The Entertainment Series of Irving will present “Presidio Brass” as the second concert of the 60^th anniversary 2015-2016 concert series.   This concert will also include a silent auction held prior to the performance.  Mark the date of Monday, November 16^th, at 7:30pm in the Irving Arts Center Carpenter Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur, Irving 75062 to take advantage of this event.

Presidio Brass was formed in 2006.  The five members of this band have performed with major symphony orchestras, and shared the stage with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones and many more.  Through their touring show of Hollywood’s greatest hits, “Sounds of the Cinema”, these five young men present film music with a good dose of wit and humor that together have become hallmarks of every Presidio Brass performance.  Audiences and music critics agree that  “Sounds of the Cinema” is a “two thumbs up” concert that is not to be missed.

Please call the Irving Arts Center Box Office at 972-252-2787 for tickets, and for more information on this concert and the silent auction, call 972-252-3838.  The Entertainment Series of Irving is funded in part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board.

“SAXsational!” featuring Rob Verdi to Perform

Irving Arts Center, Carpenter Hall, on January 10, 2015

Veteran jazz saxophonist with local band as part of Entertainment Series of Irving’s

 2014 - 2015 Concert Season

“SAXsational” is a unique concert event combining the deft of a seasoned jazz artist with student and community bands.  Southlake Swing Band will join Verdi for a program of popular jazz standards and movie and television favorites at Irving Arts Center Carpenter Hall, 3333 North MacArthur, Irving Texas, 75062, on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.  Single tickets for this event are $20 at the door (plus $1.50 venue fee); discounted admission is available for students and educators.  This project is funded in part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board.  For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 972-252-ARTS or visit www.entertainmentseries.com, www.irvingartscenter.com/performances/buytickets.

“SAXsational” is a musical, educational and community enrichment home-run that band directors, students, parents and presenters have embraced.  His 2014-2015 tour includes nearly 70 concerts.  Rob Verdi is a Los Angeles-based freelance professional.  He is also a founding member of the classic swing ensemble “Side Street Strutters,” a featured performing group at Disneyland since 1985 and successful touring act.  Verdi has a renowned touring reputation as a solo performer as well based on his 2008 creation, “Saxophobia.”  The show features his enormous collection of instruments, including a six-foot tall contrabass saxophone.  He has recorded two self-produced solo albums, “Prose and Conn-versations, featuring the Conn-O-Sax” (2005) and “Saxophobia” (2007). 

The Entertainment Series of Irving is the oldest cultural institution in the community, presenting international talent since 1955.  This all-volunteer nonprofit organization is committed to enriching the cultural life of Irving through live performances.  Thanks to the generosity of Patrons and Sponsors these concerts are offered at affordable, family-friendly prices. 

The Entertainment Series of Irving opens its new season with the “Habaneros,” an energetic ensemble group from Cuba on their debut tour of the United States.  Classically trained, this group of five performers is part of the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra.  They will delight you with the sights and sounds of their homeland.  And, as you immerse yourself in their beautiful and vibrant music, breathtaking imagery of Havana will be displayed on screen to give you a real appreciation of the culture that makes this group so special.  The concert will be held October 6^th at 7:30pm in Carpenter Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur, in Irving Texas.  Tickets for this performance are $21.50.  Tickets are available at www.irvingartscenter.com/performances/buytickets or by calling 972-252-ARTS (2787).  This performance is funded in part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board.

Along with the performance by the Habaneros, the Entertainment Series will also present the art of Jorge Narey Fernandez, a Cuban born artist now living in this area.   Fernandez has demonstrated an ability in art since an early age.  After leaving Cuba with his family, he continued on his path as a budding artist.  He continued his education in Florida, completing a graduate program in International Business and Marketing, though he never lost his interest in art.  And after visiting the areas of the Mediterranean in the Aegean Sea including Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey, he was even more inspired to share his artistic visions, and these experiences influences his work today.  Some of his works will be on display in the lobby of Carpenter hall at 6pm on October 6^th.  They will be available to view prior to and after the “Habaneros” performance.

A fundraising raffle and auction will be held in the lobby as well, prior to the performance.  Come early to get a look at the many wonderful raffle and auction items available. 

 For more information on the performance, art exhibit, or raffle and auction, call 972-252-3838 for details.  Or, visit www.entertainmentseries.com for more information on the upcoming season.

Dave Tanner and his band will be the featured performers Sunday, March 2nd at 2:30pm as part of the 2013-2014 Entertainment Series of Irving at the Carpenter Theater of the Irving Arts Center, 3333 North MacArthur.  ESI is a part of the Irving Arts offerings, and has been for over 50 years. 

Dave Tanner has had 43 years performing for Dallas audiences, including 5 Texas Governors, 3 U.S. Presidents, and European royalty.  In addition to his band, Tanner has appeared in eight films and has worked in over 300 radio and TV commercials.  Currently, Dave is the Morning Drive host at "Legends 770," KAAM Radio in Dallas.

A 5th generation Texas from Gainsville, Dave now lives in Irving with his wife, Gina and son Erik.

His performance will include the music of the Big Band and Swing Era, as well as a tribute to our greatest generation.   Tickets are still available, including discounts for student.  Visit www.entertainmentseries.come  for information and call (972) 252-ARTS for tickets.  This project is funded in part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board.