DPAC Showcases Deeper Connections to Durham
This is a different kind of story about DPAC - The Durham Performing Arts Center. Although DPAC is undeniably known for its incredible programming diversity, the biggest theater shows in the world and unmatched customer service, that’s not the particular focus of this article. This is a story about some of the artists who have graced the stage of DPAC and their connections to Durham as a place.
When Harry Connick took the stage at DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center on February, 16, 2010, he was hoarse from lack of sleep and Mardi Gras/Super Bowl victory revelry. He said he hadn't slept but was excited to be in Durham. He was performing for an adoring crowd that included a long-time friend of his who took the stage to play along. The night was special for both Connick and a man with whom he grew up, Branford Marsalis. Marsalis lives in Durham.
Before the band's August 4th, 2011 show, Steely Dan vocalist Donald Fagan was perusing letters and packages left at the theater for him by fans. Among them was a simple card accompanying some photographs of the sign on the front of the Liggett & Myers building at Main and North Duke Streets that pays tribute to those who made and smoked Chesterfield cigarettes, a brand Fagan famously immortalized on his solo album, The Nightfly. The card thanked him for visiting and offered, "Bet you didn't know that Lester the Nightfly's smokes were made here in Durham, NC."
Durham is a place to which people from all corners of the globe have connections. "DCVB is all about encouraging people to visit Durham, but when we have the opportunity to showcase great stories like these to local audiences, we love to do so," said Shelly Green, President and CEO of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Durham is lucky to have a world-class facility like DPAC; and stories like this make that connection to place even stronger.”
Opened in November, 2008, The Durham Performing Arts Center has 2,700 seats and the largest stage between Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA. The theater is routinely ranked by industry trade magazine Pollstar as one of the ten busiest in the United States.
For tickets to upcoming shows and performances at DPAC, visit the tickets page of their website.
More info:
>> Search the Official Durham Event Calendar
>> Find a Place to Eat Before the Show
Photo Credit: Durham Performing Arts Center - Jesse Turner/DCVB
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Art quilts by Sauda Zahra, in the Ella Fountain Pratt Legacy Gallery. FREE admission.
