Cultural Series' New Season Line-up Announced

Virtual Premiere of Performances Available

Aiken, SC (04/30/2020) — The University of South Carolina Aiken Etherredge Center for Fine and Performing Arts invites patrons to its virtual premiere of the 2020-2021 Cultural Series.

To preview the upcoming line-up, go to www.facebook.com/EtherredgeCenter on Facebook and https://www.youtube.com/user/USCAiken on YouTube.

To purchase a subscription, starting June 22, call the Etherredge Center box office at 803-641-3305.

"This season promises to be just as engaging, diverse, and family friendly as our last one," says Paul B. Crook, executive director of the Etherredge Center.

The six-show season kicks off in October with a celebration of USC Aiken's longstanding partnership and exchange programs with institutions in India. The 2020-2021 Cultural Series wraps up with the sounds Branford Marsalis who graces the Etherredge Center's Main Stage next April.

"We are grateful to the City of Aiken which helped make this season possible," Crook said.

"Their continuing support and generosity of this series brings top-notch cultural programming to Aiken and the CSRA."

The upcoming season showcases the following performances:

Dhamaal Dancers and Musicians of India's Festival of Colors, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Drawing upon mythology, traditional dance and a variety of Indian musical styles, the legendary Dhamaal Dancers and Musicians of India tantalize the senses with acrobatic flare and world-class musicianship.

Syncopated Ladies, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.

The Syncopated Ladies' viral videos have amassed more than 50 million views as they have worked with mega-stars, including Beyonce, Chance the Rapper, and more. As the winners of the first dance crew battle on FOX's So You Think You Can Dance, they have performed on Good Morning America, at the U.S. Open, and to sold-out audiences during their full-length concert, Syncopated Ladies: Live.

The Queen's Cartoonists, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m.

The Queen's Cartoonists play music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation. The performances are synchronized to video projections of the original films, and the band leads the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy. This matinee is suitable for audiences of all ages and offers a perfect afternoon outing for the whole family.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, presented by the award-winning Aquila Theatre Company, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m.

The action in this gothic horror classic revolves around the noted good doctor, Edward Jekyll, who has been experimenting with a personality changing formula to release his dark side, Mr. Hyde. Mr. Hyde grows more powerful and dangerous-terrorizing all of London-while those closest to Dr. Jekyll prepare to confront him. The conclusion is both revelatory and provocative.

Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till, written by and starring Mike Wiley, March 18, at 7:30 p.m.

In 1955, a 14-year-old black Chicago youth traveled to the Mississippi Delta with country kinfolk and southern cooking on his mind. He walked off the train and into a world he could never understand - a world of thick color lines, of hard-held class systems and unspeakable taboos. This riveting play chronicles the murder, trial and unbelievable confessions of the men accused of Till's murder.

This performance is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture.

The Branford Marsalis & Joey Calderazzo Duo, April 6, at 7:30 p.m.

Masters Week in Aiken kicks off with jazz great, Branford Marsalis. From his early acclaim as a saxophonist bringing new energy and new audiences to jazz, he has refined and expanded his talents and his horizons as a musician, composer, bandleader and educator - a 21st Century mainstay of artistic excellence.

Beginning June 22, call the box office at 803-641-3305 to purchase a subscription.

Single-event tickets go on sale Aug. 3. They can be purchased on line at usca.edu/etherredge-center or by calling the box office at 803-641-3305.

"The Etherredge Center is proud to be Aiken's premier venue for visual and performing arts," Crook said.

"The public is invited to visit the Etherredge Center this year, where we will showcase live shows, present professionally curated gallery exhibits and offer endless opportunities for all-inclusive arts experiences."

Media Attachments