camerata tango

Virtuoso pianist Ana-Lia Lenchantin accompanied by strings, voice and percussion lead tango dancers from the award-winning Broadway production "Forever Tango" while aerialists, formerly of Cirque du Soleil, perform breathtaking maneuvers high above the crowd, to create a groundbreaking new form of entertainment. One World co-founders Hartt and Nada Stearns will be part of this avant-garde performance melding the passion of tango dance and music with acrobatic and theatrical virtuosity for an unforgettable performance.

“Bold exploration of tango…. Camerata Tango works above and beyond genre.” – Los Angeles Times

jim messina

Due to a change in the artist's tour schedule, the Jim Messina show has been cancelled. 

Please call 512.32.WORLD for ticket exchanges and refunds. 

We apologize for the inconvenience. 

strunz & farah

From Costa Rica and Iran respectively, Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah have brought the cultural riches of their native lands into their highly virtuosic, rhythmic, and improvisation-rich original instrumental compositions, profoundly influencing guitarists worldwide.  Hailed by critics for their technique and mastery of the guitar, they are described as stunning, dazzling, irresistible and ultimately devastating.  Guitar Player magazine calls Strunz & Farah, “two of the planet’s most gifted acoustic guitarists,” and the LA Times proclaims, “both men match passion with speed, musical complexity, and steely precision rarely heard in popular music.”

the sax pack

Inspired by The Rat Pack, three signature sax players – staples of smooth jazz who reflect great showmanship and supreme cool – are known as The Sax Pack: Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. Backed by a tight rhythm section, the talented trio creates an atmosphere that is high energy and incredibly entertaining, packing powerful grooves of classic funk, R&B and jazz tunes. Kashiwa is the force behind the Sax Pack, having performed for many years with The Rippingtons, Acoustic Alchemy, Chuck Loeb and Special EFX.  Waters has become one of the Top Artists in the contemporary jazz format, earning top sales and ten #1 hit singles on his releases.  Cole, one of today’s top artists in contemporary jazz, is a riveting performer with a knack for creating memorable hooks, and catchy music that makes the crowds move.  Their dynamic performances are a blast for the musicians and audiences alike, combining the talent and unique voices of multiple lead saxophone players with playful camaraderie.

perla batalla

Simply put, Grammy nominated vocalist, composer and arranger Perla Batalla has one of the most breathtaking voices on planet Earth. The Grammy nominated world vocalist has been enchanting audiences throughout the world in venues like UCLA's Royce Hall, Kennedy Center and The Sydney Opera House. Batalla first gained attention as a backup singer for Leonard Cohen and K.D. Lang. Her transcendent, gemlike voice and unique, worldly-flavored soulful style possess a striking balance between folk-pop and the rhythmic textures of Latin and indigenous American music.

“Perla Batalla is the kind of artist Peter Gabriel would fall in love with – a Chicana Joni Mitchell, a gutsier Joan Baez, an idealistic artist.” – Los Angeles Times

Kelly WillIs & Bruce Robison

When is the sum of the parts of a musical quantity far greater than the whole? When it’s Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison, now fully united as an ongoing musical act. Willis is the alluring voice and songwriting talent who pioneered both Americana and the Texas young country scene with her 1990 debut Well-Travelled Love, and her breakthrough hit album What I Deserve hailed by TIME Magazine as “the smartest, most consistently worthwhile country CD” to have been released that year. Willis has proven how she can do it all from contemporary to traditional and beyond with finesse, smarts and irresistible charm.

Songwriter and performer Bruce Robison has made his biggest mark on the musical world writing indelible smash #1 hits like “Wrapped” (George Strait), “Angry All The Time” (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill) and “Travelin’ Soldier” (Dixie Chicks) while releasing a series of eight albums rich with his laconic yet potent grace and emotional dead aim as a writer and singer. Joined at the heart since they married in 1996, they now meld their talents and muses here in 2011 to create the sure promise of even greater and more wonderful things to come, and offer listeners eternally resonant modern yet rooted country music to be savored and treasured like a bond of true and abiding love.

ottmar liebert

Six-time Grammy nominated guitarist and composer Ottmar Liebert is considered to be one of the most talented, creative and influential guitarists of all time. His legendary debut release, the double-platinum Nouveau Flamenco is the biggest selling guitar album in history.  Liebert has released over 20 albums and received more than 30 gold and platinum awards.  Along with his band, Luna Negra, he thrills audiences worldwide as one of instrumental music’s most popular and compelling live performers.  Liebert’s 2008 releases, the Grammy nominated The Scent of Light, and Up Close, earned him the Silver Award for Best Flamenco Guitarist from Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Critics have hailed his latest album Petals On The Path as “a tantalizing journey that is Ottmar Liebert at his best.”   

gallagher

Comedy Legend Gallagher In a Special Stand Up Comedy Appearance (Not the Smashing Show)

Just as funny. Not as Messy!

A Gallagher concert is an unforgettable experience. He is a keen and original observer of human nature and the American scene. Gallagher became a household name during his highly rated HBO specials, but millions of comedy fans around the world were already in love with his razor-sharp observations, hilarious dead-on insights, and incredibly creative word play. With a following built upon countless sold-out concert halls, uproarious HBO specials, and bestselling CDs, videos, and DVDs, Gallagher's immense talent and broad appeal make him a "first ballot" Hall of Fame comedian.

vonda shepard

Pop singer, songwriter Vonda Shepard is known for her outstanding and unmistakably bluesy voice. Her career has ranged from being a back-up singer for Jackson Browne, to a successful solo career, and as a regular on the television hit series Ally McBeal where, as the voice of Ally McBeal, Shepard sold more than 12 million records worldwide. Shepard’s hits include the Billboard Top 20 “Don’t Cry Ilene” and Billboard Top 10 “Can’t We Try” – a duet with Dan Hill. Her most recent CD From the Sun (as well as its live counterpart, From the Sun Tour: Live in San Javier) finds her indie roots firmly planted. Infusing her deep and melodic songwriting style with splashes of powerful vocals, From the Sun is “modern-day soul” with Vonda’s solid piano playing and soulful, blues-inspired voice driving the tracks.

badi assad

One of the most exciting Brazilian artists of this generation, the talent of Badi Assad (Bah-Jee Ah-Sahj) seems to know no bounds. The extraordinary singer, guitarist, and percussionist has successfully forged an exhilarating genre of music – a blend of jazz and worldbeat that melds traditional styles of her native Brazilian music with an exotic mixture of ethnic sounds from around the world. With a Bobby McFerrin-like versatility to her voice and musical heritage that covers the breadth of Brazilian musical styles, The Los Angeles Times raved ‘Assad redefines solo guitar performance. Revelatory, a brilliant display of innovation, imagination and skill…almost hypnotically compelling.” Assad’s 1996 Rhythms was singled out as one of the most important recordings of the year, garnering a "Best Classical Guitar Album" from Guitar Player and "Best Classical/Fingerstyle Guitarist" from Acoustic Guitar. She joined jazz guitar legends Larry Coryell and John Abercrombie for the critically acclaimed Three Guitars album in 2003, and her Wonderland was selected among the 100 best CDs by the BBC.

fourplay

According to some very basic laws of nature, when powerful forces come together, some form of energy is created – usually in large amounts. In music, the laws of interaction are no different. When keyboardist Bob James, guitarist Chuck Loeb, drummer Harvey Mason and bassist Nathan East come together as Fourplay, the result is extraordinary jazz.  For two decades, this contemporary jazz quartet has enjoyed both artistic and commercial success by grafting elements of R&B, pop and a variety of other sounds to their unwavering jazz foundations. In the course of a dozen recordings – six of which have climbed to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album charts – the supergroup has continued to explore the limitless dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience. 

roger mcguinn

Singer songwriter and guitarist Roger McGuinn’s gravelly voice, 12-string guitar leads and unerring sense of musical taste has been synonymous with the band he founded – The Byrds. For his work with The Byrds – their classic hits "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn, Turn, Turn" – McGuinn was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. McGuinn also made a highly successful solo career, from his 1973 self-titled album debut with stirring guest appearances from Bob Dylan and Charles Lloyd, to his critically acclaimed comeback album, Back from Rio which included the hit single "King of the Hill," written by and featuring Tom Petty. McGuinn’s popular Folk Den website carries on the folk music tradition by featuring a new folk song each month - McGuinn’s project since 1995.

david benoit

Five-time Grammy nominated composer and pianist, David Benoit is one of contemporary jazz’s most acclaimed artists. Best known as a passionate musical innovator and world-class ambassador of the smooth jazz genre, his elegant touch and irresistible piano melodies are the hallmark of a career that spans 23 recordings over more than 25 years.  His 2008 release, Heroes, pays homage to some of his favorite recording artists that have had a distinct influence on his creativity throughout the years, including Elton John, The Doors, Miles Davis, The Beatles and Dave Brubeck.  His latest release Earthglow is a stirring and provocative album of Benoit’s first original material in four years.

 “Benoit’s expressive piano work, with its diverse palette of dynamic emotions and colors (is) squarely in the spotlight.” - JAZZTIMES

paula poundstone

Paula Poundstone continues to be one of the foremost comics working today. Her ability to create humor on the spot is legendary; she is masterful at improvising with the crowd through her casual air, impeccable timing and razor-sharp wit. She is a popular panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, has published her first book There’s Nothing In This Book That I Meant To Say and released her first comedy CD: I HEART JOKES: Paula Tells Them In Maine in 2009.  An Emmy Award winner, she is also the first woman to receive the Cable ACE for Best Standup Comedy Special. As one critic stated: “Poundstone has a rare talent. A refreshing anti-celebrity: warm, gracious, genuine.  If you like intelligent, philosophical comedy you’ll love Paula Poundstone.”

the rippingtons

After 24 years and 18 studio albums, the Grammy-nominated powerhouse, The Rippingtons, have defined and redefined an entire musical genre. The group’s music finds the balance between ‘contemporary' and ‘jazz’. Their groundbreaking album, Moonlighting, was voted by Jazziz Magazine as the #1 Most Influential Contemporary Jazz Album of All Time. The just released Cote D’Azur critics say, “ is sure to enthrall fans both new and old”. Still one of the most popular groups in contemporary jazz, The Rippingtons continue to evolve musically, tour constantly, record consistently and show no signs of letting up!

BASIA

For nearly three decades Poland-native Basia Trzetrzelewska’s Latin-flavored, pop/jazz sound has been a favorite around the world. Her debut album, Time and Tide, in 1987 resulted in three Adult Contemporary hits: “Promises,” “New Day For You,” and “Time and Tide”, followed by her breakout-success single “Cruising For Bruising.”  Her 1994 release of The Sweetest Illusion, “Drunk On Love” became a no.1 Billboard Club Play. Now Basia is emerging with her strongest work yet. It’s That Girl Again brings her trademark global pop/jazz sound back with fresh songs that effortlessly update the beautiful spirit, timeless melodies and Latin-jazz rhythms of her greatest hits.

leon redbone

One of the more distinct and recognizable characters in popular music, guitarist Leon Redbone with his gravelly baritone and signature fedora hat, shades, and mustache brings a cool mystique to his original folk-jazz mix, reminiscent of vaudevillian ragtime. His work, a revival of pre-World War II ragtime, jazz, and blues recalls the work of performers ranging from Jelly Roll Morton and Bing Crosby to blackface star Emmett Miller. Redbone made his recording debut in 1976 with On the Track, which featured legendary jazz violinist Joe Venuti as well as singer/songwriter Don McLean; his 1977 follow-up Double Time reached the Billboard Top 40, largely on the strength of his frequent appearances on television's Saturday Night Live. He has collaborated with Ringo Starr and Merle Haggard, and such jazz luminaries as guitarist Frank Vignola, reedman Ken Peplowski, and bassist Jay Leonhart. Despite his low profile, Redbone has also earned a certain measure of fame as a fixture in television and movies including:  performing the title tunes for sitcoms Mr. Belvedere and Harry and the Hendersons, as a snowman in the Will Ferrell movie Elf, and as the voice of the homespun beer jingle “This Bud's for You” and the Chevrolet ad jingle “Getting to know you”.

An Evening with pat metheny
featuring Larry grenadier

As virtuoso guitarist, multi-faceted composer and innovative producer, Pat Metheny is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed jazz musicians today.  With a style that incorporates elements of progressive and contemporary jazz, post-bop, Latin jazz and jazz fusion, Metheny has earned three gold records for his albums: (Still Life) Talking, Letter from Home, and Secret Story.  He has also won 18 Grammy Awards spread out over a variety of different categories including Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo and Best Instrumental Composition. He’s been called “The world’s most prodigiously gifted jazz-fusion guitarist” by The Boston Herald. Metheny is joined by jazz double bassist Larry Grenadier. Grenadier has played with the Brad Mehldau Trio, John Scofield’s band and toured with Metheny. He is also a part of the collaborative trio FLY.

meshell ndegeocello

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Meshell Ndegeocello brings her signature warm and melodic groove to everything she does.  A ten-time Grammy nominee, she is a fearsome bassist and prolific songwriter with the creativity and curiosity of an authentic musical force – she’s also the first woman to be featured on the cover of Bass Player magazine (Nov. 2007). Her biggest hit – a cover version of Van Morrison's "Wild Night", a duet with John Mellencamp – reached #3 on the Billboard charts. One of the first artists to sign on Madonna’s label, Ndegeocello has released eight solo albums since 1993. Her hit single “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night?)” took her debut album, Plantation Lullabies to #35 on the R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart, and earned her three Grammy nominations. Her second album Peace Beyond Passion scored a Top 5 on the Contemporary Jazz charts and her most recent, Devil's Halo, has received critical acclaim. Ndegeocello has also collaborated with Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, The Rolling Stones and Santana to name a few. Her music has been featured on film soundtracks including Batman & Robin, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Soul Men among others.

chuck negron formerly of
three dog night

A founding member of Three Dog Night, the world was introduced to Chuck Negron and the band in 1969 with the breakthrough – and the band’s first million seller – “One” (Is The Loneliest Number). Driven by Negron’s solo lead vocals on 4 million selling singles, three #1 records (one which topped the charts for six weeks, Joy To The World), five top 5 hits and seven top 40 hits, the band stayed on the charts for six years. Negron’s soaring, soulful, four-octave range and unique vocal styling became a part of the American landscape. His hits “Easy To Be Hard” and “Old Fashioned Love Song” are now pop classics. Negron’s unmistakable voice exclaiming “Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog” on the multi-Grammy nominated and 1971 Record of the Year Joy To The World is today part of Americana – securing a place for Negron as one of the great singers in rock and pop. Negron performs upwards of 70 shows a year and with his band performs all the hits that made him and Three Dog Night famous, as well as an exciting repertoire of new songs from his solo recordings.

charlotte's web

Join us as Theatreworks USA spins the timeless tale of Charlotte’s Web. It is the story of a pig named Wilbur who finds friendship in an unlikely place- a talented spider named Charlotte who weaves a clever plan to save Wilbur from his destination- Zuckerman’s dinner table! This classic story of courage, creativity and selflessness will leave everyone thinking Wilbur is “some pig”.

huun huur tu

“A musical marvel.”—New York Times

Using traditional instruments and drawing subtly on 20th-century composers, funky rhythms, and the palette of electronica, the Tuvan acoustic quartet Huun Huur Tu (HHT) transform ancient songs into complex acoustic compositions. From the independent republic of Tuva, bordering Mongolia, HHT perform an ear-twisting vocal technique called Khöömei – Tuvan throat singing. In this style, a single vocalist produces two or three notes simultaneously, often a low drone along with a high-pitched whistle. Accompanied by traditional string and percussion instruments, the four-member ensemble sings rhythmic songs that capture the magic of the Siberian steppe. The group began touring in the West 17 years ago and have spent decades innovating indigenous Tuvan music under the subtle influence of the music of 20th and 21st centuries – the result is both contemporary music that belongs to the whole world and a fresh take on the traditional music of Tuva. Since the group's inception, HHT has collaborated with musicians from many genres, such as Frank Zappa, Johnny Watson, the Kodo drummers, The Moscow Art Trio, the Kronos Quartet and The Chieftains. Their most recent recording Eternal is a collaborative effort with electronic musician/producer, Carmen Rizzo and accomplished film score composer Mark Governor. In January 2010, group Hazmat Modine also announced plans to record with Huun Huur Tu again. Huun Huur Tu was nominated for a 2008 BBC World Music Award.

“The Tuvans will ride into your brain and leave hoofprints up and down your spine.” San Francisco Bay Guardian

poncho Sanchez Latin jazz band

If music were about pictures, percussionist Poncho Sanchez’s music would best be described as a kaleidoscopic swirl of some of the hottest colors and brightest lights to emerge from either side of the border. At any given show, on any given record, fragments of Latin jazz, swing, bebop, salsa and other infectious grooves collide and churn in a fiery swirl, with results that are no less than dazzling. Sanchez is considered one of the best Latin Jazz musicians performing today – his ensemble injects head-nodding and feet-shuffling energies into the spheres, especially in a live concert. Sanchez also conveys all of these sounds – and more – on his latest release, Psychedelic Blues.

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
Masters of the Fiddle

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are two of the world's most celebrated and dynamic Celtic fiddlers. They also happen to be married. Known for her flamboyant skill and trademark step dancing, Natalie MacMaster is the sweetheart superstar of the Cape Breton fiddle. Donnell Leahy is part of the brilliant, popular Canadian family group, Leahy. Together Natalie and Donnell are a whirlwind of fiddle-driven music, dance, and song.  The warp speed fiddling, foot-tapping rave-ups, heart-wrenching ballads, and world-class step dancing of this collaboration leave onlookers breathless from the moment they hit the stage.  Audiences now have the chance to hear the fruits of this renowned musical matrimony during an unforgettable evening of Celtic music.

little river band

With Top 40 hits like "Lady," "Lonesome Loser" and "Take It Easy On Me", Little River Band has been entertaining audiences for years with their unique fusion of spontaneity, rock and roll, and blues, in the delivery of their classic, recognizable songs. One of Australia’s most successful international rock bands, LRB was the first to achieve the mark of having Top 10 hits for six consecutive years, and the group has surpassed the 30 million mark in album sales. Their classic hit "Reminiscing" was recognized by Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) as one of the most frequently played songs in the history of American radio, and was most recently featured in the hit comedy The Other Guys, starting Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

The Music of ABBA
Arrival from Sweden

Pop super group ABBA hit the world stage in 1974 and for the next decade dominated the charts with such hits as “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Waterloo,” “SOS,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Winner Takes It All”, Voulez-Vous” and “Fernando.” They disbanded in 1982, but recently, with the hit Broadway show and movie “Mama Mia,” their music has been introduced to a whole other generation of fans. With this resurgence, the ABBA tribute group, Arrival From Sweden, has become the largest touring ABBA show in the world. This high-energy group faithfully recreates ABBA’s greatest hits – from the music and choreography to the costumes and stories about ABBA – with a full backing band that includes original ABBA musicians. Arrival is the only show to have exclusive rights to recreate ABBA’s stage costumes, as well as exclusive rights from ABBA members to record “Just a Notion”- a previously unrecorded ABBA track. Arrival have played in more than 35 countries to sold-out houses and international acclaim and has earned the approval of founding ABBA members Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.