Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek announces final lineup additions for in-person winter shows
The Vilar Performing Arts Center’s popular winter artist-in-residency program wraps up with a series of intimate, physically-distanced, limited capacity events taking place in March and April.
“It’s exciting to be able say that during the ‘COVID Winter of ’21,’ the VPAC has hosted a line-up of celebrated and beloved performers,” said Owen Hutchinson, the VPAC’s executive director. Tickets are available now (prices are subject to change) at the VPAC box office (970-845-8497; www.vilarpac.org). The VPAC is located under the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village (68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, Colorado).
An Evening with JoJo Hermann and Jerry Joseph // March 12 and 13 at 5 and 8 p.m. | $95
It’s been nearly three decades since John “JoJo” Herman started playing keys with Widespread Panic, bringing a boogie woogie style into his songwriting and performing. His major influences stem from New Orleans piano players; most notably Professor Longhair and Dr. John. Jerry Joseph is a prolific and accomplished songwriter, writing hits for Widespread Panic and releasing 30 albums in his 30-plus year career; as a solo artist, with the Jackmormons, supergroup Stockholm Syndrome, The Denmark Veseys, or originally, with his beloved ‘80s cult band, Little Women.
S&M2: Metallica & San Francisco Symphony Film Screening // March 14, 15, 16 at 7 p.m. | $20
S&M2 is a landmark release in the Metallica catalogue, both sonically and visually. Produced by Greg Fidelman with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the S&M2 live album captures more than two and a half hours of Hetfield, Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo joining forces with the nearly 80-strong SF Symphony, legendary Music Director of the orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas, and conductor Edwin Outwater.
Oteil Burbridge Trio and Special Guests// March 18, 19, 20 at 7 p.m. | $200
Two-time Grammy award winner and the Dead & Company bassist Oteil Burbridge has been in the music business touring and recording for over three decades. His first step into the national spotlight came in 1991 when he became a founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, a cult classic that has stood the test of time. That led to his membership in the classic rock group the Allman Brothers Band. Over the years, Oteil has shared the stage with rock and blues legends such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Levon Helm, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Chuck Leavell, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and Trey Anastasio. In 2012, Oteil received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his 15 year contribution to the Allman Brothers Band as the longest running bassist in the band’s history.
An Evening with Chris Thile// March 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. | $98
Multiple Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile, a member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, and former host of the radio program, Live from Here, is a mandolin virtuoso, composer and vocalist. With his broad outlook, Thile transcends the borders of conventionally circumscribed genres, creating a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike.
California Honeydrops// March 26 and 27 at 5 and 8 p.m. | $75
For more than a dozen years now, the California Honeydrops have been making crowds dance and smile. The concerts have a prominent party vibe, with plenty of dancing, singing and interaction with the crowd. The band draws on diverse musical influences including Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line. They’ve toured widely across North America, Europe and Australia and have supported high-profile names like Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Dr. John.
Comedian Jim Breuer Presents ‘The New Normal’ // March 28 at 6 and 9 p.m. | $62
The Laughs are back! Named one of Comedy Central’s ‘Top 100 Stand-Ups of all time,’ Jim Breuer became a familiar name during his years on Saturday Night Live. Over the years, Jim has become somewhat of a radio and TV regular with hilarious appearances on the late-night show circuit and as a regular guest on notable satellite radio shows. Most recently, Jim’s family has served as his inspiration for finding humor in the day-to-day and draws laughs through sharing the tragedies and triumphs of growing older, life and loss, raising children and being a ‘marriage warrior.’ Expect a family-friendly and uplifting show – Jim’s goal is to heal through humor and to inspire others to ‘see the funny’ in daily life.
The Motet: Instrumentals //April 2 and 3 at 5 and 8 p.m. | $95
The Motet has inspired the world with their unique style of dance music. Over the course of nine full-length albums, they’ve traversed the lines between funk, soul, jazz, and rock and built a diehard audience in the process. They’ve headlined Red Rocks Amphitheatre six times and sold out countless legendary venues coast-to-coast. This series of instrumental shows is the Denver-based band’s first return to the stage since the pandemic hit. The ensemble is also kicking off 2021 with a new album, “And the Beat Goes On,” where band members Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass), Ryan Jalbert (guitar), and Drew Sayers (keys/saxophone) are joined by guest singer Nigel Hall (Lettuce) for a fresh take on The Whispers classic.
All upcoming concerts follow Eagle County’s precautionary guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The VPAC will continue to prioritize the health of its patrons, artists, community and beyond during every event. Visit www.vilarpac.org for more information on venue and show night policies and procedures.