MATRIX:MIDLAND Festival 2014 Lineup

MATRIX: MIDLAND at Midland Center for the Arts has announced the lineup for its 37th annual MATRIX: MIDLAND Festival, featuring world-class performers, musicians and professional speakers. This year’s festival runs from Saturday, May 31, through Thursday, June 26. Information and ticket prices are available online at www.mcfta.org/mxfestival or by calling the Ticket Office at 800-523-7649.

Always an exhilarating and eclectic array of entertainment, this year’s MATRIX: MIDLAND Festival includes: an evening of silly political satire; a leading political commentator; chefs with a new way of cooking; a GRAMMY® Award winner who reminds us “it’s hip to be square”; a Cuban concert under the stars; and the witty observations of one of today’s hottest comedians.

Festival and program sponsors include: The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Corning Corporation, Morley Companies, Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union, Fabiano Brothers, Inc., Tri-Star Trust Bank, Park Place Homes, Saginaw Valley State University, SYM Financial Advisors, Warner Norcross & Judd, Garber Chevrolet, Chemical Bank Wealth Management, HORIZONS, and LaLonde’s Market.

 THE CAPITOL STEPS
They put the “mock” in democracy!
Saturday, May 31 • 8 p.m. – Auditorium, Midland Center for the Arts
Taking a stab at anyone within reach of their verbal swords, these Washington insiders present sketches and parody songs that will win everyone’s vote of approval. For over 30 years, the Capitol Steps has been satirizing current events, politics, and the latest scandals from Capitol Hill. No matter who or what is in the headlines, you can bet the Capitol Steps will tackle both sides of the political spectrum, and all things that are equally foolish! Cosponsored by Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union.
Tickets: $42

DAVID BROOKS: “Civic Discourse in America”
New York Times syndicated columnist
Tuesday, June 3 • 7:30 p.m. – Little Theatre, Midland Center for the Arts
David Brooks possesses a curiosity and incisiveness that extends well beyond the boundaries of politics and the economy, and has become a keen observer of how Americans live their lives. The New York Times Op-Ed columnist has a gift for bringing audiences face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight and a quiet passion. Mr. Brooks will look at the role of “civic discourse” and pose the questions we should each be asking ourselves about the direction of our country. Cosponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, Warner Norcross & Judd, and Saginaw Valley State University.
Tickets: $32

CHEFSTEPS
Chris Young and Grant Crilly
Thursday, June 5 • 7:30 p.m. – Auditorium, Midland Center for the Arts
It’s OK to play with your food! It all started at the Cooking Lab, an experimental kitchen where Chris Young and Grant Crilly collaborated on the acclaimed six-volume cooking opus, “Modernist Cuisine.” Wanting to do something different, they created the online culinary workshop ChefSteps, a forum for sharing knowledge and experience with curious cooks who want to learn the how’s and why’s of cooking. Explore everyday cooking through live demos and original videos which reveal the surprising results that are possible when the art and science of cooking come together. Market purveyors will also be on hand in the brick lobby offering fresh “market to table” merchandise. Cosponsored by Tri-Star Trust Bank, with support from LaLonde’s Market.
Tickets: $35

HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
GRAMMY® Award winners and 80s icons
Thursday, June 12 • 8 p.m. – Auditorium, Midland Center for the Arts
As great a recording career as the band has had, there is something extra special about a Huey Lewis and the News live show. These GRAMMY® Award winners incorporate a variety of musical influences including R&B and soul to create their own unique sound. They are credited with such classic Top Ten Hits as “Heart of Rock & Roll,” “If This Is It” and “Hip to Be Square.” The group also wrote and performed “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time” for the hit film, “Back to the Future.” Be it their albums, their live performances, or the way they interact with their fans, they are a band with “Heart and Soul.” Cosponsored by Dow Corning Corporation, and Morley Companies, Garber Automotive – Midland, and Chemical Bank Wealth Management.
Tickets: $58, $49 and $39

AN EVENING WITH TIEMPO LIBRE
Cuban music sensation
Thursday, June 19 • 7:30 p.m. – Outdoor concert, Midland Center for the Arts
The GRAMMY®-nominated powerhouse is one of the hottest young Cuban bands on the music scene. Classically trained at Cuba’s premier conservatories and inspired by the illicit jazz and R&B radio broadcasts they listened to in their childhood, today the group is a hit in the U.S. and abroad. The Miami-based ensemble is celebrated for its sophisticated performances of timba music: an irresistible, dance-inducing mix of R&B, pop, jazz, and Cuban styles. Join us for a fun, hot, hot night at this high-voltage outdoor concert! Lawn Seating: Bring a blanket or lawn chair; picnic dinners welcome; beer and wine available for purchase. Sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, with hospitality sponsor HORIZONS.
Tickets: $42
VIP Fiesta Tickets: $70 (includes Cuban-style dinner, one complimentary beverage and admittance to the concert)

BRIAN REGAN
Comedy Central star
Thursday, June 26 • 8 p.m. – Auditorium, Midland Center for the Arts
Don’t miss a laugh-out-loud evening of family-friendly comedy! Critics and peers agree: Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country, using his perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality to turn the most mundane situations into side-splitting stand-up material that spans generations. Cosponsored by Fabiano Brothers, Inc., Park Place Homes, and SYM Financial Advisors.
Tickets: $48 and $39