Graham Nash, Buddy Guy, Michael Bolton Highlight Park Theatre's Season

Since reopening in late 2009 as Rhode Island’s newest performing arts center, the historic Park Theatre in Cranston has experienced a steady growth in popularity, establishing itself as one of the region’s premier venues for world-class entertainment.

Having recently completed a season that featured a number of sold-out shows, including performances by The Manhattan Transfer, Kevin Costner, Robert Cray Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Vienna Boys Choir, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Park is announcing an even more impressive lineup for 2013-2014. Music lovers have much to look forward to as the Park’s beautiful and completely renovated facility offers the perfect intimate atmosphere to enjoy some of the industry’s biggest names.

The Park Theatre’s new season will showcase a wide variety of shows including: jazz, blues, rock, country, folk, gospel, internationally-acclaimed musicians, diverse acts, and more.

“The community’s response to the Park Theatre and the shows we’ve secured has been encouraging,” said Yusuf Gandhi, Executive Director of the Park Theatre. “We’re extremely proud of the artists that are drawn to performing at our facility – they represent some of the biggest names in entertainment – and expect our upcoming season to be even more successful.”

The Park’s new season begins when it hosts the 2nd annual “Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest” on Thursday, August 15. “A guitar guru gala of gargantuan proportions,” this musical celebration will include performances from Ten Years After, Edgar Winter Band, Canned Heat, Rick Derringer, and Pat Travers. The fall kicks-off on September 12, when legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash takes the stage as part of his solo U.S. tour. Gaining worldwide fame as a founding member of the iconic bands The Hollies and the super group Crosby, Stills & Nash, Graham is one of few musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of multiple groups. Later this fall, Nash will release his highly-anticipated memoir, Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life, chronicling his more than 50-years in music.

The Living Legend of Blues, Buddy Guy, returns to Rhode Island to dazzle Cranston with his trademark sounds on October 4. A pioneer of Chicago blues who has influenced some of the world’s most notable musicians including Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Guy performed to a sold-out crowd at the Park in 2012. On October 12, Take 6, the most awarded vocal group in history, will celebrate their 25th anniversary when they grace the Park’s stage with an all-new show. Featuring new recordings and their biggest hits, this multi-platinum sextet will showcase the talents that have made them one of the most famous acapella groups in the world. The amazing shows in October continue with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet (A Tribute to Dave Brubeck) on October 18 and Eva Allyón, the Diva of Peruvian Music, on October 27.

In November, the Park will host concerts by some of the most notable musicians to visit Rhode Island in recent memory. Country music icon Lee Greenwood will perform on Friday, November 1, highlighting his new seven-song EP titled “I Want to be in Your World,” scheduled for release on July 25. A highly-decorated artist who has won numerous accolades, including Male Vocalist of the Year for the Academy of Country Music and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance, Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in the country. Scheduled around Veteran’s Day, the Park will provide discounted tickets to our beloved veterans of the armed services. 

On November 7, the Park will welcome Ani DiFranco for an intimate concert event. The self-described “Little Folksinger” has been a driving influence on fellow musicians, activists, and indie-minded people across the globe throughout her 20-year career, often performing at venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Beacon Theater in Manhattan. Rhode Islanders now have an opportunity to see Ani up close and personal right. The following week, Jonny Lang brings his impressive blend of blues – with shades of R&B, soul, gospel, hard rock, and funk – to Cranston on November 15. Currently working on his first album in seven years, Lang will bring new music to Rhode Island. 

December features a blend of shows that appeal to everyone. Spyro Gyra, one of the most commercially successful pop-jazz groups of the past 30 years, will perform on December 7 with special guest Grammy-winning guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan. The following night, December 8, Rhode Islanders are in for a special treat when Motown legends The Temptations bring their collection of smash hits to the Park, including the timeless “My Girl,” On December 14, the creative spirit of the groundbreaking duo, Mary Mary, will showcase their Grammy-winning talents. Considered the “Super Sisters” of gospel, this chart-topping sister act makes music that uplifts the spirits of adults and young people alike. 

With more than 53 million albums sold worldwide, nine #1 hits, and a multitude of awards to his resume, the Park is sure to be packed when Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael Bolton performs on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Internationally renowned, Bolton’s blockbuster hit, “When a Man Loves a Woman” made him a household name and one of the most sought-after performers of his time. 

The current schedule of shows for 2013-2014 is as follows, with additional shows to be added:

• Thursday, August 15: “Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest”
• Thursday, September 12: Graham Nash
• Friday, October 4: Buddy Guy “The Living Legend of Blues”
• Saturday, October 12: Take 6
• Friday, October 18: Brubeck Brothers Quartet (A Tribute to Dave Brubeck)
• Sunday, October 27: Eva Allyón “The Diva of Peruvian Music”
• Friday, November 1: Lee Greenwood
• Thursday, November 7: Ani DiFranco
• Friday, November 15: Jonny Lang
• Friday, November 22: Anoushka Shankar “Sitar Player Extraordinaire”
• Saturday, December 7: Spyro Gyra with Special Guest Guitar Virtuoso Stanley Jordan
• Sunday, December 8: The Temptations
• Saturday, December 14: Mary Mary
• Saturday, February 8, 2014: Michael Bolton

Tickets are on sale through the Park’s Box Office at (401) 467-PARK and online at www.ParkTheatreRI.com. The Park Theatre is located at 848 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910. Free parking is available for all shows.