ON SALE NOW: Legendary Guitarist Robin Trower To Perform at The State 9/24

Incredible guitarist Robin Trower will be bringing some Rock N Roll to The State this September 24th. Trower's legend is massive in the Rock N Roll cannon, and below you will find his bio as well as some videos to help convince you:

Throughout his long and winding solo career, guitarist Robin Trower has had to endure countless comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, due to his uncanny ability to channel Hendrix's bluesy/psychedelic, Fender Strat-fueled playing style. Born on March 9, 1945, in Catford, England, Trower spent the early '60s playing guitar in various London based outfits; the most successful one being the R&B group the Paramounts, who specialized mostly in covers, but managed to issue several singles between 1963 and 1965. It wasn't until 1967 that Trower received his big break however, when he joined Procol Harum. The group had just scored a worldwide smash hit with "A Whiter Shade of Pale," but the only problem was that the band's leader, singer/pianist Gary Brooker, didn't have a proper band to back him. Brooker was previously a bandmate of Trower's in the Paramounts, and offered the guitar slot in his new fast-rising project to his old friend. As a result, Trower appeared on such Procol Harum classics as 1967's Procol Harum, 1968's Shine on Brightly, 1969's A Salty Dog, 1970's Home (which spawned the popular Trower tune "Whiskey Train"), and 1971's Broken Barricades.

While Procol Harum helped launch Trower's career, the guitarist realized there was limited space for his guitar work, and eventually left for a solo career. Enlisting singer/bassist James Dewar and drummer Reg Isidore (who was soon replaced by Bill Lordan) as a backing band, Trower issued his solo debut, Twice Removed From Yesterday, in 1973. The album barely left a dent in the U.S. charts, but that would change soon enough with his next release, 1974's Bridge of Sighs. With rock fans still reeling from Hendrix's death a few years earlier, the album sounded eerily similar to the late guitarist's work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience (especially his 1968 release, Electric Ladyland), and as a result, the album sky rocketed into the U.S. Top Ten, peaking at number seven.

Although Bridge of Sighs was to be his most popular solo release, Trower's stock continued to rise throughout the mid-'70s, as he became an arena headliner on the strength of such hit albums as 1975's For Earth Below, 1976's Robin Trower Live!, and Long Misty Days, plus 1977's In City Dreams. Further releases followed, yet by the dawn of the '80s, it became quite obvious that Trower's star was rapidly fading, as each album sold less than its predecessor. A brief union with ex-Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce spawned a pair of releases, 1981's B.L.T. and 1982's Truce, before Trower returned back to his solo career [yahoo].

Tickets for Robin Trower's September 24th performance at The State Theatre ARE ON SALE NOW and are going for $35. Tickets will be available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. Keep checking back to The State Theatre Blog for more info on these show as we get closer to the event. Hope to see you there!

ON SALE NOW: Melody Gardot Returns to The State June 25th

Melody Gardot will be returning her unique sound to The State this June 25th. The jazz-vocalist Gardot is incredibly talented and below you will find her amazing bio as well as some videos of her performing:

The story of vocalist Melody Gardot is as remarkable as any who perseveres against abject adversity. Born in New Jersey in 1985, she took up piano and played as a youngster on the nightclub scene of Philadelphia, influenced by jazz, folk, rock and pop musics. At age 19 she was a fashion student at the Community College Of Philadelphia. But, on a fateful day, while riding her bicycle, the driver of a Jeep made an illegal turn, hurdling into Gardot and leaving her in the street for dead. Hospitalized for months with multiple head injuries and pelvic fractures, her love for music was the best therapy she could receive. While in her hospital bed, she wrote and recorded songs that would become the EP "Some Lessons." Upon her eventual release from intensive care, Gardot found the strength and determination to further her career as an artist. Blessed with a beautiful voice and grand insight as a songwriter, her cognitive powers slowly but surely became pronounced, leading to the independent recording and release of her debut CD, "Worrisome Heart," which was reissued in 2007 by Verve records. Her music could be described as a cross between Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy and Shania Twain, but goes deeper than mere pop convention. Gardot is hypersensitive to light and noise, thus she wears dark glasses, and uses a cane to walk. On stage she requires a special seating unit, and wears a Transcutaneous Electro-Nerve Stimulator, a TENS device, to assist in alleviating her neuralgic muscle pain. As amazing as her story is, what is more evident is that she possesses a blue style and persona that reflects not only her afflictions, but conversely the hope and joy of making personalized music that marks her as an individual and original. Though touring is difficult, she has been performing in major cities on the East Coast to support her recordings [billboard]





Tickets for Melody Gardot's June 25th performance at The State Theatre ARE ON SALE NOW and are only going for $23. Tickets will be available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. Keep checking back to The State Theatre Blog for more info on these show as we get closer to the event. Hope to see you there!

ON SALE NOW: Judy Collins to Perform at The State 12/18

This December 12/18 Judy Collins will perform at The State. Collins who has been in and around the music scene for over 40 years. Below you can find a biography and some videos about Judy Collins:

Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 40 years. At 13, Judy Collins made her public debut performing Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos" but it was the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival, that sparked Judy Collins' love of lyrics. She soon moved away from the classical piano and began her lifelong love with the guitar. In 1961, Judy Collins released her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, at the age of 22 and began a thirty-five year association with Jac Holzman and Elektra Records.

Judy Collins is also noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her classic 1967 album, Wildflowers. "Both Sides Now" has since been entered into the Grammy's Hall of Fame. Winning "Song of the Year" at the 1975 Grammy's Awards show was Judy's version of "Send in the Clowns," a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical "A Little Night Music."

Released on September 29th, Judy's new book, Sanity and Grace, A Journey of Suicide, Survival and Strength, is a deeply moving memoir, focusing on the death of her only son and the healing process following the tragedy. The book speaks to all who have endured the sorrow of losing a loved one before their time. In the depths of her suffering, Judy found relief by reaching out to others for help and support. Now, she extends her hand to comfort other survivors whose lives have been affected by similar tragedy.

In a recent appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, Judy performed "Wings of Angels," the heartbreaking ballad that she wrote about the loss of her son. The song is currently available on the newly released Judy Collins Wildflower Festival CD and DVD, which also feature guest artists Arlo Guthrie, Tom Rush and Eric Andersen. This extraordinary concert was filmed at the famed Humphrey's By the Bay in San Diego, CA. The concert was the culmination of a 25 city national tour.

Judy Collins continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart [source].

Tickets for Judy Collins December 18th performance at The State Theatre ARE ON SALE NOW and are only going for $40. Tickets will be available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. Hope to see you there!

ON SALE NOW: Menopause The Musical Hitting The State This July & August

Coming July 28th The State Theatre is proud to welcome Menopause The Musical for an astounding eight shows over six days. Here is a write up from the Show's original website about the musical written by Jeanie Linders:

Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale. The all-female cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer The Silent Passage! It is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal!

Menopause The Musical has entertained audiences across the country in more than 250 US cities as well as internationally in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea and United Kingdom. Women of all ages and stages find their spirits lifted by the show’s light-hearted look at menopause. It is estimated that nearly 11 million women in 13 countries have attended a performance since the show’s opening in Orlando, Florida, in 2001.

The reviews for Menopause The Musical have been extremely positive as well. Leslie Fischer at chicagocritic.com recommends you "bring the waterproof mascara because you’ll laugh so hard, you’ll cry. With humor and compassion, writer, producer and lyricist Jeanie Linders has captured the experiences of Every woman in her 40s and 50s." In addition to more glowing reviews which you can find here and here you can check out a couple videos from the show below as well:


Tickets for Menopause The Musical are on sale NOW both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box office as well. Tickets are going for $40, $37 for Students and Seniors, and $25. More info about this show is yet to come as we get closer to the show.

The State Starts Serving Alcohol: Daily Collegian Article

In 3/4 Daily Collegian there was an article all about The State's now available alcoholic beverage service for select shows. On Monday 3/2 The State began serving beer and wine and this weekend sales will also include liquor. To the read the article from 3/4 Daily Collegian click HERE.

The Penn State film Festival Returns to The State April 25th

Saturday April 25th The State welcomes back The Penn State Student Film Festival. The always extremely popular event (sold out The State the last two years) is set to show students film at 7:00 PM. Below you will find detailed info about the event:

Founded and organized by the Penn State Student Film Organization, it is a juried student film festival open to all Penn State students, which showcases and premieres student films produced at Penn State University during the 2008-2009 academic year. The judging panel will be comprised of professionals, alumni, faculty and graduate students who demonstrate expertise in at least one of the following areas: film & video production, media or cultural studies, music, creative writing, and the arts.

Approximately 45 films are submitted each year, with 12-15 selected for the festival. Many different genres of films are screened including narrative, documentary, experimental and animation. Selected films will also be screened through Penn State On-Demand over the following year. A DVD compilation of the festival films will be available for sale at the festival. Additionally, there will be a VIP reception for film students, parents, faculty and alumni following the festival in the reception area in the State Theatre.

The Penn State Student Film Festival is set for Saturday April 25th at 7:00 PM at The State. Tickets are going for $7 and are available or purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time as the festival will likely sell out! See you there!

Penn State's Whiplash Dance Team coming to The State Friday 4/24

The Whiplash Dance Team was formed on November 18, 2000. Today, the team consists of a group of 18 Penn State undergraduate students who are trained in all styles of dance and specialize in hip-hop. Whiplash is a high energy group that is asked to perform at many college and community events such as Thon, the Penn State homecoming parade and pep-rally, PSU men’s and women’s basketball games, and many other local fundraisers. Each year, Whiplash has hundreds of dance students interested in joining the team. However, after a rigorous audition process, they can only add approximately 5 new members per year.

Their annual spring show highlights the many talents of its members. This year there will be pieces in the following genres: hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, tap and lyrical. There will be three guest performances featured in this year’s show. Please join the Whiplash Dance Team for an evening of art and entertainment

Tickets for April 24th performance of Penn State's Whiplash Dance Team are on sale now and are going for $7 for students and $12 for everyone else. Tickets are available both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office, and we hope to see you there April 24th.

ON SALE NOW: CURSIVE WITH MAN MAN to Rock The State May 4th

**UPDATE**
IN TODAY'S 3/26 DAILY COLLEGIAN THERE IS A COOL ARTICLE ABOUT THE CURSIVE WITH MAN MAN SHOW TO WHICH TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!!!! CHECK THE ARTICLE OUT HERE!

May 4th not only marks the first day of finals week for students, but it also brings popular indie rock artists Cursive and Man Man to The State Theatre. Below you will info on both bands as well as videos for each:

CURSIVE:

Ever since Cursive burst onto the music scene with their 1997 debut album, the band has consistently and continually churned out heady albums heralded by critics and fans alike. Wrestling with life’s miseries and mysteries, Mama, I’m Swollen is an album brimming with the universal, questioning the human condition, social morality, and the ‘Peter Pan Syndrome’ of grown men.

After the underground success of their third album, Cursive’s Domestica, in 2000, the band followed up with what would prove to be their breakthrough album, The Ugly Organ, in 2003. A self-aware conceptual record about artistic constraints (or lack thereof), relationships, sex, and the intersection of all three, it landed them on the Arts section cover of The New York Times and accolades from Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Blender, Magnet, Esquire, and Spin – as well as a place on many year-end best lists. Cursive spent the next year and a half touring the album relentlessly, headlining the Plea For Peace tour and playing Coachella before being handpicked by The Cure for their Curiosa tour in late 2004.

Conceived together in intermittent rehearsals as the band is now spread out across the west and Midwest (Kasher and Compton live in Los Angeles, CA; Maginn in Columbia, MO; and Stevens in Omaha, NE), they road-tested and refined the new material for Mama, I’m Swollen [Cursive's 2009 release] largely via a few shows this past spring and summer.

MAN MAN:

Man Man is an experimental band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their musical style has been described as Viking-vaudeville, manic Gypsy jazz.[1] Man Man is known for their exuberant live performances. When performing, the members of the band dress in white outfits and wear war paint. The band uses pseudonyms—the frontman is Honus Honus, and its other members are Sergei Sogay, Pow Pow, Critter Crat (formerly known as "Cougar"), and Chang Wang. Prior to settling on Man Man, the band was named Gamelon and briefly Magic Blood.

Man Man is known for their multi instrumental style that centers on the piano playing of lead singer Honus Honus accompanied by the singing and wide variety of other instruments played by the rest of the band. On recordings, Honus usually plays a honky tonk style piano but during the live shows he uses a Rhodes Piano. Other instruments played by the rest of the band include a clavinet, microKORG, sousaphone, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, flute, drum set, euphonium, Fender Jazz Bass, Danelectro guitar, xylophone, marimba, melodica and various percussive instruments including pots and pans and toy noise makers and horns.






Tickets ON SALE NOW for Cursive with Man Man's May 4th show at 8:00 PM! Don't miss your chance to see two critically acclaimed indie rock acts right here in State College. All tickets are going for $19 and are available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. Keep checking back to The State Theatre Blog for more info on these show as we get closer to the event. Hope to see you there!

Two Lovers Now Playing at The State

Two Lover is now playing at The State and below you will find a synopsis as well as a trailer for the film:


Two Lovers is a romantic drama set in New York City. It tells the story of Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix), an attractive but depressed young man who moves back in with his parents following a recent heartbreak. An aspiring photographer, Leonard works part-time at his father's dry-cleaners. His concerned parents try to set him up with Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), the sweet and caring daughter of a close family friend. A big family dinner serves as their introduction and Leonard arranges to see her again. Then late one night Leonard looks out his bedroom window and notices a ravishing young woman he's never seen before. Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow) recently moved into an apartment in his family's building - an apartment paid for by the wealthy married man she's seeing.

Two Lovers is currently playing at The State through 4/16 everyday at 7:00 & 9:30 PM with an additional 4:00 PM show on Wednesday 4/15. Tickets are going for $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors and are available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. See you there!

The Class Now Playing at The State

The film The Class is now playing at The State through 4/30. Below you will find a trailer for The Class as well as a short plot summary:


François and his fellow teachers prepare for a new year at a high school in a tough neighborhood. Armed with the best intentions, they brace themselves to not let discouragement stop them from trying to give the best education to their students. Cultures and attitudes often clash in the classroom, a microcosm of contemporary France. As amusing and inspiring as the teen aged students can be, their difficult behavior can still jeopardize any teacher's enthusiasm for the low-paying job.

François insists on an atmosphere of respect and diligence. Neither stuffy nor severe, his extravagant frankness often takes the students by surprise. But his classroom ethics are put to the test when his students begin to challenge his methods...

The Class is now playing at The State with showtimes listed HERE. Tickets are going for $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors and are available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. See you there!

AMOS LEE to Perform at The State THIS WEDNESDAY April 29th!

Just announced earlier this week, Amos Lee will preforming at The State Theatre this April 29th at 8:00 PM. In case you don't know much about Amos Lee, just look below for a bio as well as some videos of him preforming:

Singer/songwriter Amos Lee draws inspiration from such soul and folk artists of the '70s as Bill Withers, John Prine, Neil Young, and James Taylor. The Philadelphia native first became serious about performing while attending the University of South Carolina during the mid-'90s. After graduating, the English major taught elementary school before deciding to pursue a music career full-time. A period of waiting tables and bartending followed as Lee honed his songwriting skills. Eventually, he landed some high-profile opening-slot gigs including an extended tour with pianist/vocalist Norah Jones. He released his eponymous debut album on Blue Note in 2005. Supply And Demand followed in 2006.






Tickets for Amos Lee's April 29th 8:00 PM show go on sale this Friday 3/20! Don't miss your chance to see a talented newcomer in the singer/songwriter genre right here in State College. Tickets are going for $20 for students and $25 for everyone else and are available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. Keep checking back to The State Theatre Blog for more info on these show as we get closer to the event. Hope to see you there!

Saturday 4/18 at 7:00PM Come to The State for 'Rock Out For Reading'

This Saturday 4/18 at 7:00 PM The State is proud to welcome the benefit event entitled 'Rock Out For Reading.' Below you will find in depth info about the show in which tickets are only going for $7!

The students of English 202 Honors are proud to host a variety of local artists in the State Theatre’s attic to benefit CIU #10 Development Center for Adults. All proceeds will go towards their graduation ceremony in May, purchasing academic regalia and sponsoring scholarships for the graduates.

Paul Barsom
Paul Barsom is both a performer/songwriter and a composer of concert music. Barsom’s songs are rooted in pop and progressive rock and rely upon poetry, lyrical melody and multiple influences for their effect. At first a rock bassist, he began writing songs as a teenage band member. The discovery of Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka in his grandmother’s record collection at age 15 led him to the world of classical concert music and his eventual profession as a university professor. After a twenty-year absence from songwriting, he wrote two dozen while on sabbatical leave and is currently arranging, performing and recording them.
As a classical composer, his music is performed throughout the United States and abroad. He holds graduate degrees in composition from the Eastman School of Music and his composition teachers include Joseph Schwantner, Christopher Rouse, Warren Benson, John Corigliano, Jacob Druckman, Robert Morris, Robert Muczynski and Samuel Adler. His composition output includes orchestral, choral and chamber music. He is the recipient of awards, grants and fellowships from such organizations as Meet the Composer, ASCAP, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The National Association of Composers USA, The American Music Center, Alea III and the Eastman School of Music. He teaches composition and electronic music at The Pennsylvania State University and his interests include all genres of popular and world music, which figure prominently in his composition and teaching. His works are published by Ringing Change Music and by Lyceum Press.

http://www.myspace.com/barsomusic

Joel Dobbins
Joel Dobbins is an eclectic artist who balances simple, substantial lyrics with catchy, well-crafted music, resulting in a fresh listening experience song after song. His most recent album "Unreal" from November 2008 is for sale online and wherever he happens to be playing, and his next album is due to be released digitally this month. His favorite instruments to perform with are his acoustic guitar and occasionally piano. Dobbins already has a repertoire of about 150 songs but his favorite part about being a musician isn’t writing songs but performing live.

http://www.joeldobbins.com

The Whatleys (acoustic)
Lead Guitar/Vocals: Eddie Fraud
Bass/Screams: Steve LP
Drums: Jim Whatley
Guitar/Vocals: TJ Fadehawk
Rhythm Guitar/Vocals: Hiro McWhatley

Ready to perform anywhere, The Whatleys leave the half-stacks at home and grab acoustic guitars for more intimate venues.
The Whatleys have created a fusion of hardcore and raucous punk rock that recalls the energy and simplicity of old school punk. The band has combined amped-up arrangements of traditional hardcore folk songs including ‘Nervous Breakdown (Black Flag)’ and ‘We’re Only Gonna Die (Bad Religion)’ with anthemic original compositions such as ‘Doug’s Not a Cop’ and ‘When You’re Gone' from their debut album “Re-Inventing Whatley Crue.” Their songs bristle with the power of overdriven electric guitars, the beauty of three part harmonies and the sparkle of broken guitars all layered on top of thumping drums and booming bass.

http://www.myspace.com/whatleyspunk


Tyler Wagner
http://www.myspace.com/boyandthebandwagner

'Rock Out For Rock' is this Saturday 4/18 at 7:00 PM and tickets are going for only $7, and are available for purchase both ONLINE and at The State Theatre Box Office. See you there!

Friday 4/17: Community Read 2009: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

This Friday 4/17 at 7:00 PM The State is offering a FREE reading with Author Marilynne Robinson. All the information about the reading is found below. Hope to see you there

Presented by the Penn State Center for American Literary Studies, in partnership with the English Department and the Institute for the Arts and Humanities

Following a number of discussion sessions of the novel throughout the spring semester, author Marilynne Robinson will give a public lecture about her award-winning novel Housekeeping. The story is set in Fingerbone, Idaho, sometime in the last 100 years. To say that it is about two weird sisters in a lake town only begins to suggest the novel's haunting, lyrical pleasures. In Housekeeping we see the movement of three generations of women in and around sod houses, glacial lakes, trains, and automobiles. The story has an unexpected brutalism, one that captures modernity's effects on the obscure corners of North America: individuals can too easily lose themselves, or become transient, in modern society.
The full calendar of events, including all discussion sessions leading up to "An Evening with Marilynne Robinson," can be found at http://www.cals.psu.edu/events/community-read-09.shtml. Please contact Hester Blum at hester.blum@psu.edu or 865-0011 for more information.


THIS IS A FREE EVENT AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE STATE THEATRE BOX OFFICE ONLY!