By Ann Leach
Connect2Culture continues its season of entertainment in this month of gratitude with the following options for young and old alike. Here’s what’s playing at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex this month:
Brian Woods, Pianist
Celebrated for his stunning musicianship and dazzling stage presence, American pianist Brian Woods is a rising star of international acclaim. Woods combines formidable technique and unique artistry with a charismatic style to delight and inspire audiences internationally.
“I live in St. Louis and got my master’s at University of Missouri – Kansas City,” Woods said. “I had entered a concerto competition my freshman year of college and I won. That was a turning point for me.”
The daily practice, the university pressures and his regular questioning of “Am I good enough?” found him ready to quit at age 25. “I was fortunate to have John O’Connor as a mentor,” Woods said. “He is one of the best and most well-known Beethoven interpreters on the planet and when I told him I might quit, he said, ‘You are too young!’ and he began to encourage me even more. Because of him, a lot of changes have happened in my world.”
Those changes include international performances, a national touring schedule and physical healing. “I slipped and fell on the ice back in 2021 and injured my elbow,” Woods said. “Doctors weren’t sure what that would mean for my performing future.”
Woods credits his love of music and his love of people for keeping him going through daily practices that range from four to six hours. “I like to tell stories about each piece that I perform, and I believe that music has a story to tell and it’s for all ages,” he said. “I want everyone to feel comfortable with it. I believe that if I’m not enjoying myself on the stage then the audience won’t enjoy it either. It’s not about the notes I play, it’s about the stories I get to tell.”
The program Woods will perform is called Wanderings. “It’s very much motivated by the Ukraine war,” he said. “I have both Ukrainian and Russian friends who struggle with their homeland, and I thought about what that must feel like.” The second half of the program is the music of Chopin, who had to leave his homeland of Poland. “I will also do a Rachmaninoff piece as he, too, spent large chunks of his life away from his home as well.”
Touring the country has been what Woods describes as “a wild ride.” When asked about his favorite road trip snack, he said, “I try not to do fast food and usually go to a grocery store and buy a salad. But I am a sucker for Starbuck’s. It’s the same wherever you go, and I find that comforting.”
Want to go?
Brian Woods, Pianist
Nov. 4 • Saturday • 7 p.m.
Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall
Tickets: $10-$15 (plus fees)
This performance is generously funded in part by the Vivian León Fund for the Musical Arts.
Tickets to all performances are sold exclusively through connect2culture.org, over the phone at 417.501.5550 or at the C2C Box Office located inside the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. Box office is open Tuesday–Saturday, 1-5 p.m.
Pete the Cat’s Big Hollywood Adventure
Lights! Camera! Action! When Pete the Cat and his friend Callie sneak into Hollywood Studios, they get lost in the world of the movies. Join Pete, Callie, Ethel the Apatosaurus and Robo-Pete in this new musical adventure based on several fun-filled “Pete the Cat” books, including “Cavecat Pete,” “Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map,” and “The Cool Cat Boogie.”
TheaterWorksUSA brings theatrical productions to venues across the country for school-time and public performances. The organization has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. With a strong belief that access to art and the theater is vital for our youth, this nonprofit has served 100 million theatergoers with over 140 original plays and musicals.
This fun-filled musical features themes like relationships and family, teamwork and friendship. The show runs approximately 60 minutes and children between the ages of 3 and 17 are free. Adults pay $15 plus fees. Children will long remember the catchy tunes like “Grooviest Place in the World” and the “Cool Cat Boogie.”
Want to go?
Pete the Cat’s Big Hollywood Adventure
Nov. 12 Sunday 2 p.m.
Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall
Tickets: $15 plus service fees per adult, children ages 3-17 are free of charge.
Tickets to all performances are sold exclusively through connect2culture.org, over the phone at 417.501.5550 or at the C2C Box Office located inside the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. Box office is open Tuesday–Saturday, 1-5 p.m.