Blak Box presents Blak Tie Soirée Fundraiser for Playhouse

EVENING CONCERT WILL FEATURE YAMAHA AND DISNEY ARTISTS JARROD RADNICH AND CRAIG KNUDSEN

JOSHUA TREE, CA – World-class musicians Jarrod Radnich and Craig Knudsen will provide an unforgettable evening of piano and orchestral entertainment at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center on November 1st, 2008 at 8PM. Having recently created two new shows for Disney’s new $15 million dollar Dream Home, this dynamic duo will take you through a unique musical experience that will combine state-of-the-art music technology with virtuosic keyboard performances that will dazzle your senses.

The show will feature well known jazz, classical, standards and contemporary pieces with a special “sneak preview” to Radnich’s masterful Brazilian Musical “Macaw.” Experience Radnich’s acclaimed “Pirates of the Caribbean” performance at Disneyland and be treated to Knudsen playing a one-man duet on two state-of-the-art digital/acoustic grand pianos. Witness a special tribute this duo created for YAMAHA to our own Joshua Tree area included with the sale of every Disklavier Piano sold world-wide that features beautiful pictures of the desert and original music written by Radnich celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the LA Music Center’s Spotlight Awards.

Radnich grew up in Joshua Tree and is currently President of the Cultural Center. At the young age of 17, Radnich was Music Director for “Babes in Arms” at the McCallum Theater. Most recently, Radnich is featured at Disneyland’s “Tomorrowland” attraction in hi-definition, where over 3000 people a day see and experience his recreated performance on a state-of-the-art computerized grand piano that recreates his every note and pedal movements.

For over twenty years, Knudsen has been YAMAHA’s premier concert artist and has been featured on hundreds of local and national television shows demonstrating his musical prowess, software creations and musical innovations. Knudsen was Musical Director for Universal Studios Florida’s Grand Opening Ceremonies featuring Steven Spielberg, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Stewart and Bill Cosby. He also performed in Carnegie Hall in 1992 as a solo performer and with MTV on a six-month National Tour as part of their “Museum of Un-Natural History.”

This exciting evening will take place at the new Blak Box Theatre, located directly behind the Historic Playhouse, currently touting a new slate rock lobby and plasma display. This evening will feature candle-lit tables surrounded by new lumbar supported chairs, computerized lighting and a 7.2 surround system, all contained within a rectangular black curtain to provide a unique theatrical experience. The performers hands will be displayed on two large screen projection systems located directly behind the artists, providing an up close and personal seat for everyone in the theatre.

This event is a fundraiser for the Hi-Desert Cultural Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit entity with an over 43 year history in the Hi-Desert. The Blak Tie Soirée will be presented on November 1, 2008 at 8:00 PM. A no-host bar will open at 7PM and will feature a selection of fine wines and beer. Complimentary distinctive cheeses and dessert will be served. Black tie is suggested but not required. Tickets are $25 and are tax deductible. To order tickets, call the box office at 366-3777 or order tickets online at www.hidesertculturalcenter.com using the new, easy to use Vendini ticketing system.

THREE VIEWINGS - Straight from Las Vegas!
NOVEMBER 7-9, 2008

Winner of a Las Vegas Tony Award and heralded as "a riveting tour de force" by Las Vegas CityLife, these special performances of "Three Viewings" features the original cast as directed by Jen Tidwell. A play about life, loves, and family, "Three Viewings" filters through the goings on in a funeral parlor in a western Pennsylvania town. The stories of three uniquely different people are brilliantly woven together to leave you thoroughly exhilarated in this celebration of love and life.

SGANARELLE, OR THE IMAGINARY CUCKOLD
NOVEMBER 21-22, 2008

Sganarelle, or "The Imaginary Cuckold," tells of a husband outraged by what he perceives, incorrectly, to be his wife's infidelity, though he would much prefer not to be forced to defend his honor. The funniest, wisest, most engaging new show in town is more than 300 years old! Long considered the greatest dramatist from France, this play demonstrates Moliere's genius gift for farce. Originally commissioned by the City of Rancho Mirage, these special performances are by the award-winning California Desert Regional Theatre.