The Center for The Arts in Grass Valley has been signing up more “big name” talent lately: the Smothers Brothers, Chubby Checker, Paula Poundstone, Rickie Lee Jones and Kris Kristofferson.
The ticket prices are high, at least for our area — $50 or more. But most of the shows are selling out — a sign that many people here like their “comfort” entertainment without going over the “hill” to Reno or some other place.
The strategy has helped the Center, which has faced its share of financial woes, begin to turn itself around in the deep, prolonged recession. It comes as The Center is planning a multimillion-dollar renovation, as previously reported.
The plan doesn’t come without road bumps. Rickie Lee Jones’ appearance at The Center earlier this month raised a ruckus. Though not reported in the local media, it was reported extensively on Facebook:
Some people going for bathroom breaks upset Rickie while she was on stage, and she walked off with some expletives, according to attendees’ reports. The diva later returned to finish the show but not before causing some hard feelings. Some sided with Rickie, while others sided with some of the audience members.
It exposed the risks of hiring expensive artists: “fabulously unpredictable,” as one participatant in the discussion put it mildly.
On Saturday night Kris Kristofferson performed at the Veterans Hall. It went smoothly and was well received, according to the “citizen journalist” reports.
“My goodness me Kris Kristofferson was simply superb,” wrote concert promoter Mikail Graham. “Honestly I’m not one to be star struck, and rarely do I even imagine saying much more than hello, but this was different.
“I felt so honored to be able to give him a hug and just say thanks! Darn fine show, and it was the audience could not have been more generous with their love for this truly great American singer/songwriter.”
No kidding. “He knew it was going to be a good show when he got a standing ovation before he even started,” wrote freelance writer Tom Durkin.
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