Cirque's Big Top Returns with 'Volta' | Jonathan Poretz sings Sinatra and Darin
Volta, the newest Cirque du Soleil production, rolls into town on Thursday, November 15 to perform under the Big Top at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Last month, due to audience demand, Cirque announced the extension of the San Francisco engagement through Sunday, February 3, 2019.
Bay Area fans that don’t catch Volta in San Francisco will also have another opportunity when the Big Top moves to the Santa Clara Fairgrounds in San Jose from Wednesday, February 13 through Sunday, March 10, 2019.
Billed as energetic, urban, and contemporary, Volta, is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases acrobatics in a visually striking world that have never been seen in the Big Top. A story of transformation and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, Volta is driven by a stirring melodic score composed by the international electronic group M83’s Anthony Gonzalez. The story is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgment of others in the world of Volta.
Volta is Cirque du Soleil’s 41st original production since 1984, and the 18th show presented under the Big Top. More fun facts: More than 190 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents have been transported by the magic of Cirque. With close to 4,000 employees, which include 1,400 performing artists from around the globe, the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group continues to mystify and delight audiences with its unique style, music and creativity year after year after year.
Tickets to Volta start at $54 and are available by calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783) or by visiting www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta. Looking for an additional experience? The Hennessy Black VIP Experience package includes a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats, complimentary parking, and more. Enjoy the show!
I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE SCREAM. In keeping with the new Cirque du Soleil
show, beginning today November 1, all three Humphry Slocombe locations in San Francisco will feature its Volta-inspired ice cream. Additionally, the locations (2790 Harrison Street, San Francisco; 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco; and, 2335 Broadway, Oakland) will hold an enter-to-win contest during November to win a 4-pack of tickets to attend Volta in San Francisco. Yum! Good luck!
WEEKEND SCENE: Goapele through Sunday, Cornell C.C. Carter Monday at Yoshi’s Jack London Square Oakland, yoshis.com … Jim Cordiss Friday, Saturday at Zio Fraedo’s Pleasant Hill, www.ziofraedos.com … Lisa Mezzacappa Six: Cosmicomics 2018 Friday, Dmitri Matheny Group: Jazz From The Silver Screen Saturday, Blues Vocal Jam (4:30 p.m.), Electric Squeezebox Orchestra (8 p.m.) Sunday, Agave Baroque Monday at California Jazz Conservatory Berkeley, cjc.edu … Richard Shindell tonight, Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely Friday, Saturday, Benny Green Trio with David Wong and Kenny Washington Sunday, UC Berkeley Jazz Ensembles Monday at Freight & Salvage Berkeley, thefreight.org … Lucas Ohio Friday, David and Linda LaFlame (Music of It’s A Beautiful Day) Saturday, The Quitters Sunday, Final Touch Band Monday at Armando’s Martinez, armandosmartinez.com … Bay Area crooner Jonathan Poretz returns to the intimate Feinstein’s at the Nikko in San Francisco Friday and Saturday, November 2-3 at 8 p.m., with his highly acclaimed and high octane show, “Sex, Swagger and Swing: Sinatra and Darin in the Concert That Never Was."
Poretz brings these two musical icons together, in concert, for the first time for a musical evening with his ultra-swingin’ mini-Big Band as they pit Sinatra and Darin classics against each other. Get ready for “Fly Me To The Moon” vs. “Charade,” “My Way” vs. “Beyond the Sea,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” vs. “Mack the Knife”, and more. Feinstein’s at the Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street in San Francisco. For tickets ($30-$60) and more details, visit feinsteinatthenikko.com.
COMEDY SCENE: Faizon Love Friday-Sunday, Arnez J. Nov. 9-11 at Tommy T’s Comedy Club Pleasanton, tommyts.com … Brendan Schaub Friday, Saturday at Cobb’s Comedy Club San Francisco, www.cobbscomedy.com … Jake Johannsen through Saturday, SF Comedy Showcase Sunday at the Punch Line San Francisco, www.punchlinecomedyclub.com.
TAHOE SPOTLIGHT. The WFC 96 – World Fighting Championships hit the Montbleu Showroom this Saturday, November 3 (doors open at 7 p.m.) followed by The Devil Makes Three Sunday, November 4 (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) at the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa (www.montbleuresort.com, 1-800-BE-LUCKY) … Andy Grammer appears Saturday in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Tahoe. Next up, is Todd Rundgren Nov. 17 (www.harrahstahoe.com, 1-800-427-7247) … Mac Sabbath with Franks and Deads, and Silver Friday, and Kuinka with Rainbow Girls Saturday at the Crystal Bay Club Casino (www.crystalbaycasino.com, 1-775-833-6333).
Published in the East Bay Time's TimeOut entertainment section Thursday, November 1, 2018.
FEATURED PHOTO: Cirque du Soleil's Volta, Hall of Equals. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KASS