Full Slate of Performers Announced for The Bowie Center For The Performing Arts Opening Gala Week, August 14-21, 2004

Bowie, Maryland, August 4, 2004 - Modern dance, patriotism, band music, country music, opera, Kathie Lee Gifford, Broadway showstoppers and events for children are among the wide variety of events that take center stage August 14-21, 2004 during the long-anticipated opening of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), a state-of-the-art facility located adjacent to Bowie High School.

The events schedule is as follows:

Saturday, August 14
Opening Ceremonies
11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Free Admission

Featuring Performances By:

Owen Adams
Anastasia Albinson
Emily Casey
Paul Chamberlain
A Clazz Act
Greater Bowie Area Boy & Girl Scouts
Knights of Harmony
Brenda & Mary Ann Jenkins
Mary Kay
Anna Nicholson
Painted Faces Inc.
Lindsey Porambo & Suzanne Powers
Jessica Quigley
Salt of the Earth String Quartet
Scott Rich Band
Carl Wilson
Nadine Wobus
Kate Wolfe
Shannon Woolery

Opening Ceremony Luncheon
A sampling of area restaurants
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
$10 Limited Seating

A Classical Evening
8:00 p.m., $50

From Le Boheme to orchestral chamber music and much in-between, a diverse evening of music, aria, song and dance. Followed by dancing to live jazz and dessert reception.

Performances by:
Donna Dardin
Maryland Opera Society
National Ballet of Maryland
Opera Bel Canto of Washington
Susan Ricci & John Rogel
Trinity Orchestra
Matt & Maureen Wolfe

Reception music by:
the Bay Jazz Project


Sunday, August 15
Celebrate America!
3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., $10

An awe-inspiring celebration of patriotism honoring our country's veterans and active service men and women. A post-show reception follows for veterans, active members of the armed services and their families.

Celebrate America!
Featuring Performances by:

American Legion Disney Bell Post 66
Bowie High School Chamber Choir
Bowie Senior Chorale
Bowie United Methodist Church
The Celebrate America! Children's Choir
Grace Baptist Church
Christian Community Presbyterian Church
St. Matthew's Methodist Church
St. Pius X Catholic Church
Sweet Adelines
Steve Nemeth
John Ryder
David Tucker
Mike Yeager


Wednesday, August 18
The Art of The Dance
7:30 p.m., $20

An evening of varied dance pieces showcasing the synchronicity of music and movement in a program that ranges from tap and ballet to modern dance.

Performances by:
American Dance Artists
Battleworks Modern Dance of NYC
Debora Bello
David Jennings
Ricardo Marlow & Sara Jeiez
Maryland Youth Ballet
National Ballet of Maryland
Orlando Ballet
Elise & Simone Posey
Suitland ARTS
Thomas G. Pullen Creative & Performing Arts School


Thursday, August 19
The Power of Voice and Music
7:30 p.m., $10, adults - $5, ages 17 and under

Performances include nationally-acclaimed musical artists in varied styles from the nostalgic barbershop quartets to the majesty of full concert choirs.

Performances by:
Arundelair Chorus of Sweet Adelines Intl.
Chesapeake Chorale
Heritage Singers
Knights of Harmony
Voices of DeMatha


Friday, August 20
Theater Performance for
Children of All Ages
1:45 p.m., $10, adults - $5, ages 17 and under

Goldilocks and the Three Billy Pigs Gruff
This combined-stories production uses elements of three well known children's stories and puts these in the context of a story for today. Fast-paced and humorous, this production is a treat for children and adults alike.

SHILOH Live In Concert!
8 p.m. $15, adults - $10 ages 17 and under

A powerful mixture of country music sensibilities, both old and new, and popular music influences, SHILOH's music speaks to the heart of everyone at every age, with poignant lyrics and rich melodies that stick with you right away. SHILOH features three Bowie High School alumni - Jason Minor, Jason Fitz and Joe Zampelli, joined by Jason Carson and Brian White. SHILOH comes to Bowie straight off concert tours opening for country legend Kenny Rogers and Brad Paisley.


Saturday, August 21
Gala Opening Night Celebration
Performance 8:30 p.m.
Tickets $100 each.
(Includes post-performance dessert reception, auction and dancing)

Featuring Performances By:

Leslie Uggams
of Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie

Gregg Karukas
Smooth jazz recording artist

Michie Epstein Mader
Vocalist

SHILOH
A Special Acoustic Performance

A Tribute To Eva Cassidy featuring Chuck Brown

Kiah Victoria of Broadway's The Lion King

Peter Lancaster, Blues Guitarist

Paul Reed Smith, Guitarist

Kathie Lee Gifford
Mistress of Ceremonies


Throughout the Week
August 16 - 20

Children's Art Camp
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily, $150
(includes lunch)

A week of art immersion for grades 2 - 6
Monday through Friday
(limited to 50 pre-registrants)

Art Off Stage
(all week)

An exhibit showcasing the visual arts, highlighting local artists and groups, on view the entire week.

The Guild of Bowie Artists will be exhibiting Saturday, August 14 and during the week. The Guild of Bowie Artists is comprised of visual artists from Bowie and the surrounding area. The exhibit will highlight the variety of styles and media representing the group.

Francis Sweet, world-renowned wildlife artist, will be exhibiting his exceptional works of wildlife art. Mr. Sweet's award-winning work has been featured in many wildlife art exhibitions and has been auctioned at the Christies Auction House in London. This exhibit will showcase some of his scratchboard art, considered by his peers as the best in the world today. A Meet the Artist Reception will be held for the Guild and Mr. Sweet before the show on Saturday, August 14, from 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Ron Spears, artist and Illustrator, works in a variety of traditional media, and recently illustrated his first children=B9s book, in collaboration with actor/author Jason Alexander. His exhibit during the days of Wednesday, August 18th thru Friday, August 20th, will include representation art of quiet scenes and changing light. A Meet the Artist Reception will be held for Mr. Spears on Wednesday, August 18, from 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

During the Gala Celebration, the artwork of Bowie High School Alumni will be featured as well as a special tribute to Eva Cassidy, and works from the Folk Art Studio, a collection of whimsical sculpture and ceramics.

Ticket sales for the week of events are available online at www.bowieartscenter.com or by calling 301.805.0288 between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Silver sponsors for the event include The Bowie Blade-News, The Comfort Inn, Milton P. Higgins III, Belair Engineering, COMPASS Information Systems and Hecht's.

About Bowie Regional Arts Vision Association, Inc. (BRAVA) BRAVA was created to promote the design, development, funding and creation of a regional arts facility in Bowie, Maryland, for use by children, families, and adults in classes, stage crafts, workshops, concerts, creative arts, theatre programs, musical performances, drama therapy and other therapy groups, providing functional space for large group assemblies, instructional lectures, performances, demonstrations and forum discussions.

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