Opening Night Party with The Pedrito Martinez Group, Davina and The Vagabonds, and Red Baraat
Summer might be at its end, but at Krannert Center things are just beginning to heat up! The 2016-17 season is bursting forth on opening night with all-ages energy, a fresh mix of revelers, lively activities (including large-scale community coloring, craft projects, and temporary tattoos), the wafting invitation from fabulous outdoor food vendors (including Rick’s Bakery, Caribbean Grill, Piato, Siam Terrace, KoFusion, and El Oasis), and a triple lineup of musical masters.
Rain or shine, music will fill the Lobby all evening! Grammy-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez brings to life the sophisticated and high-energy Afro-Cuban rhythms of his homeland. Seamlessly blending pop and folk music, Martinez is a first-rate, charismatic entertainer, prized in collaborations with Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and Krannert Center favorite Wynton Marsalis, who says "Pedrito is a genius."
And speaking of favorites—if you were at OUTSIDE at the Research Park 2014, then we're sure you're eager for the rollicking return of the smoky-voiced Davina Sowers with the solid backing of her Memphis-meets-Chicago blues band, The Vagabonds. With dazzling keyboard skills, sultry soul swagger, and a dash of wit, Davina infuses the American Songbook with appealing panache and just the right amount of nostalgia.
Rounding out the night is the crew NPR called "the best party band in years." The pioneering eight-piece force of nature known as Red Baraat was founded in New York by dhol player Sunny Jain and merges the sounds of hard-driving North Indian Bhangra with a twist of rock, jazz, and go-go. A raucous horn section, three master percussionists, and don't forget the guitarist and sousaphone players, make it their mission to manifest joy and unity through scorching sets of unstoppable rhythmic fun. In other words, get ready to dance!
Fr Sep 9 at 6pm (food sales begin and doors open at 6pm)
The Pedrito Martinez Group, 6:30pm, Lobby (Stage 6)
Davina and The Vagabonds, 7:30pm, Lobby (Stage 5)
Red Baraat, 8:45pm, Lobby (Stage 6)
Lobby and Terraces
Kids under 5 years of age are free; complimentary ticket required
View all of our 2016-17 family fun events or download our flyer (English/Spanish) ¡Disfruten de los eventos para las familias este año!
