NEW YEAR BRINGS CELEBRATED ICONS, LEGENDS AND NEW THRILLS TO THE PARKER

Published: Dec 11, 2024

January brings new beginnings but audiences will be able to turn back the clocks at The Parker in the Lillian S. Wells Hall with performances from legendary icons of music and tribute bands such as Bobby Weir with Wolf Bros Trio, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Al Di Meola, Keb’ Mo, Hot Tuna, Dweezil Zappa, Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Yacht Rock Revue and The Brit Pack, plus comedy from Paula Poundstone, Joe Gatto, Jessica Kirson, culture from Cirque Kalabante and Step Afrika! and more.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Live Nation present Bobby Weir with Wolf Bros Trio at The Parker at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3. Bobby Weir is one of the founding members of the legendary Grateful Dead. Since establishing the band in 1965, Weir has become one of rock’s finest and most distinctive rhythm guitarists. The band has received a Grammy^® Lifetime Achievement Award and appeared on Forbes’ list of top-grossing entertainers. The Grateful Dead is still one of the highest-grossing concert attractions in the U.S. and their final tally of 2,318 total concerts remains a world record. Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros formed in 2018 by Weir along with Don Was and Jay Lane. The band set out performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Weir’s solo albums and more and has toured extensively throughout the U.S. VIP packages are available.

The iconic English 60s beat band Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone comes to The Parker as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series on Sunday, January 5 at 7 p.m. featuring a playlist of classic hits that will transport audiences back in time. Herman’s Hermits has sold more than 52 million records, 14 singles and seven albums of which went gold. Noone’s top 40 hits include “I’m Into Something Good,” “There’s a Kind of Hush” and “Wonderful World.” At the age of 15, Noone achieved international fame as Herman, lead singer of the legendary pop band Herman Hermits. Accompanied by his band, Noone currently performs more than 200 concerts a year. This performance is generously underwritten by Penelope Ann Moore.

Paula Poundstone brings her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit to The Parker as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Friday, January 10 at 8 p.m. A popular panelist on NPR's Wait, Wait…Don't Tell Me!, Poundstone is an accomplished author, lecturer, host and actress. Her new podcast, Nobody Listens To Paula Poundstone, is a comedy field guide to life. An American Comedy Award winner for Best Female Standup Comic, she was the first woman to perform standup comedy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Her guest appearances include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Carson Daly and Nerdist with Chris Hardwick. This event is not appropriate for children under 12.

Cirque Kalabante: Afrique en Cirque comes to The Parker as part of the Mosaic Series on Wednesday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. Acrobats execute gravity-defying moves and human pyramids while accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion and kora in an evening that vibrates with energy and represents the strength, agility and life's joys of young Africans. This show by Yamoussa Bangoura is inspired by daily life in Guinea and shares the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture through vibrant scenery, costumes and staging.

The Broward Center and AEG Presents bring Al Di Meola to The Parker on Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the TD Bank Jazz Series. A bonafide living guitar legend inducted into the Gallery of Greats, Di Meola is among the top guitarists of our time. His ongoing fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation combined with provocative lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmony has been at the heart of his music throughout a celebrated career that has spanned four decades and earned him critical accolades, four gold albums, two platinum albums, more than six million in record sales worldwide, five German gold albums and various awards including an honorary doctorate degree from Berklee College of Music, the Honorary Miles Davis Award presented by the Montreal Jazz Festival, a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Sir George Martin in 2008, Hungarian Foundation for Performing Arts Lyra Award and numerous Grammy^® nominations and awards.

Joe Gatto: Let’s Get Into It featuring Mark Jigarjian, presented by the Broward Center and Outback Presents, comes to The Parker on Sunday, January 19 at 5 p.m. A comedian, actor and producer, Gatto is best known for the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” He is one of the founding members of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe which has toured with a live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world, including Madison Square Garden in New York and the O2 Arena in London. Gatto also is a co-host of the “Two Cool Moms” podcast and has appeared on hit podcasts “This Past Weekend with Theo Von,” “What A Joke with Papa and Fortune” and “Life is Short with Justin Long.” Gatto loves spending time with his two children and his ever-growing pack of rescue dogs affectionately known as the Gatto Pups. This performance is suggested for ages 16 and older.

Keb’ Mo brings his genre-bending take on old school sounds to The Parker on Monday, January 20 at 7 p.m. as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series. With five Grammys^®, 14 Blues Foundation awards and a groundbreaking career spanning nearly 50 years under his belt, Keb’ Mo’s got nothing left to prove. A respected guitarist, songwriter and arranger, he has a unique gift for linking the past and present with his evocative, modern sounds. His career took off in 1994 with his self-titled release, and over his career he has proven himself to be a musical force that defies typical genre labels. The list of artist collaborations comprises a veritable who’s who in the music industry, including Bonnie Raitt, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jackson Browne, Natalie Cole, Lyle Lovett, Melissa Manchester and many more. His songs have been recorded by B.B. King, Joe Cocker, Buddy Guy, Robert Palmer and Zac Brown Band. His newest album “Good To Be” weaves together the sounds of his childhood in Compton with the influences of his adopted hometown of Nashville, drawing on country, soul and blues to craft a heartwarming tapestry that transcends genre and geography as it celebrates the power of love and resilience, growth and gratitude, hope and memory.

The Broward Center and AEG Presents bring Hot Tuna Acoustic to The Parker on Tuesday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. For more than 50 years Hot Tuna’s Jorma Kaukonen (guitar) and Jack Casady (bass) have brought a wealth of emotions to their music through deep perceptions and tremendous talent. Together, they are well-seasoned musicians and musical treasures. Members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy^® recipients, they are always injecting fresh energy into their sound and taking their musical horizons further with constant improvisation. Kaukonen and Casady also were at the heart of Jefferson Airplane, another iconic group with roots in the 1960s. Over the past five decades, they’ve released more than two dozen records as a band and many more solo projects.

The Cleveland Clinic Rock Series continues when Dweezil Zappa: The Rox(Postroph)y Tour, presented by the Broward Center and AEG Presents, hits the Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker on Wednesday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. Following in his father’s footsteps both musically and personally, Dweezil Zappa, son of Frank Zappa, has forged an eclectic career spanning three decades. The Grammy^®-winning guitarist has played more than 2,000 concerts all over the world and has composed original music that was performed in two concerts by a 100-piece orchestra in Holland. Additionally, he composed the theme music for the Emmy-winning “The Ben Stiller Show” and has acted in various roles in film and television. He also voiced the character “Ajax” on the animated show “Duckman” and hosted MTV as well as his own cooking show on the Food Network. A supporter of music education who frequently teaches guitar, Zappa formed his own music camp called “Dweezilla.” He has collaborated with a wide range of significant musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Brian May, Chick Corea, Edward Van Halen and his father Frank Zappa.

Awarded Best Female Comic by the MAC association in New York City and recipient of the prestigious Nightlife Award for Best Stand-up Comedian, Jessica Kirson comes to The Parker as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Thursday, January 23 at 8 p.m. A regular contributor to The Howard Stern Show, where she produces and stars in prank calls, she is also a regular on This Week at the Comedy Cellar and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, HBO’s Crashing, Netflix’s Friends Who Kill, and Kevin Can Wait. A hilariously relatable performer of sheer silliness, vulnerability and ridiculous characters, her countless comedic character videos have racked up over 200 million views on social media and created a multigenerational fan base. This event is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents.

Experience the uncanny recreation of Fleetwood Mac as Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute takes the stage at The Parker on January 24 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series. Rumours ATL has captivated fans across the U.S. with electrifying renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits and is hailed as the top tribute band for an authentic Fleetwood Mac experience. In under seven years, they’ve built an international following, consistently selling out major U.S. venues. The band features Mekenzie Thrift (vocals as Stevie Nicks), Adrienne Cottrell (keyboards, vocals as Christine McVie) and Denny Hanson (guitar, vocals as Lindsey Buckingham), along with John Spiegel on lead guitar, Jim Ramsdell on bass and Daniel Morrison on drums. Known for their dedication to authenticity without veering into parody, Rumours ATL delivers a live experience that has audiences dancing, singing and discovering something new about Fleetwood Mac during every show.

Called the “world's premier soft-rock party band” by Rolling Stone, Yacht Rock Revue brings soft rock, jazz and mellow melodies to The Parker on January 26 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series. Yacht Rock Revue takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the sun-soaked melodies of the ‘70s and ‘80s, and their collaborations with yacht rock legends like Elliot Lurie and Robbie Dupree affirm their status as genre pioneers. This energetic 10-piece ensemble combines exceptional musicianship with a deep love for yacht rock. As The New York Times noted, fans “dance for two hours to tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s,” while Entertainment Weekly praised the “unabashedly joyous” nature of their shows. With their upcoming album, Escape Artist, the band pays homage to the iconic sound that has captivated fans. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, they have become key figures in reviving yacht rock, sharing the stage with icons and building a loyal following of Anchorheads. Their concerts promise an immersive celebration of the smooth grooves that define this timeless genre.

“Janet's Planet: A Tour Through the Solar System” is presented as a Smart Stage Matinee at The Parker on Tuesday, January 28 at 8 p.m. Traveling at the "speed of thought," Janet introduces the wonders of the galaxy in a 45-minute interactive presentation that engages and challenges students. Designed to inspire STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) potential in elementary school students, lesson plans are based on a curriculum endorsed by NASA and Space Florida. Smart Stage Matinee performances are ideal for charter, private, public and parochial school students and home-school networks. These educational performances are curriculum-driven and align with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards. Free study guides called “Curriculum Connections” are available to download on the Broward Center’s website.

Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, performs a night of dance, songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation as part of the Mosaic Series on Wednesday, January 29 at 7: 30 p.m. at The Parker. Under Founder C. Brian Williams' leadership, the troupe now ranks one of the top ten Black dance companies in the U.S. and has toured more than 50 countries to make stepping an American cultural export. Blending percussive dance styles practiced by Black fraternities and sororities, Step Afrika blends traditional West and Southern African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.

The Brit Pack: Decades Of British Music comes to The Parker as part of the Mosaic Series in concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Live Nation on Friday, January 31 at 8 p.m. From the iconic anthems of the '60s to the modern classics of today, The Brit Pack covers the spectrum of the UK's musical legacy with an extensive repertoire spanning all the greatest British hits by The Rolling Stones, Queen, The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, The Who, Oasis, Tears for Fears, Radiohead, The Police and Amy Winehouse, among others. Having performed with such artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Britney Spears, Chet Faker, Tom Rush and Mark Hudson, The Brit Pack is a supergroup of sorts consisting of Matt Nakoa (vocals, guitar, keys), Mark Johnson (guitar, vocals), Bryan Percivall (bass) and Will Haywood Smith (drums).

Also at The Parker this January is: Sixtiesmania (Jan. 4); C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters (Jan. 18); and Meet Loaf – The Meat Loaf Tribute (Jan. 25).

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at ParkerPlayhouse.com and Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 N.E. Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility.

The Broward Center 2024/2025 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

###

About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the main campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County, The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.

About The Parker

The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, dance, family fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, Bernie Peck’s Bar, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more information, visit ParkerPlayhouse.com

Complete January Schedule at The Parker

Jan. 2-3 Bobby Weir with Wolf Bros Trio

Jan. 4 Sixtiesmania

Jan. 5 Herman’s Hermits – Baptist Health Red Carpet Series

Jan. 10 Paula Poundstone – Truist Comedy Series

Jan. 15 Cirque Kalabante: Afrique en Cirque – Allegro Mosaic Series

Jan. 17 AEG – Al DiMeola – TD Bank Jazz Series

Jan. 18 C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters – Fellowship for Performing Arts

Jan. 19 Joe Gatto: Let’s Get Into It

Jan. 20 Keb’ Mo’ – Baptist Health Red Carpet Series

Jan. 21 Hot Tuna Acoustic

Jan. 22 AEG – Dweezil Zappa – Cleveland Clinic Rock Series