The Theatre for Young Audiences series at the Perot Theater will soon tackle a tough subject for today's youth: bullying. "It is a really interesting concept. They did a lot of research before they started writing the show," said Laila Al-Dubais, ArtsSmart program assistant and Theatre for Young Audiences coordinator at the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, about show creators Hancher, a multidisciplinary arts presenter at the University of Iowa, and Working Group Theatre in Iowa City.
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Little Village - Thursday, February 4, 2016
Hancher has one more show on the road. On Feb. 12, out in Riverside, the final guest of Hancher’s homeless odyssey will perform: Bobby McFerrin. Hancher could not have made a better choice for this celebratory occasion. McFerrin is the poster child for reinvention: He’s an internationally renowned vocalist who didn’t decide he wanted to sing until his late 20s, and a guest conductor of the world’s most prominent orchestras who didn’t hone that craft until he was about to turn 40. More vital than anything, though, is the way that McFerrin shares Hancher’s passion for its audiences. As a goodbye gift to Hancher on-the-road, this institution whose tagline is “Great Artists. Great Audiences.” will give its audiences an artist who can play them like an instrument—who is famed for teaching those listening what it’s like not just to experience, but to BE music.
Iowa Now - Wednesday, February 3, 2016
The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present vocalist Bobby McFerrin on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort Event Center. The concert will be the final Hancher performance before the opening of the new Hancher Auditorium in the fall.
The Gazette - Wednesday, February 3, 2016
The man who has been lifting listeners' spirits since his bouncy "Don't Worry, Be Happy" anthem hit the airwaves in 1988, is bringing that sense of wonder and joy to Hancher's final "home away from home" concert Feb. 12 at the Riverside Casino Event Center. The University of Iowa's new Hancher Auditorium is slated to open in the fall, on higher ground near the former site in Iowa City.
Iowa Public Radio - Friday, January 29, 2016
Hancher marks the end of their post-flood journey by closing out their 2015-16 season with the phenomenal 10-time Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin. McFerrin will be joined by local musicians Damani Phillips (saxophone), Rich Wagor (bass), Ed East (percussion), and members of Iowa City’s Zion Lutheran Choir. Executive Director Charles Swanson fills us in on McFerrin’s concert and Hancher’s plans to move into their new performing arts center post flood of 2008.
Daily Iowan - Friday, January 29, 2016
Deke Sharon, considered by many the father of contemporary a cappella, had an idea: bring together an all-star ensemble to create the ultimate a cappella performance. From that, Vocalosity was born. The group débuted this month, with its inaugural tour bringing it to the Englert, 221 E. Washington St., at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are sold out, but there may be a few more available on the day of the show.
KGAN CBS2 - Friday, January 29, 2016
Hancher Auditorium executive director Chuck Swanson says seeing the progress on the new performing arts venue makes him excited for the future. "I just keep focusing on that opening," Swanson said. "It's so close now." The floods of 2008 caused the old Hancher to be unusable. In 2013, construction crews broke ground to start building the new building. With the lights turned on and glossy wood ceilings throughout Hancher, the construction tools covering the floor means crews are working hard to push through the final stretch.
Hancher Auditorium - Tuesday, January 26, 2016
In support of Hancher’s continuing efforts to engage people across the state, illusionist and teaching artist Kevin Spencer will present workshops at seven Iowa middle schools in early February. Accompanied by Hancher Executive Director Chuck Swanson, Spencer will visit with 8th grade students who contributed to a mural that will be displayed in the new Hancher building.
Iowa Now - Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present Vocalosity: The Aca-Perfect Concert Experience on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City. Ticket availability is extremely limited. This a cappella performance will showcase 12 vocalists organized by producer Deke Sharon. Known as “the father of contemporary a cappella,” Sharon has produced hit movies and television shows, such as Pitch Perfect and The Sing Off.
Iowa City Press-Citizen - Thursday, January 14, 2016
This is the year project leaders — along with the greater university, Iowa City and state cultural communities — have been waiting for since the old Hancher was declared unusable following the flood of 2008. Hancher is poised for a grand return.