The season may be a bit shorter than usual, but the artists are just as amazing as always. And a new facility is on the horizon.
The University of Iowa’s Hancher has announced its lineup of performances for the 2015-2016 season. Hancher donors will soon receive a season brochure that will allow them to purchase tickets via the included order form. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Aug. 24.
The season will open in late August and close in early February, giving the Hancher staff time to move into the new Hancher Auditorium and prepare for the fall 2016 opening of the facility.
Season highlights include a free outdoor concert by Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings as part of the Summer of the Arts Iowa Soul Festival; mandolinist Chris Thile’s solo performance featuring music by Johann Sebastian Bach; a Christmas-themed performance by pianist Ellis Marsalis, patriarch of one of the most famous musical families in the world; and the legendary vocalist Bobby McFerrin.
More information about the full lineup can be found at the Hancher website.
The season will open Aug. 22 with Drawing Closer: Celebrating Hancher’s Upcoming Opening, a free family event featuring chalk art and artists as well as performances by Squonk Opera, a unique performance group who will employ the power of air to present Pneumatica.
In this final season presenting in various locations, the Hancher staff is taking the opportunity to extend its thanks to the people and organizations who have supported the organization since the flood of 2008 closed the original Hancher Auditorium. Plans include a publication that will highlight the organization and individuals who have been a part of Hancher’s post-flood story.
When tickets go on sale in August, patrons will be able to purchase online, by phone (319-335-1160 or 800-HANCHER), or by visiting the Hancher Box Office in the Old Capitol Town Center.
The new Hancher season is supported by the Hancher Partners and gifts to the Hancher Circle through the University of Iowa Foundation.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Hancher Box Office in advance at 319-335-1158.
2015-16 Hancher season
Aug. 22: Drawing Closer, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Hancher Auditorium
Aug. 28: Iowa Soul Festival (Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Iowa City Carnival Parade and Pandelirium), 5:30 p.m., UI Pentacrest
Sept. 17-18: Lucky Plush Productions, The Queue, 7:30 p.m., Space Place Theater
Sept. 25: Las Cafeteras, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Club Hancher at The Mill
Oct. 17: Brentano String Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Riverside Recital Hall
Oct. 30: Lynne Arriale, Carla, Cook, and Grace Kelly, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Club Hancher at The Mill
Nov. 4: Chris Thile, 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre
Dec. 5: Taylor Mac, The 1850s: Whitman vs. Foster, 7:30 p.m., Mabie Theatre
Dec. 11: Ellis Marsalis Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre
Jan. 30: Vocalosity, 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre
Feb. 12: Bobby McFerrin, 7:30 p.m., Riverside Casino Event Center