Stanford Live Adds 10 New Shows

PALO ALTO, CA — Fall is expected to be hotter than ever and involve more than attending class.

Stanford Live expanded its lineup with more than 10 additional performances for its upcoming fall entertainment season in an unmatched venue.

Famed, legendary San Francisco Symphony Music Director and Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas was forced to cancel his summer performances scheduled from June 17 to Sept. 3 for cardiac surgery, which included the July 10 Stanford Live symphony production in his last, 25th season before retirement.

But as Thomas would say, the show must go on. And it has in a big way with New Zealand's Gemma New taking over the conductor role that night.

Stanford Live — selected as a Hewlett 50 Arts Commission award recipient from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation — has staged a diverse 2019-20 lineup, including more than 50 events. Performances starting in the fall will take place in Bing Concert Hall and Studio, Memorial Auditorium, Memorial Church and the Frost Amphitheater.

Other summer concerts feature Joe Russo's Almost Dead on Aug. 17, Lionel Richie on Aug. 24 and The National on Sept. 1.

New Mainstage Performances:

Jazz musician Jon Batiste makes a return visit to Bing Concert Hall on Nov. 2. Known for his role as bandleader and musical director on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Considered a visionary, Batiste’s presence also extends beyond the screen. He’s a Grammy award-winning musician and a philanthropist committed to mentoring young musicians.

Also added to the calendar is Mongolian-Chinese rock band Hanggai on Sept. 28, whose rise to fame began on the Chinese talent show "Sing My Song;" as well as Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar, who will bring rich gospel harmonies on Oct. 1.

New Bing Studio Cabaret Performances:

Bing Studio’s cabaret series will host comedian Jesus Trejo on Sept. 28; jazz drummer Allison Miller on Nov. 15; and on the next day, jazz vocalist Alicia Olatuja, who was the featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

On Oct. 19, Terry Riley, the composer responsible for the rise of the minimalist movement, will be joined by his son, who is an award-winning classical guitarist Gyan Riley.

Performances from rising-vocalists Lucibela will entertain Live guests on Sept. 17; while Nella on Nov. 14 will pay homage to the roots and regional folk traditions.

Stanford Live also scheduled on Nov. 17 Musica Nuda, the Italian duo known for a stripped-down fusion of sound and genre.

Another highlighter — a New Frost Amphitheater Performance: As part of the Stanford Live & Goldenvoice series at Frost Amphitheater, iconic country music force Willie Nelson is set Oct. 12 to take the stage with his son Lukas Nelson.

Tickets and more information for all Stanford Live mainstage or Bing Studio performances may be obtained by visiting live.stanford.edu or calling 650-724-2464.

More on the expansion may be found on this listing.

For tickets to the Willie and Lukas Nelson concert, visit www.frostamphitheater.com.

As a fitting tribute to providing once-in-a-lifetime performances, the amphitheater has hosted the Boston Pops, guitarist Eric Clapton, rock band Jefferson Airplane and singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who happens to reside in neighboring Saratoga. The Grateful Dead's live performance brought out 12,000 concert enthusiasts, who no doubt will always remember Jerry Garcia's signature laid-back style.

Regarding the SF Symphony, Thomas is expected to make a full recovery in time to return to Davies Symphony Hall for the opening of his 25th and last season as music director.

For complete program information, please visit www.sfsymphony.org

See also

• 'Stanford Live' Beckons Summer With SF Symphony Crescendo