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Rebecca J. Graves Center for the Performing Arts

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March 23, 2024

Jospé joined the University of Virginia’s music department’s faculty in 1989. Jospé teaches jazz drumming and a rhythmic fluency course “Learn to Groove.”

He is a member of UVA’s faculty jazz ensemble, The Free Bridge Quintet. With the Free Bridge Quintet, Robert contributed to the online educational component of Jazz by UVA Professor Scott DeVeaux and jazz writer Gary Giddins.

Throughout his career Jospé has played and recorded with many bands and in many musical styles including Tim Reynolds and TR3, (rock/reggae/fusion), John McCutcheon and SGGL, (folk rock), Robin and Linda Williams, (folk) with the John D’earth Quartet, the Jeff Decker Quartet with pianist Hod O’Brien and Royce Campbell (straight ahead jazz) and with Heather Maxwell (soul and Afro-Pop).

Along with public concerts, Jospé and his band have also played many private events and house concerts including a performance with Tony Bennett in Germany in 2004.

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Glen Shelton is a Central Virginian native and attended Liberty University, majoring in Health & Physical Education. Returning to his alma mater, he was the first ever to perform the National Anthem at an opening football game for Liberty. Glen lives by a personal code of Faith in God, Focus on Family, and Commitment to Country. Recent releases Writing You a Love Song and I’m All In are examples of his mainstream country style and traditional American values. 

 

Beyond his personal code, his ultimate passions are MUSIC and FOOTBALL. Glen has been feeding his passion for football his entire life, as a wide receiver in his high school and college days, and then coaching the next generation. His upcoming release Play for Mama, a sentiment to that life.  

 

Every new release climbs higher on the charts, now reaching the top 60 on MusicRow in the first four weeks. Look for more upcoming releases in 2023 and 2024, including a sure to be top hit Another Memory 

 

You can find Glen spending his down time writing new songs; exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway with the love of his life, wife Kristi; staying fit; and watching the Washington Commanders “Hail to the Commanders”. 

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Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix have appeared on Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus and on David Letterman!

Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix is a slapstick comedy act like no other. Johnny leads over a dozen dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks as Johnny plays the straight man role in this wonderful show.

Johnny Peers and his personality-plus canines are coming to tickle your funny bone! A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny Peers has been working with dogs since he got his first puppy, Freckles, a Beagle mix, from the Humane Society. Since their debut, the Muttville Comix have appeared on David Letterman, Primetime Live and Circus of the Stars, and at Disneyland, Busch Gardens, the Big Apple Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus, even The White House!

A show for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us, the show stars mostly dogs rescued from shelters or pounds, like Sandy, the ladder climbing Jack Russell Terrier and Girl, the Poodle mixwho only answers to “Girl.” The 2003 Animal Planet Pet Star Winners, the Providence Journal-Bulletin calls the show, “…a truly funny, slapstick dog act.”

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May 4th 7:30pm, 2024

Experience the magical music of Scotland and Ireland with the Seán Heely Celtic Band. Featuring U.S National Scottish Fiddle champion and Gaelic singer Seán Heely, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and All-Ireland singing champion Kevin Elam, bouzouki and acclaimed percussionist Lucas Ashby, and percussive dancer Agi Kovacs. The Seán Heely Celtic Band presents a groove and drive that gives audiences of all ages the irresistible urge to move! Performing ancient, soaring melodies from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, while original compositions and modern tunes are fused in seamlessly. Powerful vocal harmonies exist in their ever-growing song repertoire that features Scots Gaelic (Gàidhlig) songs, ballads, sea shanties, pub songs and more from the rich Celtic folk tradition. 

Currently based in Washington DC, Seán performs locally and abroad with the Seán Heely Celtic Band, The Glencoe Lads and Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra. He is a musical ambassador for Scottish music and culture, especially the Gàidhlig language. He also frequently travels abroad as a solo artist, has been a speaker at events such as the Scottish North American Leadership Conference, and maintains a private teaching studio in Falls Church, VA.

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May 11th 7:30pm, 2024

Lew Tabackin, a distinguished flutist and tenor saxophonist, is a frequent performer at prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Monterey and Newport Jazz festivals. Renowned for his astonishing vision, Tabackin’s flute playing is electrifying, displaying virtuosity, cross-cultural influences, and passionate expression. His distinctive tenor sax style features wide intervals, abrupt mood and tempo changes, and purposeful fervor, showcasing the full range of his instrument melodically, rhythmically, and dynamically.

In 1968, Tabackin crossed paths with Toshiko Akiyoshi, and their collaboration led to marriage. They relocated to Los Angeles, forming the award-winning Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. While in LA, Tabackin played with Shelley Manne and led various trios with Billy Higgins, John Heard, and Charlie Haden. Regular tours in Japan with Akiyoshi’s orchestra and his own trio solidified his international presence.

In the 1980s, Tabackin gained overdue recognition as a flutist, winning DownBeat critic’s and reader’s polls. Moving to New York in 1982, he reentered the Manhattan jazz scene, establishing himself as a major tenor saxophone and flute artist in concerts and recordings. His Concord debut, “Desert Lady” (1990), featured esteemed musicians like Hank Jones and Dave Holland, followed by acclaimed albums like “I’ll Be Seeing You” (1990) and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” (1994).

Tabackin’s association with all-star bands, including George Wein’s Newport All-Star Band and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, further highlighted his musical prowess. Concord released “Tenority” in 1996, marking Tabackin’s focus on tenor sax. Subsequent albums like “Tanuki’s Night Out,” “Live In Paris,” and “Quartet” showcase his continued artistic evolution.

Ticket Outlets

Tickets are usually available at the door; however, PAL recommends you purchase tickets in advance.

Tickets for most performances are available online up to 2 1/2 hours prior to performance and at local outlets up to one day prior to performance.

Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Center
Located In The Historic Luray Train Depot
540-743-3915

Luray Copy Service
27 East Main Street in the heart of Luray
540-743-3433

 Questions?
Please contact Ticketmaster@PerformingArtsLuray.org

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1 East Main Street
Luray, VA 22835
540-743-3311

Mailing Address
PO Box 463
Luray, VA 22835

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