Although State College may seem like a remote location to some, this year's fall schedule is jammed-packed with big-name performers set to grace Happy Valley.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift will be performing to a sold-out crowd as her Fearless Tour makes a stop at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Bryce Jordan Center. Joined by American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler, crowds can anticipate a dramatic presentation of graphics, sets and visual elements designed by Taylor herself.
The Fray
The University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC) will bring The Fray to the BJC at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, with special guests Nathaniel Rateliff & The Wheel sharing the stage. When aired on ABC television network shows, both of The Fray's singles "How to Save a Life" and "You Found Me" climbed the charts, according to the BJC's Web site. Tickets for the concert went on sale July 31 for $37.50, but Penn State students with a valid ID can purchase tickets for $20.
Cirque du Soleil
'Alegria Arena Tour'
Performing for more than 10 million people since its debut in 1994, Cirque du Soleil Alegria Arena Tour will be coming to the BJC from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The show is surrounded by the Spanish word Alegria, which means happiness and jubilation, according to the site. The show features a cast of 55 dancers performing unbelievable acrobatics, including synchro trapeze and aerial high bars. Tickets for adults range from $40 to $95 and for children 12-and-under tickets are from $32 to $76.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus will be stopping at 7 p.m. Nov. 5 in State College for her 2009 North American Tour, performing with special guest Metro Station. Ticket prices range from $39.50 to $79.50.
Radio City
Christmas Spectacular
A little bit of New York City will be making its way to the BJC as Madison Square Garden Entertainment presents the renowned Rockettes at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 and at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Nov. 21. Tickets go on sale Sept. 1, beginning at $49.50 to $69.50 for this manufactured Christmas wonderland.
Manhattan
Short Film Festival
Held in over 150 cities around the world, including State College, the Manhattan Short Film Festival features 12 films running 18 minutes or less, seeking to unite audiences from all seven continents. On Sept. 20 the films will be playing at the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., under the festival's tagline "One World, One Week, One Festival." Showings are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and $6 student tickets are available, according to the theater's Web site.
Rusted Root
Rusted Root is a multi-instrumental group taking influences from the Grateful Dead's, heavy rock and multicultural music. The group will be playing in their home state 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the State Theatre with guest band The Kin. Tickets are $26.50 and the show is open to all ages.
State Theatre Executive Director Mike Negra said Rusted Root sold out the last time it came to town in one of the best performances he's seen."We could have sold two nights," he said, "so we brought them back."
Disco Biscuits
Nineties jam band, The Disco Biscuits, will be playing at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at the State Theatre. The band has recently released The Wind at Four to Fly and has entered its second decade as a successful band. Tickets sell for $35.
'Bear Rhymes with Woman' Tour
Combining Carbon Leaf's Nothing Rhymes With Woman album and Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers' raw album The Bear produces a collaborative tour -- Bear Rhymes with Woman -- coming to the State Theatre at 8 p.m. Oct. 15. Tickets sell for $17. Negra explained that the two bands are co-headlining the concert and may switch off opening the show each night.
'Something You Did'
The Next Stage theater production company will be presenting Willy Holtzman's Something You Did from Oct. 23 through Nov. 1 at the State Theatre. A play about a woman's inner conflict while in jail, it is quoted as "bound to provoke discussions" by the State Theatre.
Arlo Guthrie: The Guthrie Family Rides Again
Vanity Fair labeled the group "the first family of American
folk," and this year, the Guthrie Family will be making an appearance at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the
State Theatre. Presented by Greenhouse Productions, Arlo Guthrie: The Guthrie Family Rides Again will bring together four generations of Guthries to sing songs that it has written and learned together. A concert for all ages, prices range from $33 to $48.
'School House Rock Live!'
For years, children learned about math and grammar through the television show School House Rock. Now, it is coming live to State College on Dec. 2 and Dec. 4. School House Rock Live! is a free school performance and is not open to the public. Call (814) 272-0606 for school reservations. Check www.statetickets.org at a later date for ticket prices.
