Kent Spotlight Series releases 2021-2022 schedule

After a year-long, pandemic hiatus, the Kent Arts Commission’s Spotlight Series is back and tickets are on sale.

The performing arts series brings exceptional entertainment to Kent. The upcoming season features nine performances, beginning Oct. 9 and running through March 25.

Tickets may be purchased online at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In keeping with the policies of host venues (Kent School District), the city will require Spotlight Series audiences to wear masks indoors. Social distancing will be maintained between seating groups.

“We recognize that situations change rapidly and will review and re-evaluate routinely based on school district policies, as well as state, county and CDC guidance,” according to a city statement.

The lineup:

Collision of Rhythm

• Saturday, Oct. 9

• Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $15 youth

Collision of Rhythm is a duo comprised of tap-dancing classical virtuoso, Aaron Williams, and beatbox-juggling keynote speaker, Bronkar Lee. The duo creates a joyful and richly explosive experience with drumming, tap dancing, rhythmic juggling, marimba, piano and more. Collision of Rhythm has been described as “Stomp meets Blue Man Group meets Cirque du Soleil.” Sponsored by Allegro Performing Arts Academy

Luca Stricagnoli

• Friday, Oct. 22

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $15 youth

Italian acoustic guitarist Luca Stricagnoli is known for his unique style and innovative playing techniques. His original approach to music has led to more than 100 million views on his music videos. In addition to his musical abilities, Stricagnoli brings an enthusiastic energy to the stage.

Magical Strings 35th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert

• Sunday, Dec. 5

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 3 p.m.

• Tickets: $26 general, $24 senior, $15 youth

The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a festive and memorable tradition. Once again, Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren, and guests for an afternoon of Yuletide music, Irish step dancing, drumming and storytelling.

International Guitar Night

• Friday, Jan. 21

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $15 youth

International Guitar Night brings together the world’s foremost acoustic guitarists. This year’s lineup features: Lulo Reinhard, Germany’s Latin Swing master; contemporary classical guitarist Stephanie Jones from Australia; two-hand “tapper” Alexandre Misko from Russia; and Italian jazz guitarist and vocalist Eleanor “Lele” Strino. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Community Foundation.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico

• Saturday, Feb. 5

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior $15 youth

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, a youth ensemble from Chicago’s immigrant barrios, is mariachi music’s most exciting newcomer. The Latin Grammy-nominated group of young Mexican-American musicians have released three highly acclaimed studio albums with chart-topping debuts on both the Billboard and the iTunes Latin Albums charts. Partial Funding from WESTAF, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission, and Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Parks Foundation

Live from Laurel Canyon: Songs & Stories of American Folk Rock

• Saturday, Feb. 12

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Between 1965 and 1975, Laurel Canyon Boulevard, located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, was home to many of the musicians who redefined American popular music and inspired the “L.A. sound” of the early ‘70s – artists like The Mamas & The Papas; the Byrds; Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Neil Young; James Taylor; Joni Mitchell; Jackson Browne; Linda Ronstadt; the Eagles; and more. This show follows these legendary artists and shares stories on how this neighborhood of like-minded artists influenced the music that was created. Sponsored by The Pete and Pat Curran Family.

The Drifters

• Friday, Feb. 25

• Kentwood Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $15 youth

“Op on the Roof.” “Under the Boardwalk.” “This Magic Moment.” “Stand by Me.” The list of hits goes on and on. The Drifters are one of rock & roll’s founding vocal groups. They were in the first class of legends to be initiated into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and their classic tune “Under the Boardwalk” is the most played R&B record of all time. Sponsored by Judy Woods

Alpin Hong

• Friday, March 18

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $26 general, $24 senior, $15 youth

Whirlwind American tours and performances across the globe have earned pianist Alpin Hong the reputation as a modern-day Pied Piper. From Walt Disney Hall to the White House, his combination of stunning technique, emotional range, and rare humor continues to bring audiences young and old to their feet. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Community Foundation, with support from the Haffner Family.

Masters of Hawaiian Music

• Friday, March 25

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $15 youth

Four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr. is producer and star of the weekly Slack Key Show on Maui, now in its second decade. George’s “Masters of Hawaiian Music” shows showcase the artistry of slack key guitar, the distinctly Hawaiian style of open tunings. Guitarists Jeff Peterson and Sonny Lim join Kahumoku to share beautiful music, good humor, Hawaiian cultural knowledge, and the down-home spirit of the islands. Partial Funding from WESTAF and National Endowment for the Arts, and support from Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Community Foundation.

Venues:

• Kent-Meridian PAC, 10021 SE 256th St., Kent

• Kentwood PAC, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington