For Immediate Release Contact: Becki Gervin, 408.961.

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Jan. 25, 2010 bgervin@montalvoarts.org

Montalvo Arts Center Announces the Spring Carriage House Concert Series

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a Tribute to Koko Taylor, Anoushka Shankar and American Idol
Alums highlight the exciting spring season

SARATOGA, Calif. – Montalvo Arts Center announces the line-up for its Spring Carriage House
Concert Series, which kicks off on March 10 with the internationally renowned Ladysmith Black
Mambazo. This season, Montalvo offers a wide range of musical genres in the Carriage House
Theatre – from world music to a tribute to the “queen of blues” to finalists from the hit show American
Idol and more. Season highlights include HAPA, “the most successful Hawaiian music group in
recent history” (The New York Times); the soulful Richie Havens; and the Asia America Youth
Orchestra directed by David Benoit. See full season listing below.

“Following on the heels of a successful fall and winter concert season, the Spring Concert Series is
compelling, diverse and showcases artists who will appeal to many musical tastes,” said Angela
McConnell, executive director of Montalvo. “Montalvo’s year-round concert schedule makes our
venue distinct and we look forward to seeing our loyal audience – and some new faces – here this
spring.”

Montalvo’s spring performances are held in the intimate, 300-seat Carriage House Theatre, with
excellent sight lines from all seats. A favorite Montalvo venue, it provides a rare opportunity for
audience members to feel truly connected to the artist, making for an unforgettable concert
experience.

Tickets are on sale to the public now through the Montalvo Box Office and Ticketmaster. Box Office
hours: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm, 408.961.5858.

Photos: Press photos are available by request or on our website:

http://montalvoarts.org/press/image_bank/

Performance Schedule

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Thu, March 10, 7:30 pm
$50/45; Members $45/40

2009 Grammy Award winner Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs at Montalvo in support of the
Jan. 27 release of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Live! DVD. Paul Simon (of Simon and Garfunkel) said
of the group, “It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that
rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” Ladysmith Black
Mambazo has married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical
traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and
spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious,
cultural and ethnic landscape. Their musical efforts over the past four decades have garnered praise
and accolades within the recording industry, but also solidified their identity as a cultural force to be
reckoned with.

J.C. Smith Presents: Women of the Blues – a Tribute to Koko Taylor Featuring Sista Monica
Parker, Pat Wilder and Sharon Lewis
Fri, March 19, 8 pm
$32/27; Members $39/24

Three legendary blues women perform together for one night only to pay tribute to the late Grammy
Award-winning blues singer Koko Taylor, the world’s undisputed "Queen of Blues.” Sista Monica
Parker is an award-winning soul, blues and gospel singer, as well as songwriter, speaker, and
producer. Pat Wilder, has been described as "one of the most exciting blues guitarist/vocalists to
come out of the Bay Area in a long time" (San Francisco Bay Guardian). Sharon Lewis is one of
modern blues most dynamic and fiery live performers. Her style is fresh and contemporary, while
building from a solid foundation of standard Delta, Texas and Chicago blues stylings.

HAPA – featuring Barry Flanagan and Nathan Aweau

Fri, March 26, 8 pm
$35/30; Members $31/27

Hailed as “the most successful Hawaiian music group in recent history” by The New York Times,
HAPA’s groundbreaking music has established them as the most recognized name in Hawaiian
music internationally since their debut release, with sold-out shows from Tokyo to New York. Part
traditional, part contemporary, part musical genius, part stunning vocals, HAPA creates a soundtrack
for 21st century Hawaii – native art, history and music pulled together by the powerful force of Maui.

Anoushka Shankar
Thu, April 29, 7:30 pm
$40/35; Members $36/31

The daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar and sister of Norah Jones, Anoushka Shankar has
emerged as one of the leading figures in world music today. Called a “world music star,” (India
Currents), she is deeply rooted in Indian classical music, having studied exclusively with her father
and is now one of the foremost performers in that tradition. Shankar has also flourished as a
performer and composer, exploring fertile ground in the crossover between Indian music and a variety
of genres including electronica, jazz, flamenco and Western classical music.

Asia America Youth Orchestra directed by David Benoit

Sun, May 9, 3 pm
$35/25; Members $31/22

The Asia America Youth Orchestra (AAYO) premiere David Benoit's new composition "Native
Californian," which was written while he was a fellow at Montalvo’s Lucas Artists Residency Program.
Benoit will describe the composition from the stage during this exciting premiere performance.

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AAYO was founded in 2001 by Asia America Symphony Orchestra (AASA) Music Director Benoit to
provide an opportunity for young musicians of all races and cultures to experience and learn to play in
a professional level ensemble. By performing a musically demanding and diverse repertoire, students
are challenged to master a wide variety of musical styles - ranging from classical to jazz. AAYO is
currently in its eighth season and is also part of the AASA regular concert series.

Richie Havens
Thu, May 13, 7:30 pm
$35/30; Members $31/27

Billboard magazine recently said, “This acoustic soul giant truly seems to be getting more inspiring
and graceful with age.” Richie Havens is gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular
music. His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless since his historic
appearance at Woodstock in 1969. For four decades, Havens has used his music to convey
passionate messages of brotherhood and personal freedom. In 2008, he was invited to perform at the
opening ceremonies of the Cannes International Film Festival.

Brooke White and Michael Johns

Sat, Nov 14, 8 pm
$40/35; Members $36/31

American Idol fans will recognize these two names as season 7 finalists. Brooke White, who recently
appeared on the popular Chelsea Lately show (E!), tours in support of her newest album High Hopes
and Heartbreaks (called “one of the best albums of 2009” by the Houston Chronicle music critic).
Michael Johns' album Hold Back My Heart, “a solid disc of soulful pop” (iFMagazine.com), was
released in June and he is currently touring with David Foster on the "David Foster and Friends" tour.

Montalvo Membership
Montalvo members enjoy discounted ticket prices on select performances, all while supporting arts
education. For more information on becoming a Montalvo member, please visit
http://montalvoarts.org/membership.html.

About Montalvo Arts Center

Montalvo Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to forging meaningful connections between art, artists and the
communities it serves through creation, presentation and education in extraordinary ways and settings. Located in Silicon
Valley's Saratoga hills, Montalvo Arts Center occupies a Mediterranean-style villa on 175 stunning acres, including an
international artist residency program. The historic villa and grounds were left to the people of California by Senator
James Phelan for the encouragement of art, music, literature and architecture. In January 2005, the organization changed
its name from "Montalvo" to "Montalvo Arts Center" to commemorate its 75th year as an arts center and to better
communicate its mission to expanding local, national and international audiences. For more information about Montalvo
Arts Center, call (408) 961-5800 or visit http://www.montalvoarts.org/ .

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