Paramount Series features mix of musical styles
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on June 5, 2018 5:50 AM
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Ranky Tanky, a band of native South Carolinians, will perform Oct. 4.
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The Platters will be in concert Feb. 13.
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Goldsboro's very own Malpass Brothers will be in concert Jan. 11.
The 11th annual Paramount Performing Arts Series will feature a variety of performances -- from a contemporary twist on Gullah sounds to Spanish-language music to holiday music.
Stephanie Slusser, Paramount Theatre service coordinator, said the series started when the theater was rebuilt in 2008 to bring national professional artists to downtown Goldsboro.
Ticket prices vary based on the performer. Tickets are available at the Paramount box office, by calling 919-583-8432 or online at goldsboroparamount.com.
This year's lineup includes:
* Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. -- Ranky Tanky, a band of native South Carolinians who mix the Lowcountry traditions with large doses of jazz, gospel, funk and R&B to bring the soulful songs of the Gullah culture to life. The group's members perform music from the Sea Island region, from playful game sons to ecstatic shouts and from heartbreaking spirituals to delicate lullabies.
* Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. -- Lexington Children's Theatre's production of "Jack and the Wonder Beans" is a retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk" set in Appalachia. In addition to a public performance, the Paramount and Partnership for Children is having a special performance for preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners.
* Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. -- The popular Holiday Pops Concert returns, following Downtown Lights Up. The symphony will perform an evening of holiday favorites.
* Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. -- Goldsboro's own Malpass Brothers return with the music of classic country artists. It will feature Christopher and Taylor Malpass.
* Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. -- The Platters will be on stage. The group crashed through the racial divide in the music industry in 1955, becoming the first African-American vocal group to reach international superstardom. Today, the new members continue to evolve and entertain music fans of all ages with a foundation of hit songs thanks to the founding members.
* March 7 at 7:30 p.m. -- Latin-American songstress Gina Chavez will bring her unique blend of sounds of the Americas to the stage. Her collection of bilingual songs takes audiences on a journey through the Americas. She volunteered in a gang-dominated suburb of San Salvador, where she helped found Ninas Arriba, a college fund for young Latinas. The Paramount is a partner with the Arts Council of Wayne County for this performance.
* March 29 at 7:30 p.m. -- Ron K. Brown's Evidence, A Dance Company, continues a new tradition of professional dance in Goldsboro. Focusing on the integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word, Evidence provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African-American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms.
The Paramount's Family Movie Night Series also continues this year with five movies:
* Aug. 28 will be "Field of Dreams" at 7 p.m.
* Dec. 18 will be "It's a Wonderful Life" at 7 p.m.
* Dec. 20 will be "White Christmas" at 7 p.m.
* Jan. 20 will be "The Color Purple" at 3 p.m.
* March 24 will be "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at 3 p.m.
Tickets to any movie are $5 each with youths 12 and younger free with a paying adult. Popcorn, candy and drinks will be for sale and will be allowed in the auditorium during each movie.
For more information on the Paramount Performing Arts Series or Movie Nights, call the Paramount at 919-583-8432.