When Lowell Stallbaum, a retired learning disabilities specialist, attends E & M shows, he’s often bringing not only his own grandchildren and their friends, but other members of his large, extended family. A veritable entourage of eager theater-goers!
“It’s such a joy seeing their reactions to the performers,” Stallbaum shared. “And the thing is, the shows combine entertainment and education. I like that they are fun for adults as well.”
The new E & M Presents season includes:
Cosmos Percussion Ensemble Saturday, December 15 at 2 pm
Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $30/VIP Section, $25/General Admission
EandMPresents.org or Eventbrite.com Get ready to feel the beat when the Bay Area’s premier drumming trio – comprised of John Hannaford, Michael Alphonse Meredith and David Hight – bring their original fusion of Afro-Cuban, Latin, Funk, Brazilian, African and Rock rhythms to the stage. Utilizing more than 40 drums, the performance will also include guest appearances by select students from River School’s advanced drumming classes and new-to-drumming students from the pre-show hand drum workshop. An afternoon of world beat, melody and joy not to be missed.
Free Hand Drum Workshop Saturday, December 15 at 10 am
Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center Lobby
Register: EandMPresents.org Thirty students ages 8-12 will be introduced to basic tones and the hand positions to make these sounds, perform the pieces they learn and join Cosmos for one song on the stage.
A Valentine’s Evening with Rockapella Thursday, February 14 at 7:30 pm
Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $45/VIP Section, $38/General Admission
EandMPresents.org or Eventbrite.com No instruments, no tracks, no mirrors! Rockapella has become one of the world’s most sophisticated, lasting and imitated vocal groups. As one of the progenitors of the astonishing full band sound of “contemporary” a cappella, Rockapella has shown audiences the raw power of pure vocal talent and originality. “There’s nothing in the way between us and the audience; it’s very human music,” says Jeff Thacher, Rockapella’s human beatbox. Most appropriate for ages 12 and over. Special opening act: Napa High School’s Vocal Music Workshop.
Lightwire Theater in The Ugly Duckling Sunday, February 24 at 2 pm
Lincoln Theater, Yountville
Tickets: $25/VIP Section, $18/General Admission
EandMPresents.org, LincolnTheater.com or (707) 944-9900 The classic, literary fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen comes to life on the modern stage. Lined with electroluminescent wire, the beloved story plays out on stage through a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance. With dazzling visuals, expressive choreography and the creative use of music ranging from classical to pop, this production brings this story into a new and brilliant life.
Doktor Kaboom & The Wheel of Science Saturday, June 1 at 1 pm and 3 pm
Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $28/VIP Section, $20/General Admission
EandMPresents.org or Eventbrite.com So much science, so little time! For his brand new show, Doktor Kaboom has built a great big spinning wheel and labeled it with everything from optical illusions to chemical reactions to a homemade hovercraft and more. Will the famous “Doktor” turn a water bottle into a rocket or catapult bananas across the stage? Electrocute a pickle or create artificial gravity? At least a dozen fantastic routines are ready to go. Wherever the wheel stops, that’s what’s next! Doktor Kaboom’s interactive “experiments” will require young volunteers from the audience. Be careful what you wish for!
“These shows hold kids’ attention because they are ‘kid friendly,’” Stallbaum said, “and it is good ‘audience training.’ They learn to be part of a bigger group – that’s what I really like the most.”
Tickets are on sale online at EandMPresents.Eventbrite.com
For information, call (707) 224-4353 or EandMPresents.org