Opening Night Party with Mariachi Herencia de México, Gracie and Rachel, Cotton Candy Theremin, and The Soul Rebels
Opening Night is always a special occasion for any performing artist or venue, but when we haven’t been able to gather the way we’d like for a while, they’re even more spectacular! All the fun and excitement will be on hand Friday, September 9, when Krannert Center for the Performing Arts raises the curtain on our 2022-23 season. With free performances from five different artists, coupled with a delicious menu by Piato Cafe, our Opening Night Party will appeal to everyone! Our Opening Night Party is on the first night of the University YMCA’s Welcoming Week, which celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace newcomer immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. Welcoming Week 2022 encourages local communities to make welcoming and belonging more than just a feeling, but an action we can all take.
We kindly ask that you please leave large bags/purses at home or in your car rather than bringing them into the celebration.
Gracie and Rachel (6pm, Amphitheatre [Stage 5 in case of rain]) Pianist-vocalist Gracie and violinist Rachel are opposites: loud and quiet, regimented and free-spirited, timeless and contemporary. Together, the two forge an alliance to create modern Baroque pop powered by the language of musical sisters. In 2022, Gracie and Rachel shared several Northeast dates with Tori Amos and were part of Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babes Records tour. Their sophomore release, Hello Weakness, You Make Me Strong, highlights powerful songwriting that combines chamber music sensibilities and electronics with strong messages about identity and empowerment.
Cotton Candy Theremin (6:30pm-9:30 pm, Studio Theatre) This interactive musical and visual experience combines the culinary and artistic. Make your own ball of real cotton candy and generate musical loops and visuals. Created by Emilie Baltz and Philip Sierzaga, Cotton Candy Theremin is one sweet piece of interactive technology!
Mariachi Herencia de México (7pm, Stage 6) Building on and moving beyond mariachi’s roots, this mesmerizing group is pushing the boundaries of this Mexican music genre. Nominated for a Latin GRAMMY award in 2017, Mariachi Herencia de México recently released their 4th album, Esencia, Vol 2. They have toured throughout the US, Mexico, and Canada, performing in some of the most prestigious performing arts centers across the continent with mariachi superstars, demonstrating that this group of young musicians have the talent, training, and bravado to hold their own with the best in the world.
The Bloco Gavião performance is canceled due to illness.
The Soul Rebels (9pm, Stage 6) The Soul Rebels started with an idea—to expand upon the pop music they loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass tradition they grew up on. They took that tradition and blended funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz, and rock all within a brass band context. The band has built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in a deep pocket funk party-like atmosphere. The Soul Rebels continue to chart new territory as they feature in major films, tour globally, and combine top-notch musicianship with songs that celebrate dancing, life, funk, and soul.
All Opening Night 2022 events are FREE! No tickets are required. However, seating is limited. We regret we are not able to accommodate patrons bringing their own chairs. A robust selection of beverages at the Stage 5 Bar and small plate selections from Piato Cafe will be available for purchase; cash or credit card payments accepted.
We can’t wait to see you to help kick off the 2022-23 season. Tell your friends that Krannert Center is the place to be on September 9!
