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Gertrude Castellow Ford Center
for the Performing Arts
100 University Ave.
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677-1848
Phone: 662-915-2787
Fax: 662-915-1217
Email: fordcent@olemiss.edu
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ALL PERFORMANCES | ARTIST SERIES | 108 FORD CENTER SERIES |
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE | FAMILY FRIENDLY SERIES
 The Count Basie Orchestra
Friday, October 19 • 8 p.m.
With 17 Grammy awards, The Count Basie Orchestra is one of the most
popular and successful big bands in history. The musicians have grown up
with the Kansas City swing style of Count Basie and add their own voices to
the band for a sound that’s timeless and priceless. With 19 performers, the Basie Orchestra has become recognized as
America’s leading jazz band. The orchestra celebrates the big-band experience
through the completely original and identifiable Count Basie repertoire. Dubbed “the swingingest band in all the land,” The Count Basie
Orchestra brings a taste of swing style to the Ford Center for one evening
only. Come and experience American musical heritage at its best.
 Bowfire
Tuesday, October 30 • 8 p.m.
Bowfire is the total string experience and the hottest new show to hit the
stage. Formed in 2000, Bowfire has continually proved to be a “must see” event
with audiences clamoring for more. Bowfire presents an all-star show that
takes its audiences on a musical journey that moves seamlessly through jazz,
classical, bluegrass, Celtic, rock, gypsy, world, Texas swing, and Ottawa
Valley and Cape Breton styles, and mixes in incredible step and tap dancing
and beautiful voices. The company is composed of virtuoso string players who are at the forefront
of their respective styles, combined with equally gifted and respected
backup musicians. Fiddlers in the company are equally accomplished step
dancers and tap dancers who will have the audience standing on their feet in
appreciation of this high-energy show.
  “Sounds of the Season”
Sunday, December 9 • 3 p.m.
Start the holidays in style with heartwarming favorites performed by the
Tupelo Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Steven Byess. University
of Mississippi alumni Mary Donnelly Haskell and Laurie Gayle Stephenson will join baritone Steve Amerson on stage in the acoustic splendor of the
Ford Center for what is certain to be a very memorable performance on a
very grand scale. Nothing can beat the effect that a symphony orchestra and world-class
vocalists can have on the soul. Celebrate the season with family and friends
at this joyful concert.
 Friends of the Ford Center pre-show reception and intermission
hospitality will be provided with this event.
 “Ring of Fire”
Saturday, February 2 • 8 p.m.
From the songs and stories of a true legend comes a theatrical and musical
experience that will lift your heart and stir your soul. “Ring of Fire” is a journey
into the heart and heartland of America, courtesy of one of our most
beloved musical poets—Johnny Cash. In “Ring of Fire,” a remarkable cast of performers and musicians take us
on a rousing adventure of love and faith, struggle and success—all with the
strength, humor and downright honesty that made Johnny Cash one of the
greatest songwriters and most revered storytellers in American music. “Ring of Fire” features 38 of the music legend’s songs, including
“Country Boy,” “A Thing Called Love,” “Five Feet High and Rising,”
“Daddy Sang Bass,” “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “I’ve Been
Everywhere,” “The Man in Black” and his final hit, “Hurt.”
 “Evita”
Monday, February 18• 8 p.m.
Based on the incredible true story, the tale of “Evita,” told entirely through
song and dance, follows the life of Argentina’s infamous Eva Peron. It begins
in 1934 and follows the young girl from her small hometown to Buenos
Aires, where she uses her feminine powers to climb the ladder of success—
first as a model, then an actor and finally as the wife of General Juan Peron.
When Peron is elected president, Eva becomes the most powerful woman in
South America. “Evita” opened its New York run at the Broadway Theatre on September
25, 1979, with Patti LuPone in the lead and Mandy Patinkin as the enigmatic
Che Guevera. The production ran for 1,567 performances and spawned
several touring companies. The 1996 screen version of “Evita” featured
Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
Join us for an evening of Broadway at its finest.
 The Smothers Brothers
with special guest—The Yoyo Man
Saturday, March 29 • 8 p.m.
If laughter is the best medicine, The Smothers Brothers deliver a powerful
cure. Tom and Dick Smothers, with nearly 50 years of performing under
their belts, are still as funny as ever. The folk-singing comedy duo became household names when “The
Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” premiered on CBS in February 1967.
The show launched the brothers’ trademark act of performing folk songs
with Tom on acoustic guitar and Dick on string bass, which usually led to
fake arguments between the two siblings. Today, the hilarious sibling rivalry sets The Smothers Brothers apart
from comedy teams past and present. Join this classic American duo for an
evening of groovy variety acts on their first visit to the Ford Center and a
show you won’t soon forget.
Friends of the Ford Center pre-show reception and intermission
hospitality will be provided with this event.
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