Clemson University’s Brooks Center is celebrating its 30th season in stellar fashion, spotlighting performances such as the Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy, the jukebox musical “Cher Show,” and a tribute to Aretha Franklin called “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” — among a dozen other events.
The celebrated men’s vocal ensemble Chanticleer returns to the Brooks Center while several other shows will take the stage for the first time, including the acrobatic troupe Cirque Kalabanté, the ballet company Collage Dance Collective, and the unique Vitamin String Quartet which plays, among other things, arrangements of Taylor Swift tunes.
“We have a lot of amazing artists coming next season,” said Janice Crews, the Brooks Center’s executive director. “I’m really proud of the diverse lineup of programming and artists. There really is something for everyone.”
A personal favorite of the 2024-25 season for Crews is the Oct. 15 performance by jazz singer Samara Joy, a three-time Grammy Award winner, including for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Album.
“She is the hottest jazz artist in the world right now,” Crews said.
Joy’s performance will follow shortly after the release of a new album in September.
Among other highlights are a Jazz from Lincoln Center production of New Orleans music with a Mardi Gras theme — to be performed on Mardi Gras night, March 4.
Crews said Clemson University students are looking forward to the Vitamin String Quartet, which will feature music by Taylor Swift and from the TV series Bridgerton. Clemson has a Taylor Swift-fan club that numbers upwards of 700 Swifties, Crews said.
Crews also is especially excited about the season-closer, “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”
“This is a high-level, amazing tribute to Aretha Franklin,” Crews said. “It’s going to be a blast, a great way to end the season.”
Meanwhile, the Utsey Series of admission-free classical music concerts returns for its 38th year. Lillian “Mickey” Harder, who founded the series, continues to schedule and host the programs.
Dozens of student performances — including plays, and choral and instrumental music — are scheduled throughout the year as well.
Performances on the Brooks Center’s Boni Belle Brooks Series include:
Sept. 20, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. This large brass ensemble, which began on the streets of New Orleans, breaks down the barriers between genres, featuring music by Bach, Sousa, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.
Oct. 1, Cirque Kalabanté. Acrobats execute gravity-defying moves accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz.
Oct. 15, Samara Joy. Just 24 years old, Bronx native Samara Joy has positioned herself as the heir apparent to such great jazz artists as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. She’ll be backed by a seven-piece band.
Nov. 10, “The Cher Show: A New Musical.” Three actresses play Cher in this bio-musical that features 35 of the pop legend’s big hits.
Dec. 1, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. Imagine a remote farmhouse in west Ireland on the night before Christmas. Neighboring families get together to share traditional Irish carols and spirited Irish dance.
Jan. 17, Chanticleer. The men’s vocal ensemble is known for embracing a wide variety of repertoire, from Renaissance to jazz, gospel and pop.
Feb. 7, Vitamin String Quartet. The unique quartet plays the music of Taylor Swift and other selections.
Feb. 13, Collage Dance Collective. In an admission-free evening, the Memphis-based dance ensemble will perform “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” a neoclassical ballet based on the book by Zora Neale Hurston, and “Rise,” set to the iconic “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
March 4, New Orleans Songbook: A Jazz at Lincoln Center production. Two vocalists and a jazz combo present a Mardi Gras celebration of New Orleans music on Mardi Gras.
March 28, “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” A live band and supreme vocalists celebrate the music of Aretha Franklin through dozens of the Queen of Soul’s hits.
The programs on the admission-free Utsey Series are:
Sept. 26, Borromeo/Verona Octet. Two well-known string quartets combine to perform octet music by Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and Enescu. The Borromeo Quartet actually played at the Brooks Center during its first season 30 years ago.
Oct. 29, Windsync. The wind quintet is known for its versatility and lively engagement with the audience.
Jan. 30, Merz Trio. The three musicians perform classical works as well as their own arrangement of familiar and forgotten works.
April 1, Clayton Stephenson. The young pianist has been called “a remarkable virtuoso” by classical music magazine Gramophone.
Want to go?
What: The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University, 2024-25 season
Tickets and info: 864-656-7787 or clemson.edu/brooks
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