Hailed by Fanfare magazine as "the premiere men's vocal ensemble in the U. S.," Cantus strives for a bel canto approach whether they sing from Strauss, Sting, or Estonia's Veljo Tormis.  This Twin Cities-based ensemble has excited audiences on National Public Radio, and CD reviewers who consider their varied repertoire challenging in first-rate a cappela musicianship.  The Washington Post commends this engaging group as one of "stylistic fluency," with a "boatload of talent and audacious courage to present such a sequence of songs."
View Program

Hailed as "musical magic," this group of brothers plus cousin is genre defying.  Their versatility comes from their unique strings, from Royal training, and international experience.  Giles Broadbent, Big Brother, plays a 5-string violectra whose bright blue may blind the first row; Ralph, Middle Brother, arranges anything that can be hummed on his green 6-string violectra; Neal, Little Brother, can do anything his brothers tell him to do...maybe on his hot red 5-string violectra; and Graham, Cousin, on his navy blue 5-string violectra can build anything (violas included).  For audiences, then, a delightful chance to listen...and to watch...and to be entertained.

Altar Boyz is a musical-comedy spoof about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national "Raise the Praise" tour. As they perform their signature hits featuring lyrics like "Girl, you make me wanna wait" and “Jesus called me on my cell phone,” soul-wrenching secrets come tumbling out with hilarious results. The Boyz begin to question their faith in each other, and learn if fate is really holding them together or if it's just their extra-firm hair gel. Winner of the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical

With a superb 2005 debut album to his credit and the recent "Last First Kiss" equally well received, Tony DeSare continues to create classic interpretation of jazz favorites, compose new work, and enhance his reputation as one of New York City's most thrilling talents.  His repertoire is the Great American Song Book. Supremely gifted, he is backed by a stellar ensemble, and while noted as a "charming presence" with "classic silver screen good looks," he is a performer with a playfulness and musicality that will genuinely entertain.

Come to the Cabaret...winner of 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical (1967) and Best Revival (1998).  In many languages..."Wilkommen!, Bienvenue!, Welcome!," the Cabaret's Emcee welcomes all to the Kit Kat Club. It is Berlin 1929 and Sally Bowles, a middle-class lass from Chelsea, London, works as a singer at the Cabaret trying her best to live the thrilling if decadent life which the city is supposed to offer.  The club's Emcee through such songs as "Maybe This Time," "Money," and "Don't Tell Mama" creates an atmosphere of the political changes taking place. Please know that some content may not be suitable for children.

Formed in 1995 by Justus Frantz, Philharmonia of the Nations is a springboard for highly talented young musicians from over 40 countries and five continents. Their common language is music and puts into practice Leonard Bernstein's dream of an international, young, professional orchestra which served as Frantz' inspiration. Their motto is Bernstein's credo--'Let's make music as friends.' They offer a musical program of peace and fraternity to the international community. Coming together for this international tour that will feature renowned pianist, Jon Nakamatsu, Chinese play in concert with Americans and Syrians with Israelis.

Whether it is an award from the National Endowment for the Arts or commissioned dances for prestigious groups such as the Joyce Theater and the Lincoln Center Institute, choreographer/dancer  Nai-Ni Chen and company truly defy categorization.  A "blossom of color, energy and motion," the NY Times also describes the chamber-sized company as "proliferating forces of cosmic energy." They move in a fusion of the graceful elegance associated with Chinese art and the freedom of American dance.

While Willie Nelson told mamas across the country..."don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys," he didn't tell them not to enjoy their music.  This bunch of cowboys is the only group to have won two Grammys and will entertain with such classic western tunes as "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds", "Ghost Riders in the Sky", "Happy Trails", and "Rawhide".  As they follow in the tradition of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, some in the CM audience will remember those good ol' days and can hum along as they reprise these favorites.