Sept. 24, 2003
Contact: Amy Moudy
404-651-2981 / amoudy@gsu.edu
jpeg photos available upon request
OCTOBER RIALTO SERIES OFFERS GAMUT OF JAZZ, BROADWAY AND WORLD MUSIC
The Cool Crooners – Jazz Vocals from Zimbabwe – October 4
Sphere – Tribute to Thelonious Monk featuring Kenny Baron and Gary Bartz – October 10
Pat Metheny Solo and Trio – Featuring Antonio Sanchez and Christian McBride – October 17
Betty Buckley – Tony Award-winning Broadway diva – October 18
Ballet Gran Folklorico de Mexico – Traditional Mexican dance and music – October 24
ATLANTA, GA— The 2003-2004 Rialto Series at Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the
Performing Arts continues in October with a wealth of the best jazz, world music and Broadway artists.
Starting the month off is Zimbabwe’s vocal jazz group The Cool Crooners on Saturday, October 4,
followed with a tribute to jazz great Thelonious Monk on his birthday with Sphere on Friday, October 10.
The next weekend features sure-to-sell-out shows including the Pat Metheny Solo and Trio on Friday,
October 17 and Broadway sensation Betty Buckley on Saturday, October 18. The month closes out with
Ballet Gran Folklorico de Mexico on Friday, October 24. All shows start at 8 PM. Tickets are available
by calling 404-651-4727, online at www.rialtocenter.org or in person at the Rialto Box Office.
The Cool Crooners — Saturday, October 4
In the 1950s, ten singers of African jazz in Bulawayo, a beautiful town in then Southern Rhodesia, created
two groups, The Cool Four and The Golden Delicious Rhythm Crooners. They sang all night in the taverns,
captivating their countrymen with their infectious blend of 1950’s-style jazz vocals with Township rhythms,
shimmering African guitars and wondrously catchy melodies. Unfortunately, life, death and the fight for the
independence of their country separated them for many years. Today, in Zimbabwe, only three of the 10
original members survive. Now in their sixties, Abel, Ben and Lucky revive the music of their youth.
Complete with sharp costumes, soothing harmonies and synchronized dance moves, the Cool Crooners of
Bulawayo once again draw fans of all ages. Their U.S. debut should be one of the highlight tours of the year.
Sphere featuring Kenny Barron, Gary Bartz, Ben Riley and Buster Williams — Friday, October 10
Rialto Center October Events Cont’d, p. 2
Formed in 1979 to honor the music of Thelonious “Sphere” Monk, Sphere originally featured the late Charlie
Rouse on horns, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Ben Riley. With both Rouse
and Riley part of the legendary pianist/composer’s combo in the 1960s, the Sphere songbook was initially
rife with Monk tunes. Responding to popular demand from fans around the world, the three surviving
members brought in saxophonist Gary Bartz after Charlie Rouse passed. Bartz reenergized the group and
now Sphere is creating some of the finest music of their career. With the Rialto show falling on Thelonious
Monk’s birthday, the group will pay special tribute to the great pianist and composer.
Pat Metheny Solo & Trio with Christian McBride and Antonio Sanchez — Friday, October 17
Extremely popular with audiences, Pat Metheny also has garnered widespread acclaim from renowned critics
and fellow musicians. Over the years, Metheny has won countless polls as “Best Jazz Guitarist” and
numerous awards, including a whopping fourteen Grammys. He continues to be one of the shining stars of
the jazz community, dedicating time to both his own projects and those of emerging artists and established
veterans alike. The Pat Metheny Trio is perhaps the most highly regarded of his projects, where he is joined
by Christian McBride, an amazing bassist and talented leader and composer, and Antonio Sanchez, one of
the brightest young drummers today.
Betty Buckley — Saturday, October 18
Betty Buckley embodies a versatility that extends from Broadway musicals to feature films, television and
cabaret performances. The Texas native’s unique voice and dramatic skills make her one of today’s leading
Broadway divas. Perhaps best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Grizabella the Glamour
Cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash-hit CATS, Buckley is one of the most popular stars in musical theatre.
And, audiences will fondly remember her television career as Abby on Eight is Enough. Buckley’s current
tour features Broadway show tunes, standards and, for good measure, covers of pop tunes by the likes of
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Joni Mitchell.
Ballet Gran Folklorico de Mexico — Friday, October 24
This spirited 35-member company preserves Mexico’s rich and varied traditions of ceremony, costume,
music and dance. Under the direction of renowned choreographer Lino Ortega, the ensemble performs in
authentic style. With a repertoire that ranges from mysterious rituals dating back to pre-Colombian and
colonial times, through celebratory dances with Eastern European influences, the colorful and dramatic
dances of Ballet Gran Folklorico de Mexico take audiences on a breathtaking journey through time and
culture.
Rialto Center October Events Cont’d, p. 3
Tickets for all shows are on sale now at the Rialto Center Box Office at 404-651-4727,
www.rialtocenter.org or in person at the Rialto Box Office. Prices range from $20-$60, and discounts are
available for groups and Georgia State University students, faculty and staff. Free parking is provided for all
Rialto Series events at the Equitable Building parking deck on Fairlie Street, and the Peachtree Center
MARTA station is only two blocks from the Rialto. Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the
Performing Arts is located at the corner of Luckie and Forsyth streets in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s
historic Fairlie-Poplar district.
CALENDAR LISTING
THE COOL CROONERS
Saturday, October 4, 2003 at 8:00 PM
Rialto Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia State University
80 Forsyth Street, Corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets
Tickets: $20, $30, $45; Call 404-651-4727 or visit www.rialtocenter.org
SPHERE
Friday, October 10, 2003 at 8:00 PM
Rialto Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia State University
80 Forsyth Street, Corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets
Tickets: $25, $35, $50; Call 404-651-4727 or visit www.rialtocenter.org
PAT METHENY SOLO & TRIO
Friday, October 17, 2003 at 8:00 PM
Rialto Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia State University
80 Forsyth Street, Corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets
Tickets: $35, $45, $60; Call 404-651-4727 or visit www.rialtocenter.org
BETTY BUCKLEY
Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 8:00 PM
Rialto Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia State University
80 Forsyth Street, Corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets
Tickets: $35, $45, $60; Call 404-651-4727 or visit www.rialtocenter.org
BALLET GRAN FOLKLORICO DE MEXICO
Friday, October 24, 2003 at 8:00 PM
Rialto Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia State University
80 Forsyth Street, Corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets
Tickets: $20, $30, $45; Call 404-651-4727 or visit www.rialtocenter.org
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