The Pend Oreille Arts Council kicks off an exciting performing arts season with world renowned guitarist Luca Stricagnoli next week. 

Stricagnoli will give a solo performance at Sandpoint’s historic Panida Theater on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. In addition to the performance, there will be a free workshop, open to the public, for those interested in guitar, at the Panida Theater at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 27. The doors for the workshop will open at 3 p.m.  
POAC’s eclectic season continues through next spring with performances ranging from taiko drums and Canadian folk music, to a tap dancing/beat boxing duo, multi-media theatrical performances and even a classic silent movie accompanied by live cello music. All performances will be presented at the Historic Panida Theater. Per POAC’s mission, ticket prices are affordable, ranging from $5-25, with a limited number of POAC season passes available at $100 for admittance to all seven shows.       

• Friday, Sept. 27: Luca Stricagnoli; with music streams exceeding 100 million and bookings in every corner of the world, Luca is considered one of the finest and most interesting guitarists in the world. Tickets are $25 adult or $10 youth. 

• Thursday, October 24: Gideon Freudmann — Cellobop. Virtuosic solo cellist, Gideon Freudmann, will perform a mini cello concert, followed by the silent film, “Sherlock, Jr.,” starring the inimitable Buster Keaton, ranked as one of the Top 100 Funniest Films by the American Film Institute. The film will roll accompanied by Gideon’s original soundtrack. Tickets are $25 adult or $10 youth. 

• Friday, November 8: Unit Souzou. The essence of Unit Souzou is an expressive blend of Taiko drumming and Japanese folk dance, forging new traditions for evolving communities, in addition to creating groundbreaking professional theatrical works. Tickets are $25 adult or $10 youth. 

• Friday, January 31: Living Voices “The New American.” Experience history with Living Voices, where dynamic solo performances and archival film merge to narrate a young immigrant’s journey from steerage to Ellis Island and the bustling streets of New York City. Tickets are $25 adult or $10 youth. 

• Friday, February 28: The Wardens. The Rocky Mountain-based band’s stories and songs rise from the very land they’ve protected as Canadian National Park Wardens. With haunting three-part harmonies and chilling tales, their mountain music — blending folk, roots and western styles — reflects Canada’s protected wilderness areas. Tickets are $25 adult or $10 youth. 

• Saturday, March 22: Missoula Children’s Theater “Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs — The Missoula Children’s Theater presents an original adaption of the classic fairy tale, starring local youth. Tickets are $25 adult or $10 youth. 

• Wednesday, April 30: Collision of Rhythm. This dynamic duo is comprised of tap-dancing virtuoso Aaron Williams, and beatbox-juggling, keynote speaker, Bronkar Lee. Though there are only two of them, they fill the stage as a 12-person ensemble would, moving from instrument to instrument with a high level of skill and diversity. Tickets are $25 adult or $10 youth. 

Visiting performers also participate in POAC’s Ovations program, a free K-12 outreach that provides quality educational experiences in the performing arts for students who would otherwise not have these opportunities. In addition to all public performances at the Historic Panida Theater, workshops, performances and outreach programs are planned throughout the year for the Lake Pend Oreille School District and for the Sandpoint community. 

“POAC has a long tradition of presenting culturally diverse performances, geared for audiences of all ages, at affordable prices,” said POAC Executive Director Tone Stolz. “We are thrilled to present a new season of exceptional artistic quality, theatrical excitement and inspiration to the Sandpoint community through the performing arts.” 

A limited number of POAC Season Passes are available, offering discounted admission to all seven shows. Season Passes are $100 (plus tax) and are fully transferable. Tickets are now on sale online at ArtinSandpoint.org, by phone at 208-263-6139, or at the POAC Gallery, 313 N. Second Ave, in downtown Sandpoint. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the POAC’s Performing Arts Season, and for individual shows. Call the POAC office for details.