Check your bank statements: It’s time to throw a lot of money into the tills of Duke Performances. The just-announced calendar for the 2012–13 season features a glut of talent and variety. Artists based as close as the Triangle (Lost in the Trees) and as far as the orchestra pits of Asia (China National Symphony Orchestra) will grace stages across Durham in the coming year, presenting shows or participating in illuminating collaborations.
Season highlights include a two-night stand with soulful cellist Meshell Ndegeocello (Oct. 19 and 20), a transcendental evening with The Mountain Goats and New York-based a cappella quartet Anonymous 4 (Oct. 6), and a percussive journey with Glenn Kotche, Megafaun and On Fillmore (Feb. 22). The calendar also touts artistic offerings of wild musical comedy (Reggie Watts, Oct. 26), acclaimed tap (Savion Glover, Jan. 23), cabaret (Meow Meow, Feb. 12–14), and monologue theater (Mike Daisey, presenting a new work Jan. 30–Feb. 3).
There are also plenty of piano and ensemble sounds to delight the more refined palate. The popular Piano Recital Series has several bookings and an expanded format to include recitals by solo guitarist Eliot Fisk (Sept. 28) and violinist Leila Josefowicz (March 8). There’s also a chance for gospel fans to get in on the action, thanks to three stellar quartets: John P. Kee and The New Life Community Choir (Sept. 14 and 15), The Mighty Clouds of Joy (Nov. 16 and 17), and Richard Smallwood and Vision (March 30).
World-class artists will also be breaking from the confines of campus to play downtown Durham venues. Béla Fleck and The Marcus Roberts Trio will headline a night at the Carolina Theatre (Nov. 8). Tift Merritt and Simone Dinnerstein will take over the First Presbyterian Church of Durham (April 4). Lucky jazzheads will have five chances to see bands out downtownnotably The Bad Plus at Motorco (Sept. 21 and 22) and the Fred Hersch Trio at Casbah (Jan. 25 and 26).
Ticket availability is staggered for this year, with season tickets on sale Tuesday, June 26; single tickets on sale Tuesday, July 17; and Duke student passes available Tuesday, Aug. 21. Visit dukeperformances.org for information about these and many more performances.
