SUMTER, S.C. (August 19, 2016) â The Sumter Opera House builds upon the previous years stunning lineup of national artists with legendary performances, by announcing their 2016-17 season, including anticipated sell-out performances from Doobie Brother John Cowan, country superstars John Berry and Pam Tillis, and gospel pioneers The Soul Stirrers and many more.
Along with a variety of rising stars in bluegrass, jazz and comedy, the highly anticipated third season will feature the following acts:
- Legendary Soul Stirrers â October 14
- An Evening with Patrick Davis and his Midnight Choir â October 21
- Warehouse Theatre presents Twelfth Night â October 28
- Langley Winds Chamber Ensemble â November 11
- A John Berry Christmas â December 9
- John Cowan with Darin & Brook Aldridge â December 17
- When Swing Was King: Benny Goodman â January 13
- The Barefoot Movement â January 21
- Pam Tillis â February 4
- Resurrection: A Journey Tribute â February 10
- The Gothard Sisters â March 10
- Lawn and Disorder â March 24
- Six Guitars â Chase Padget â March 25
- Balsam Range â April 7
- Ran D Shine â April 21
âThere is no doubt arts make all of our lives more interesting, and we are excited to help our community connect with engaging performances,â said Seth Reimer, Cultural Manager for the Sumter Opera House, âThe line-up is filled with a wide range of artists â everything from big band to well-known local artists, from a Doobie Brother to a Journey tribute band, bluegrass and beach music, â that will offer our patrons a rich variety of performance experiences in our intimate Opera House.â
While off to a seemingly late start, the Sumter Opera House will average two shows per month this season. âThe delay was a welcome opportunity to renovate outdated dressing rooms, located under the stage,â said Reimer. âWe received a grant from the South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department that will provide funding to renovate the outdated dressing rooms located under the stage.â The renovations to the facility will update the performance space and meet newer industry standards, while preserving this historic integrity of the facility.
According to the Opera House figures, attendance and economic impact from the venue are on a steady climb each year. New this year for ticket purchases is the option to get discounts when purchasing tickets to multiple shows, up to 20% off ticket prices.
âWe have a growing patron base that supports the arts here in the region. And we thank you, in advance, for continuing to visit the Sumter Opera House, and for supporting the great things we are doing here,â said Reimer. âThe community support combined with the great team we have assembled will continue building a place where we laugh, listen, celebrate, and connect with others.â
Mark your calendars now and get ready to see every show this year! Individual tickets for the line-up go on sale Monday, August 22, 2016 at 10 am. Tickets can be purchased at the Sumter Opera House Box Office at 21 North Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or by calling the Box Office at 803-436-2616, also online at www.SumterOperaHouse.com.
The Sumter Opera House is located in downtown Sumter, just 40 miles east of Columbia. Originally built in 1874, the current structure was rebuilt in 1895 after it was destroyed by fire. Utilized as an opera house and theatre primarily in the early 1900s, in 1973, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historical Places, then closed a decade later. Capitalizing on the national movement toward downtown revitalization and historic preservation, the City of Sumter reopened the facility in 1987 into the Town Hall and used for private rentals. In 2014 the City began the effort that has turned the Sumter Opera House into its present day concert and entertainment performance venue.
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