Bucks County Playhouse celebrates the arrival of spring with the return of live music and the launch of a Spring Music Series for the months of April and May.
The marquee event of the series is the Playhouse debut of the legendary jazz artist Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Septet. This world-famous jazz ensemble will present three concerts to benefit the Playhouse on April 17 and 18. Tickets are currently available at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org.
With ongoing capacity limits mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, these Playhouse performances showcase the JLCO Septet with Marsalis in a rare, small group configuration that aims to inspire and uplift audiences with the full vigor, vision and depth of America’s music.
“Needless to say, we’re all ready for a little live music in our lives, and we’re delighted to launch our spring season with this series of intimate concerts that celebrate the human spirit, with all audiences 6 feet apart. We’re honored to present the extraordinary Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Septet in three benefit performances for Bucks County Playhouse,” said Alexander Fraser, producing director. “And the music keeps coming with appearances by Thatcher and Sharkey, Hot Club of Philadelphia with Phyllis Chapell, Swearingen & Kelli and the Zmeds. For those who are comfortable in attending, we look forward to these enchanted evenings.”
Tickets to the Marsalis concerts are $250 for preferred seating, $750 for VIIP seating. Preferred tickets come with a CD. VIP tickets include priority seating, post-show champagne toast, a signed CD and an intimate talk-back with Marsalis. A portion of all tickets are tax deductible.
The Spring Music Series also features a broad mix of music acts, touching folk, rock, jazz and world music.
Appearing April 1 and 2, at 8 p.m., are Craig Thatcher and Cliff Starkey. Recording artist and band leader Thatcher and keyboardist/vocalist Starkey have been performing together since the early 2000s. They cover genres like blues, soul, R&B, rock and folk, along with Thatcher’s original compositions. Tickets are $40 each.
The Hot Club of Philadelphia with Phyllis Chapell will present two concerts on Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, both at 8 p.m. The acoustic ensemble plays “Gypsy Jazz” – the musical genre pioneered by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli and their Hot Club of France Quintet. The Hot Club Philly mixes the original style with modern influences. Tickets are $40 each.
Swearingen & Kelli return to BCP with their popular show The Music of Simon and Garfunkel, recreating the music, memories and magic of the most famous folk-rock duo of our time. Performances are May 1 and 2, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 each.
The Zmed Brothers, Zachary and Dylan, also return to the Playhouse where their previous show The Everly Brothers Experience has consistently sold out. This will be an all-new show. They’ll perform songs made famous by other sibling artists, including The Everly Brothers, The Beach Boys, The Louvin Brothers, The Bee Gees and more. Performances are May 7 and 8, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 each.
Bucks County Playhouse is offering special series discounts to patrons wishing to attend two or more of the spring concert events (excluding Wynton Marsalis). Ticket buyers can save up to 20 percent on shows through May. Visit BucksCountyPlayhouse.org/SpringConcertSeries for more information.
The Playhouse has developed rigorous safety protocols to protect those working backstage and front-of-house, including virus testing, mask requirements for all those inside the Playhouse, frequent cleaning, Merv 15-rated HVAC filters and restricted access backstage. Visit BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or call 215-862-2121 for more information.
