Time was when the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts would often opt for classic programming options like Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof or Russian dancers or the Nutcracker.
Not anymore.
This year’s spring lineup,sponsored by Goya, is still designed to reach out to a broad range of audiences, but the mix of shows is decidedly different.
It begins with romance on Valentine’s Day with a performance by Rey Ruiz, the Cuban heartthrob known for his energy and charisma on stage and his gold and platinum album releases.
Later performances include a tribute to nine-time Grammy nominee Johnny Pacheco featuring artists from the label he created — Fania Records — and surprise guest artists.
And Forever Freestyle, one of Lehman Center’s most popular acts, will return to celebrate their 18 year run as catalysts who bring audiences out of their seats to dance to classic hits of the 1980s and 90s.
For something new, Lehman Center is offering the very first North American concert of the Three Italian Tenors singing some of the most stirring arias from great Italian operas.
If merengue is your passion, you won’t want to miss a night with Eddy Herrera, bringing international hits to the stage with a full orchestra.
Héctor Lavoe occupies a special place in the hearts of salsa afficionados and Raul Carbonell will lead the Héctor Lavoe band through renditions of the beloved salsa legend’s music.
Spiritual awakening gets a healthy boost from the McDonald’s Gospelfest with artist’s like Grammy-award-winning Hezekiah Walker, Jennifer Holliday and Le’Andria Johnson.
For a patriotic change of pace, take in a free concert by the West Point band. Drawing on over 200 years of history in its mission to provide world-class music and to serve as ambassadors of the United States Military Academy and the Army to local, national, and international communities.
Put on your dancing shoes, your open necked silky shirt and your broad lapelled suit for an evening of Disco Fever with music that defined a generation and made John Travolta a superstar.
A whole other dance style is the African tradition of stepping. If you’re not familiar with it, you may find yourself captivated by the performance of Step Afrika! a group which has toured to more than 50 contries across the globe.
Last, but not least, La India will usher in Mother’s Day with a tribute to mothers everywhere, but of course, especially the extraordinary moms of the Bronx.
To order tickets visit www.LehmanCenter.org/events.