Rochester Opera House

ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL
(June 13-30)

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The story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is a captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Show Credits

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, June 20 (7:30pm)
Friday, June 21 (7:30pm)
Saturday, June 22 (2 & 7:30pm)
Sunday, June 23 (5pm)
Friday, June 28 (7:30pm)
Saturday, June 29 (2 & 7:30pm)
Sunday, June 30 (5pm)

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FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA
(July 5-21)

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Presented by: PerSeverance Productions
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PerSeverance Productions presents From Sea to Shining Sea, an original USO style musical comedy review covering the years of WWI, WWII and the Viet Nam War. While our great country fights through turmoil in 2019, Sea is an opportunity to sit back and celebrate the nostalgia and glory of the American experience through classic song, dance and comedy. So come on, Bill Bailey, Pack up Your Troubles and join us on a Sentimental Journey through America the Beautiful!

Performance Schedule:
Wednesday, July 3 (7:30pm) GET TICKETS
Friday, July 5 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 6 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 7 (5pm)
Thursday, July 11 (7:30pm)
Friday, July 12 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 13 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 14 (5pm)
Thursday, July 18 (7:30pm)
Friday, July 19 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 20 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 21 (5pm)

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PIRATES OF PENZANCE
(July 25 - August 11)

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Presented by: PerSeverance Productions
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The Pirates of Penzance is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved operettas, filled with hilarious lyrics and brilliant musical craftsmanship. Following their trip to Rome and A Funny Thing Happened at the Forum last summer, the whacky team at PerSeverance Productions is back for more comic mayhem and hijinks on the high seas. Join a crew of lovable pirates, a bevy of beautiful maidens, and a nervous band of policemen for this delicious musical comedy treat!

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, July 25 (7:30pm) GET TICKETS
Friday, July 26 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 27 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 28 (5pm)
Thursday, August 1 (7:30pm)
Friday, August 2 (7:30pm)
Saturday, August 3 (7:30pm)
Sunday, August 4 (5pm)
Thursday, August 8 (7:30pm)
Friday, August 9 (7:30pm)
Saturday, August 10 (7:30pm)
Sunday, August 11 (5pm)

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JOHN MAYALL
Friday, August 16 (8pm)

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Often referred to as "The Godfather of British Blues," John Mayall has an impressive musical career that spans over 50 years. The English blues singer, pianist, harmonica player, guitarist, and songwriter founded the band, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s -- a band whose members included many celebrated blues and blues rock guitarists, such as: Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya and Buddy Whittington.

Mayall then made his permanent move from England to Los Angeles in 1969 and began forming bands with American musicians. Throughout the next three decades, Mayall became further revered for his many jazz/rock/blues innovations featuring such notable performers as Blue Mitchell, Red Holloway, Larry Taylor, and Harvey Mandel. Mayall's popularity continued with a succession of dynamic albums including the Grammy-nominated "Wake Up Call" that featured guest artists Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Albert Collins and Mick Taylor.

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ALMOST QUEEN (QUEEN TRIBUTE)
Saturday, August 17 (8pm)

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Reserved dance floor seating on the orchestra floor and reserved theatre seating in the balcony
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The most authentic QUEEN live show since the days of QUEEN themselves. A deliberate four piece band, Almost Queen delivers a live performance showcasing signature four part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the ultimate Queen experience. Hear your all time favorite hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody To Love, Don't Stop Me Now, Killer Queen, We Will Rock You, Now I'm Here, Another One Bites The Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and many more. Band Members include Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor.

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MOTOR BOOTY AFFAIR
Friday, August 23 (8pm)

DANCE PARTY
This performance will be filmed for promotional purposes
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Motor Booty Affair has been lighting up stages across America with their 70’s extravaganza. The music is infectious - the most danceable songs of all time. The band is tighter than tight, delivering dance floor classics with confidence, groove, style and attitude. The show is spectacular – from the Afros, bell-bottoms, platform shoes, polyester and dance moves, to the highest quality sound and light show this side of 1975. Motor Booty Affair consists of four funkateers straight from the planet Funktar: Super Fly, Spanish Fly, Vinnie Boom-Boom Funktonio and Cyclone Link Skywalker Jr. Their mission is to get the crowd groovin’ as they deliver hits from Earth, Wind and Fire, The Bee Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, Chic, The Commodores, Barry White, Abba and more! The floor is flat, so there’s plenty of space to get funky!

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BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
Saturday, September 14 (8pm)

SPECIAL EVENT
Sponsored by: Rochester Self Storage
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For over four decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. Blue Öyster Cult occupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. BÖC's canon includes three stone-cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: The truly haunting (Don't Fear) The Reaper from 1976's Agents of Fortune, the pummeling Godzilla and the hypnotically melodic Burnin' for You from 1981's Fire of Unknown Origin. Other notable BÖC songs include Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll, Then Came the Last Days of May, I Love the Night, In Thee, Veteran of the Psychic Wars, Dominance and Submission, Astronomy, Black Blade and Shooting Shark. The intense creative vision of BÖC's original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom are complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Danny Miranda, and drummer Jules Radino.

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FULL MOON FEVER (TOM PETTY TRIBUTE)
Thursday, September 19 (8pm)

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Rock and Roll hall of famers Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers gave us some of the 20th century’s most memorable rock hits. For over a decade, Toronto-based band Full Moon Fever has brought these songs to crowds across North America.

In The Music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Full Moon Fever (America’s premier Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute) brings to life an energetic and ultra-realistic performance of the legendary rock band. As the most authentic and professional Tom Petty tribute band on tour today, Full Moon Fever features an amazing recreation of an actual live Petty concert. You’ll experience the classic sounds of the Rickenbacker guitar, those pitch-perfect harmonies, and the straightforward rock and undeniable raw energy that has come to define the live show of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

This dynamic tribute band truly delivers on their goal of taking you to that same special place. From classics such as American Girl, Refugee, and Breakdown to fan favorites such as Mary Jane’s Last Dance, I Won’t Back Down, and Free Fallin’, Full Moon Fever captures these songs with remarkable poignancy and turns them into an unforgettable live experience!

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PHIL VASSAR
Friday, September 27 (8pm)

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Phil Vassar is celebrating 20 years of chart-topping hits and is taking them on the road with his "Hitsteria Tour". His reign of signature songs include 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including Carlene, Just Another Day in Paradise, Six-Pack Summer, When I Love You, and many more. Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of six albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country. Vassar's songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own with Arista in 1998 and was named ASCAP's Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999. Vassar continues to churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.

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ROCHESTER PORCHFEST 2019
Sunday, September 29 (12-5pm)

SPECIAL EVENT
A Benefit for Music, Dance, and Theatre Scholarships
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PorchFest is a FREE outdoor music festival featuring more than 30 bands of all genres! Bands are placed on outdoor stages throughout the town and attendees can walk around and hear a little bit of everything. We’ll also have a few food trucks and vendors at the Union Street parking lot. Participating restaurants and shops will be offering specials and discounts to attendees wearing all-access bracelets. The all-access pass also gives you access to the after party. You don't want to miss this incredible live music event — There’s something for everyone at Rochester PorchFest!

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THE WAILERS
Friday, October 4 (8pm)

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The legendary Wailers continue their quest to bring reggae to the forefront of the world's stage. Led by renowned bassist and founder Aston "Familyman" Barrett, and joined by original Wailers guitarist Donald Kinsey, The Wailers give audiences around the globe the opportunity to experience their unique and innovative sound. From 1972 to 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers recorded, toured, and performed before countless millions worldwide. Since 1981, Familyman has carried on the mission to "keep The Wailers together" - just as Bob requested.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the album Survival as the band plays that album in its entirety plus other classics.

Since Bob Marley’s untimely passing in 1981, Familyman vowed to keep a promise he made to his leader and friend – that he would hold the band together and maintain the music’s quality, to “keep me [Bob Marley] alive through music.” The message is still Burnin’, the Exodus of Jah people continues, Uprising and Survival remain the call to fans. The incomparable Wailers are coming to Babylon by Bus, to rock the stage, to bring the magic and message of Roots Rasta Reggae. It’s a Rastaman Vibration: a slice of music history you must not miss.

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FOREIGNERS JOURNEY (FOREIGNER/JOURNEY TRIBUTE)
Saturday, October 12 (8pm)

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This amazing show brings together the incredible sounds of two of rock’s greatest arena bands of the 80’s – Foreigner & Journey. Experience the rock ballads Faithfully, Waiting for a Girl Like You, and Open Arms, along with rock classics Cold As Ice, Urgent, Hot Blooded, Feels Like The First Time, Jukebox Hero, Separate Ways, Don’t Stop Believin’, Anyway You Want It… and so much more! All performed as the originals were, in their original key and pitch!

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DIRTY DEEDS (AC/DC TRIBUTE)
Saturday, November 2 (8pm)

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Dirty Deeds, The AC/DC Experience out of Boston, MA, has been touring the country for over 20 years bringing forth their high energy and wildly entertaining tribute to one of the world’s best rock bands, AC/DC! Dirty Deeds' performance revisits all of the timeless AC/DC hits along with a theatrical ride through rock n’ roll history bringing you back to the early music that was at the roots of AC/DC’s rise to stardom. Earning a reputation for their attention to detail and passion for AC/DC, Dirty Deeds The AC/DC Experience recreates the exact sound of AC/DC by performing the songs authentically note for note along with capturing the unique and exact tone that the super group has come to be known for.

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AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH JOHN HIATT
Wednesday, November 6 (8pm)

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John Hiatt, an American singer-songwriter and musician, has played a variety of musical styles, including new wave, blues, and country. Nominated for nine Grammy Awards, he is one of the most respected and influential American singer-songwriters.

Called by the Los Angeles Times, “one of rock’s most astute singer-songwriters of the last 40 years,” he is a master lyricist and satirical storyteller who weaves hidden plot twists into fictional tales ranging in topics including redemption, relationships, growing older and surrendering, on his terms.

The songs are still very much there. And The Eclipse Sessions, his newest collection, offers up his strongest set of ‘em in years. Long celebrated as a skilled storyteller and keen observer of life’s twists and turns, Hiatt can get at the heart of a knotty emotion or a moment in time with just a sharp, incisive lyric or witty turn of phrase. And the 11 tracks presented in his newest collection, from the breezy opener “Cry to Me,” to the stark “Nothing in My Heart,” the lost-love lamentation “Aces Up Your Sleeve” to the rollicking “Poor Imitation of God,” demonstrate that the singer-songwriter, now 66, is only getting better with age, his guitar playing more rugged and rootsy, his words wiser and more wry.

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EAGLEMANIA (WORLD'S GREATEST EAGLES TRIBUTE)
Friday, November 8 (8pm)

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Back by popular demand! Eaglemania has evolved into a nationally touring tribute to The Eagles, performing to sold out audiences everywhere they go. Their music appeals to a wide variety of age groups, and the combination of heartfelt ballads, rock anthems laden with guitar harmonies, and the unmistakable sound of vocal harmonies as only the Eagles can do, has propelled the band for the past 40-plus years, positioning them as one of the most successful and popular bands in music history. Eaglemania performs all of the hits of the Eagles, as well as Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh’s solo albums. Their attention to detail and their ability to reproduce the Eagles exactly leaves their fans with an experience that they do not soon forget. People often remark that if they closed their eyes, they would think they were listening to the actual Eagles live in concert. The band consists of an ensemble of veteran musicians whose goal is to faithfully reproduce the Eagle’s repertoire, music they love to sing and play, always committed to giving their audience a perfect show every time they take the stage.

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STAYIN' ALIVE (BEE GEES TRIBUTE)
Friday, November 22 (8pm)

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STAYIN' ALIVE offers the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees play list, singing blockbusters such as Night Fever, Jive Talkin', How Deep Is Your Love, You Should Be Dancing, Nights on Broadway, and Stayin' Alive. In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as I Started a Joke, Massachusetts, Fanny Be Tender, Words, and To Love Somebody among other great hits.

STAYIN' ALIVE is the largest and most definitive production of its kind, offering big screen video clips, photos and dazzling imagery. STAYIN' ALIVE is the quintessential tribute band to the Bee Gees, capturing the excitement of live performance and the tender subtleties of the human voice!

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EILEEN IVERS: A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
Saturday, November 30 (8pm)

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Sponsored by: State Farm Insurance - Peggy Lynch Agency
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It's the most wonderful time of the year! For more than twenty years, Eileen and the band have been celebrating the glorious story of Christmas thoughtfully, uniquely and with pure unbridled joy! Eileen’s Irish and American roots shine through the evening’s music, beautifully mixing traditional, story-filled folk, age-old Wren Day songs, a jig-ified Bach, fiddle looping, and of course foot stomping and hollering roots music. Eileen and the ensemble’s twenty instruments and voices weave throughout the evening coupled with Ivers’ signature warmth, inviting listeners in for a tuneful, soulful celebration capturing the true spirit of the season rejoicing in the traditional story of Christmas.

Grammy awarded, Emmy nominated, London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, guest starred with over 50 orchestras, original Musical Star of Riverdance, Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Sting, Hall and Oates, The Chieftains, 'Fiddlers 3' with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Regina Carter, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola, Steve Gadd, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, movie soundtracks including “Gangs of New York”, performed for Presidents and Royalty worldwide…this is a short list of accomplishments, headliners, tours, and affiliations. Fiddler Eileen Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today.

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THE SPIRIT OF JOHNNY CASH
Friday, March 13 (8pm)

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This is what country music is all about – the music of Johnny Cash. Harold Ford is incredible as Johnny Cash. He sings and looks exactly like the man in black – and it comes naturally. Accompanied by the Red Hot Cash Band, an extraordinarily talented team of musicians, The Spirit of Johnny Cash recreates the music that made Johnny Cash country music’s most iconic performer.

The spirit of Johnny Cash emanates through tribute artist Harold Ford with his deep baritone and striking resemblance to the country music icon. In this incredible recreation of Johnny Cash in Concert, you’ll hear many of Cash’s greatest hits, including Folsom Prison Blues, I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Jackson, and many more. The performance also features great songs by The Highwaymen, a project that featured Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, as well as Carter Family tunes. Audiences are mesmerized by the stage presence and charisma reminiscent of Johnny Cash performing at the Grand Ole Opry.

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THE CORVETTES DOO WOP REVUE
Friday, June 5 (8pm)

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Returning by popular demand, The Corvettes Doo Wop Revue is not just a concert, it’s an all-out Doo Wop celebration! Dedicated to preserving and performing the greatest music ever made – the music of the 1950’s Doo Wop era – The Corvettes fresh new energy, incredibly entertaining show and comical stage antics leave happy audiences screaming for more! Cruise back in time to reminisce with Come Go with Me, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ on, In the Still of the Night, Earth Angel, Sea Cruise, At the Hop, Runaround Sue, and many, many more!

In addition to performing their own outstanding concerts, The Corvettes have toured with many legendary Doo Wop groups including The Drifters, The Tokens, Danny & The Juniors, The Platters, The Coasters, The Marvelettes, the Shirelles and many more.

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