Welcome to the
Rebecca J. Graves Center for the Performing Arts

Sarah McQuaid – October 12 – 7:30 PM

A Singer-songwriter in a tradition that spans cultures and genres with peerless musicianship.

“One of the most instantly recognizable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.”
—Neil March, Trust The Doc

Sarah McQuaid’s lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience.

Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorization.

All this is abundantly demonstrated by her new live album and video series The St Buryan Sessions — but needs to be savored in person to be fully appreciated.

Visit her website here.

Postcards – November 9 – 7:30 PM

Trains, planes, and automobiles!

Soloists from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC will tell hilarious and heart-warming stories and sing songs about their travel adventures.

Some of their songs include Leaving on a Jet Plane, London Calling, and I’ll Be Seeing You.

Bobby Sanabria – December 7 – 7:30 PM

Bobby Sanabria is a 7-time Grammy-nominee as a leader. He is a noted drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, documentary film maker, and bandleader of Puerto Rican descent born and raised in NY’s South Bronx. He was the drummer for the acknowledged creator of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá touring and recording three CD’s with him, two of which were Grammy nominated, as well as an incredible variety of artists.

This South Bronx native of Puerto Rican parents was a 2006 inductee into the Bronx Walk of Fame. He holds a BM from the Berklee College of Music and is on the faculty of the New School University and the Manhattan School of Music where he has taught Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestras passing on the tradition while moving it forward.

Mr. Sanabria has conducted hundreds of clinics in the states and worldwide under the auspices of TAMA Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Vic Firth Sticks and Latin Percussion Inc. His background having performed and recorded as both a drummer and/or percussionist with every major figure in the history of Latin jazz, as well as his encyclopedic knowledge of both jazz and Latin music history, makes him unique in his field.

Saturday, December 14 – 7:30 PM

“A Christmas Carol” & “Holiday Stories”

Featuring David Tyson
Weaver of Tales Theatre Company

An Adapted Christmas Carol
This is a unique telling and adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Mr. Tyson plays a myriad of characters, traveling through time and space in this fast-paced and engaging holiday favorite. Come and be reminded that redemption is possible – we just have to be willing to change.

Holiday Stories – Comedia Style
Explore the comedy and mayhem of the season with various adapted and original holiday treats. Imagine, “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and Santa crash-landed on your porch, or hearing the story of a disgruntled Rudolph as he shares excerpts from his new tell-all book, “I’m more than Just a Nose,” – these and other tales will have you howling for more.

“David Tyson is a fascinating performer who includes acting, mime, masks and characters in his performances. He combines physical agility and charm in his presentations.”
Richmond Shepard, NYC Director

David Tyson is the Artistic Director of his own Weaver of Tales Theatre. He holds an MFA in Acting from Case Western Reserve University; a Master’s Degree in Communication & Leadership from Park University and is a graduate of the, Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre, in California.

He is also a certified actor combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. He has performed at various theaters, festivals, fairs, and schools around the USA including performances at: The La MaMa Theater, Walt Disney World, Rowan University, and the Toronto Fringe festival.

Thank you to all of our PAL Sponsors

Jenny and Brian Plum
Bob and Debra Miller
Mama’s Treasures
Bank Street Books

The Barbara & George Lawton Jazz Series