The Forbes Center in collaboration with WMRA radio presents an exciting new showcase celebrating five female singer-songwriters from the Shenandoah Valley! Experience a heartfelt evening hosted by Tina Owens from WMRA’s The Acoustic Café about the personal journeys singer-songwriters embark on when creating new works. Sponsored by Cross Keys Studio in Port Republic, Virginia. More
One of world’s most popular Irish folk bands, The High Kings specialize in energetic and insightful performances that showcase the incredible versatility and multi-instrumentalist skills of the quartet members who play 13 instruments between them. Expect an evening of “swashbuckling, old-country fun that leaves your heart dancing jigs.” (Broadway World) Note the change in venue. More
On a mission to reclaim the immigrant soul of American Roots Music, American Patchwork Quartet (APQ) features Grammy-nominated vocalist Falu Shah, Grammy-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, three time Grammy-winning drummer Clarence Penn, and highly-acclaimed bassist Yasushi Nakamura. APQ reimagines timeless, centuries-old American folk songs that highlight America’s immigrant roots and strives to counter pervasive prejudices around the issues of race and immigration. More
FRI, OCT 8
ATLANTIC UNION BANK CENTER
FRI, OCT 8
ATLANTIC UNION BANK CENTER
This one-of-a-kind musical spectacular showcases some of JMU's finest music ensembles and faculty talent. Be ready to stand up and cheer for performances by the Marching Royal Dukes and other JMU ensembles. One of JMU's favorite Family Weekend traditions, this musical celebration is great entertainment for all ages! More
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, Steve Dorff is the master songwriter behind 400 legendary and iconic songs recorded by over 250 artists, including Kenny Roger’s “Through the Years,” Anne Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love Again,” and George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” Dorff performs some of his most beloved songs and shares the stories behind them in this entertaining evening! More
Ballet Hispánico, America’s leading Latino dance organization, is known for highlighting the richness of the Latino culture through a fusion of classical, Latin and contemporary dance, all powered by theatricality, athleticism and passion. Celebrating 50 years, Ballet Hispánico is now led by Eduardo Vilaro, whose bold and compassionate programming reflects our changing social and cultural landscape. More
Experience internationally-acclaimed Latinx pop artist Gina Chavez in concert! A 2020 Latin Grammy nominee for her album La Que Manda (The Woman in Charge), Chavez is a 12-time Austin Music Award winner whose NPR Tiny Desk Concert boasts over 1.2 million views. Her passionate collection of songs traverse cumbia, indie folk, blues, and Latin pop. More
The Amernet is one of today’s exceptional string quartets, praised by The New York Times for its “intelligence” and “immensely satisfying” playing of new music and commissions as well as neglected works of the past. Currently the ensemble-in-residence at Florida International University in Miami, the Amernet will perform with special guest Heather Coltman, JMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. More
With a legendary career spanning several generations, Aretha Franklin possessed powerful vocals that skyrocketed her to international stardom. Musician, vocalist and composer Damien Sneed pays homage to the “Queen of Soul” with fresh takes on her hits like “Respect,” “Knew You Were Waiting,” “Think,” and more! The show features four-time Grammy Award winner Karen Clark Sheard backed by a stellar cast of jazz, soul and gospel musicians and vocalists. More
The King’s Singers has represented the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over 50 years. This class act with a delightfully British wit is unmatched for its “sheer musicality and ability to entertain.” (Times, London) More
An America’s Got Talent: Season 8 finalist, Catapult is the premier shadow dance company in the world and perfect entertainment for the entire family! Be transported to fantastical places and experience heartfelt, humorous stories created simply out of light and the human body. More
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Amsterdam-based Calefax Reed Quintet is acclaimed for its contemporary yet timeless interpretations of classical music. The Times of London has called the group, “five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem (like) the best musical format on the planet." More
Tom Crean (1877–1938), an intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this critically-acclaimed solo performance by Aidan Dooley. Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against the elements of Antarctica, and Dooley’s “words create adventure that’s just as vivid as the special effects in a Hollywood bonanza.” (Variety) More
This special show commemorating the centennial of the birth of jazz giant Dave Brubeck features stories by the Brubeck brothers, video interviews with Dave Brubeck and musicians he influenced, as well as music by the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, “a wondrous combination of swing, melodic majesty, masterful arrangements and a truckload of truly inspirational solos.” (The Seattle Times) More
Learn how ancient and modern stringed instruments have played an integral role in the African and African American communities through folktales, stories and songs by Charlotte Blake Alston. Her “incredible presence and cleverness unifies audiences of all ages.” Renowned jazz violinist, composer and arranger Diane Monroe—whose orchestrations appear on the soundtrack recording for the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood—will illuminate Alston’s stories with her instrumental ingenuity in this performance perfect for the whole family! More
Forbes Center Announces 2021–2022 Masterpiece Season, Returns to In-Person Performances
The Harrisonburg International Festival Named 2021 Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award Winner
