DPAC Gets Ready to Celebrate 3 Monumental Years

The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), will celebrate multiple achievements during the month of November.  DPAC ends the third quarter once again in the top 10 Theater Venues in America, plans to hail the one millionth patron during Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and will be celebrating its third anniversary on November 30, 2011.

“It is hard to believe that only three years ago, B.B. King was taking the stage and christening this building,” said Rachel Gragg, Director of Public Relations, “from a gravel lot and hard hat tours, to seeing the joy WICKED brought to the Triangle for the first time, and witnessing daily a community of patrons and staff that truly embrace live entertainment.  It has been the biggest thrill to watch from the beginning.”

Pollstar, the only trade publication covering the worldwide concert industry with tour schedules and sales results, named DPAC #3 in the U.S., and #4 internationally in their recent report "2011 Q3 Worldwide Ticket Sales - Top 100 Theater Venues,” based on attendance at DPAC.   In the U.S., DPAC is on the heels of the Coliseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas- a theater often referred to as the home of the greatest entertainers of the world, and the legendary Fox Theatre in Atlanta.  Trailing DPAC is #4)  Nokia Theatre L.A. Live , LA, CA #5) Beacon Theatre, NY, NY #6) Broward Ctr. Au-Rene Theater, Fort Lauderdale, FL,  #7) Radio City Music Hall NY, NY, #8) Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX,  #9) Orpheum Theater, Omaha, NE and #10) Dreyfoos Theater, West Palm Beach, FL.

DPAC is going to celebrate its third anniversary by welcoming their one millionth guest during the month long performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  The one millionth guest is expected to walk through the doors around Thanksgiving and will be presented with a unique prize package.  The lucky patron will receive a 4-pack to SunTrust Broadway at DPAC shows Memphis, The Addams Family, Bring it On, West Side Story, and the most anticipated return of WICKED.  They will also receive VIP parking and a 4-Pack to any DPAC concert of their choice.

“DPAC is reaching these heights by offering something for everyone throughout the year.”  In a recent article, The New York Times Travel section recognized the Durham Performing Arts Center as “an integral part of the city of Durham's continuing success,” said Bob Klaus, GM of DPAC. “DPAC’s mantra this season has been ‘something for everyone’ and I feel that we did not disappoint. Where else could you see legendary performers including Al Pacino, Diana Ross, Carol Burnett and B.B. King perform in the span of one year?”

To date, DPAC has greeted over 325,000 guests for the 2011 calendar year with the help of SunTrust Broadway at DPAC, where the best direct from New York Broadway staples grace the stage.  Last seasons’ offerings included successful sellout runs of Disney’s The Lion King, Blue Man Group, and Monty Python's Spamalot, and our current season has had a successful start with Tony© Nominated hits Come Fly Away and Rock of Ages.

DPAC's 2011 concert highlights incorporate a veritable Who's Who of today’s finest entertainers: renaissance man Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers was a crowd favorite, combining his trademark deadpan comedy with exceptional banjo picking for one of the most memorable nights of the season; jazz-rock ambassadors Steely Dan returned for their second sold-out performance; Dolly Parton made her DPAC debut, playing old favorites and new in a performance that only the country diva could deliver.

DPAC sold out nineteen one-night concert and comedy attractions, including Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neil Young, everyone’s favorite R&B party band Earth Wind & Fire, country legend Willie Nelson and comedians Ron White and Louis C.K. it's easy to see why sold-out performances and satisfied audiences have become the standard at DPAC.

Sold Out Performances for 2011:
•    Disney’s The Lion King  (32 Shows)- January 4-30, 2011
•    The Temptations & The Four Tops- February 9, 2011
•    Ricky Smiley with J. Anthony Brown- February 11, 2011
•    Jerry Seinfeld (2 Shows)- February 12, 2011
•    Brian Regan- March 3, 2011
•    Erykah Badu- March 4, 2011
•    Diana Ross- March 11, 2011
•    Blue Man Group (7 shows)- March 15-20, 2011
•    Wanda Sykes- March 22, 2011
•    An Evening of Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett- April 2, 2011
•    KEM- April 14, 2011
•    Neil Young- April 15, 2011
•    Steve Martin-  May 21, 2011
•    Spamalot (2 shows)- May 24 – 25, 2011
•    BB King- June 3, 2011
•    Martin Lawrence- June 19, 2011
•    Dolly Parton- August 2, 2011
•    Steely Dan- August 4, 2011
•    Ron White- September 10, 2011
•    Earth, Wind and Fire- September 18, 2011
•    Willie Nelson- October 20, 2011
•    Louis C.K.- October 21, 2011
•    John Oliver- October 22, 2011