elvis impersonator, whose performance will serve as a fundraiser for the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association. "He has one of the best backup bands we've had," Wicker said. "Some of the Red Bow Tie Club really want to work that show." A Veteran's Day performance has been planned again for this year. The Ol' 74 Jazz Band, who headlines their own performance in December, will open for the Gibson Brothers. Fireworks will be presented at the end of the show. "It's our goal to bring in music from the time that each veteran in attendance was serving," Wicker said. "And the performance is free for veterans." Musical acts aren't the only ones to be on stage. The Russian Grand Ballet will present "Swan Lake" in October, one of several self produced shows of the season. For young audiences there are a variety of stage shows that will bring literary works as well as historical figures to life. "I always contact the curriculum coordinators for the schools to get their input," he said. "They chose the Jackie Robinson show this year because it fits with what students will be learning. I try to have shows that will help them as much as possible." The community also uses the Foundation for performances scheduled outside of the regular season. Sister Chicks for Christ annual event is Sept. 26. The Symphony of Rutherford County will have several performances and Distinguished Young Women of Rutherford County will return March 18. "We are pretty unique and blessed to have a facility of this size on the campus of Isothermal Community College," Wicker said. "A lot of communities are recognizing the need for a space to enjoy the arts or gather, and community colleges are likely places for that." And while this year's season is just beginning, Wicker is already planning for the 2017-18 season. "I will start looking at performers and performances in September," he said, "and will start signing contracts in February." Who would he have perform if money were no object? "James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt," he said. "We had the chance to present BB King, and I really wish I'd done that." For more information on this year's season or to be season or individual tickets, visit foundationshows.org or call 828-286-9990. OUR 24 th YEAR • ISSUE NO. 34 • August 25, 2016 RutherfordWeekly.com 828-248-1408 FREE FREE † BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL $ 39. 39. 95 95 First Week & Uniform First Week & Uniform $99 Value $99 Value ©Community First Media Community First Media Call, classes forming now for teens & adults. Call, classes forming now for teens & adults. Many other exciting classes! Many other exciting classes! B $ 140 W. Main Street, Forest City 140 W. 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