Berrie Center Spring 2017 Calendar of Events

The Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts

Spring 2017 Schedule of Events

Impressive Lineup at Intimate Venue

Audiences at the Berrie Center, located on the scenic campus of Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ have always been treated to an up-close and personal experience, and Spring 2017 is no exception. With just over 338 seats, the Berrie Center’s Sharp Theater retains the stellar quality of their productions while creating the ambience of a private concert in this “jewel box” of a venue. The ample stage accommodates the most intricate of performances and also allows smaller events to be held directly on-stage with audience members seated on the same space as the performers. “This is a special place…there isn’t a bad seat in the house and the acoustics are superb” said Stephanie Chaiken, Director of the Berrie Center.

The 2017 schedule of events for the Berrie Center’s mainstage Sharp Theater and the smaller Adler Theater stays true to their brand of presenting world-class artists thoughtfully curated to satisfy a culturally diverse audience.

February 18, 8pm

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys

Multiple Grammy Award nominees began over 25 years ago with a reputation for excellence with their stunningly clean and cohesive performance of Cajun French music from the backwaters of Southwest Louisiana.

Tickets: $35/32/25; Children Under 17: $18

February 25, 8pm

Les Paul Festival featuring Frank Vignola Trio with Vinny Raniola and Gary Mazzaroppi

Frank Vignola’s stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Boston Pops, New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List.”

Tickets: $30/27/24

March 2, 5pm

Kuniko Yamamoto - Koto Green Tea Ceremony

Acclaimed musician, storyteller and artist Kuniko Yamamoto, from Osaka, Japan, presents an aesthetic ceremony of drinking green tea. Kuniko will share stories of Zen and Samurai and perform the music on a Koto, a 13-string Japanese zither. Guests will take part in the ceremony, see beautiful projected images from the Asian based gallery exhibitions upstairs in the Kresge and Pascal galleries, and drink a cup of beloved green tea.

Tickets: $15

March 4, 8pm

Mack Brandon's Gospel Explosion

Share the joy of gospel music as Mack Brandon and his choir return to the Berrie Center for another unforgettable interactive experience. A music professor at Ramapo College for the past 20 years, Brandon was the pianist and musical director for Ben E. King, The Drifters, Average White Band and the Supremes. Brandon’s choir features the best voices from around the state, including Ramapo College students.

Tickets: $30/27/24; Children Under 17: $18

March 5, 3pm and 7pm

Cherish the Ladies

For the past 30 years, Cherish the Ladies has lived up to their multiple critical accolades and has become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music. Under the leadership of the dynamic and irrepressible Joanie Madden on flute and whistle, recently named one of the top 25 most influential Irish Americans of the past quarter century, Cherish the Ladies has grown from a one-time concert concept to an Irish traditional music sensation and is the most successful and sought after Irish- American group in Celtic music.

Tickets: $35/32/25; Children Under 17: $18

March 18, 8pm

Rhonda Vincent

Rhonda Vincent is a world-class bluegrass musician and an award-winning voice seamlessly setting the stage for a breath-taking, one-of-a-kind, must-see performance that reaches beyond the boundaries of bluegrass music. “One of the biggest, most popular bluegrass acts around. They can play like the dickens.” – New Haven Register

Tickets: $40/36/30; Children Under 17: $22

March 25, 8pm

Pat Hazell's The Good Humor Men Starring Pat Hazell, Pete Lee, Pat McGann

With numerous appearances on The Tonight Show, The Late Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late, Late Show and Comedy Central, America’s funniest stand-up comedians join forces to showcase their original brand of humor in an evening packed with punchlines, clever writing and hair trigger laughs led by Pat Hazell, one of the original writers on Seinfeld.

Tickets: $38/$35/$25

April 1, 8pm (Adler Theater)

Mark Sganga “Celebrating the Beatles and Beyond” Solo Acoustic Guitar Concert

2009 International Fingerstyle Champion Mark Sganga’s finger-style guitar weaves a rich tapestry of beautiful melody, dynamic rhythm, and imaginative improvisation. Fusing influences from South America and around the world, Mark creates an entrancing travelogue, as an instrumentalist, bandleader, singer/songwriter and educator.

“A bright new light in the Jazz/Brazilian music scene” – John Heidt, Vintage Guitar Magazine

“One of the top guitarists in the New York area” – Brian Wilson, WOR-AM Radio

Tickets: $25; Ramapo Students: $8

April 29, 8pm

Jarrod Spector and Kelli Barrett: This Is Dedicated

Broadway veterans and newlyweds Jarrod Spector (Jersey Boys; Beautiful) and Kelli Barrett (Dr. Zhivago; Baby It’s You!) bring to life the greatest songs birthed from the greatest marriages. From Alan & Marilyn Bergman to Sonny and Cher to Beyonce and Jay-Z, the themes of love, heartbreak, triumph, and despair infuse not only these songs but also the storied partnerships themselves. The night celebrates marriage as the force behind the timeless music and love keeping it all together.

Tickets: $45/$40/$35; Children under 17: $30

For tickets and more information on these events call the Berrie Center Box Office at 201-684-7844,

or visit http://www.ramapo.edu/berriecenter/