By Sophie Pappas
If there is one thing that Rachel Shafer gets excited about, it is the new shows at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center.
“While we’re always excited about the student work that happens at ZPAC, this year’s newest programming offering is very exciting as well,” Shafer said. “For the first time ever, ZPAC is presenting a small series of shows for our community. We’re calling it our “ZPAC Presents” series. In adding this new feature to an already busy schedule, we are now more fully aligning with the stated mission of Zionsville Performing Arts Center – ‘The ZPAC mission is to support the performing arts through a venue to explore performance opportunities, educational activities for Zionsville students and community members, or civic events.’ It’s exciting to be a part of this thriving arts venue, and we hope that our new programming engages folks in such ways as to enhance our community.”
The first big show that will premiere is the performance of singer Danny Gokey Oct. 10. This concert will start at 7 p.m., and will be opened by singer Brianna Caprice.
“Many may remember Danny from his stint on Fox’s hit show American Idol. Danny was on the eighth season of that show, and has since gone on to a very successful vocal career. At this moment, Danny Gokey sits at the top of Billboard’s CCM chart with his single ‘Hope in Front of Me.’ Earlier this year, Danny’s album of the same name was also in the top spot,” Shafer said.
Then, on Dec. 6 ZPAC will present what Shafer calls “a very exciting show” entitled America’s Favorite Dancers.
“This show will feature dancers seen on the ABC smash Dancing with the Stars and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. At this time we are still working on the final lineup of the “ballroom professionals” who will appear, but we do have confirmation that the lovely Chelsie Hightower and many others will be on site for this show. America’s Favorite Dancers promises to be an event that no one will want to miss,” Shafer said.
When asked which shows she would most recommend, Shafer said it is far too difficult to choose.
“How can I possibly choose one show to recommend? “ZPAC’s fall and holiday season is packed with amazing performances!,” Shafer said. “We’ll host events featuring music from the award winning ZCHS choirs, bands and orchestras, CCM’s current top artist, Danny Gokey, an outstanding production of the musical Footloose, the always popular ZCHS holiday concert, America’s Favorite Dancers, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s performances of The Nutcracker, and world renowned rock violinist Mark Wood in concert with the orchestras of Zionsville Community Schools. There are just simply too many incredible events on schedule for me to choose only one to encourage folks to see. We’d love to see the community come out to as many of these events as they are able to attend.”
For the full list of upcoming concerts, and to purchase tickets, visit www.ZvillePerformingArts.org.
