Park Theatre Adds More Shows to Upcoming Season

Preparing to celebrate its 5th Anniversary, the historic Park Theatre has announced the addition of three shows to its already loaded 2014—2015 season.

The season, which will feature a wide-variety of performances including jazz, comedy, reggae, R&B and soul, magic, international music and more kicks-off on Sunday, September 28 with Tower of Power.

Among the new shows added, the Park will welcome the star-studded super group, The Empty Hearts, on Sunday, October 19. Consisting of Wally Palmer of The Romantics on vocals and rhythm, Elliot Easton of The Cars on guitar, Andy Babiuk of The Chesterfield Kings on bass and Blondie’s Clem Burke on drums, The Empty Hearts are no cynically constructed super group.

Formed in 2013 by Babiuk, the group—whose members remain active with their original bands—has parlayed a combined lifetime of rock ‘n’ roll into their self-titled debut. Released on August 5, The Empty Hearts features a sterling collection of influences that include ‘50s American roots rock ‘n’ roll, ‘60s British Invasion and ‘70s garage-punk that is anything but retro, rather a refreshing return to core musical values.

Saturday, November 8 brings “An Evening with American Idols” featuring Crystal Bowersox and Rhode Island’s own Erika Van Pelt. The runner-up on season nine of American Idol, Bowersox captured hearts around the country with her rich blend of blues, country, folk and rock, making her one of the most dynamic young voices in music today. Her debut album, Farmer’s Daughter, was released in December 2010, peaking at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Rock Chart. In 2013, Bowersox released her sophomore album, All That for This, which exposes new dimensions of her music. Since rising to fame, Bowersox has performed alongside Harry Connick, Jr., Alanis Morrisette, BB King, Joe Cocker, and many others.

No stranger to the bright lights, especially in her home state, Erika Van Pelt’s unmistakable voice and ambition led her all the way to the Top 10 during season eleven of American Idol. Following performances during the international American Idols LIVE! Tour in 2012, Van Pelt released her debut album, My Independence, in 2013. Drawing influences from soul, rock, blues, funk, pop, and even hip-hop, Van Pelt has a lot of new music on the way, teaming up with talented artists from around the world to collaborate both in the studio and on stage.

“An Evening with American Idols” will also include an opportunity for a special Meet & Greet with Crystal Bowersox prior to the show. For $50, guests will receive an exclusive picture and photo with Crystal, an acoustic song performance, and a question and answer session.

Back by popular demand, Buddy Guy will return to the Park Theatre on Saturday, November 15. For each of the past two years, the Living Legend of Blues has sold-out the Park, dazzling its audience with his energetic and soulful performances.

A pioneer of the Chicago Blues, and six-time Grammy winner, Guy has influenced some of the most notable musicians of his generation, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 2005, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in December 2012, received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors recognizing his lifetime of contributions to American culture and the performing arts.

On Saturday, December 13, the Park will host “Rockin’ the Holidays with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals” an all-ages appropriate celebration of joy, compassion, and family. Having rocked the music world for generations, Cavaliere’s concert events are a musical journey featuring a perfect blend of music an entertainment from one of the most celebrated American singer-songwriters in history.

Backed by a local choir, an astonishing band, interactive video, a soulful voice and amazing Hammond organ skills, “Rockin’ the Holidays” channels holiday favorites with original music from Felix’s Songwriter Hall of Fame resume, including “Good Lovin,’” “Groovin,’” “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Run Run Rudolph,” and more. And, as a special gift to audiences, Felix will perform tracks from his upcoming album, Christmas in Your Arms, which will be released in November.

One of the biggest names in American Blues Rock history, George Thorogood & The Destroyers will bring their “Badder Than Ever Tour” to the Park on Sunday, March 8, 2015. Known for his timeless hit, “Bad to the Bone” and covers of blues classics such as Hank Williams’ “Move It On Over” and Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love,” the band’s career spans more than 4 decades, 8,000 live shows and some 15 million albums sold worldwide. Today, Thorogood remains true to his roots as a maverick guitar-slinger still making electrifying music and thrilling audiences as the most bad-to-the-bone performer in rock.

The current schedule of shows for 2014-2015 is as follows, with additional shows to be added:

• Sunday, September 28: Tower of Power
• Friday, October 3: The Wailers Band 30th Anniversary of Legend
• Friday, October 10: The Celtic Tenors
• Sunday, October 12: Engelbert Humperdinck
• Friday, October 17: Boney James with special guest Stanley Jordan
• Sunday, October 19: The Empty Hearts
• Saturday, November 1: Lyn Dillies and “Magic of Lyn”
• Friday, November 7: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
• Saturday, November 8: An Evening with American Idols Crystal Bowersox and Erika Van Pelt
• Saturday, November 15: Buddy Guy
• Saturday, December 13: Rockin’ the Holidays with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
• Sunday, March 8, 2015: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
• *Saturday, April 25, 2015: Wayne Brady and “It’s My Line” Tour

* Due to scheduling conflicts, the Wayne Brady show originally scheduled for Thursday, October 2 has been postponed to Saturday, April 25, 2015. Tickets for the October 2 show will be valid for the show in April.

Tickets for all shows are currently 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.

About the Park Theatre

Built in 1924, the Park Theatre was as a cultural landmark for nearly eight decades until its closing in 2002. Following seven years and $10 million in renovations, the Park was reborn as Rhode Island’s newest performing arts center. A fully-equipped, state of the art multi-purpose facility, the Park features concerts, theatrical performances, opera, dance, children’s and family shows, and more. Through extensive renovations, the Park boasts a larger, deeper stage and 1,000 plush seats with significantly more legroom than most theatres. The facility also includes the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, a pre-show destination offering a unique environment for guests to enjoy dinners, appetizers, and cocktails before a performance. Free parking is available for all events. For more, visit www.ParkTheatreRI.com.

Photo: The Empty Hearts (Courtesy Park Theatre)