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New season celebrates cultural diversity

University Centre Farquhar Auditorium unveils its 2015-16 season
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Peking Dreams bring their high-flying acrobatic performance to usher in a new season at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium Sept. 5.

High-flying acrobatics will help usher in a new season at The University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium.

“We’ve got a world-class lineup of performances celebrating community as well as showcasing cultural diversity.” said Ian Case, director of the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium.

The Farquhar’s season kicks off Sept. 5 with a performance by Peking Dreams, a troupe that has made a profound contribution to the circus world and heavily influenced the creation of Cirque du Soleil.  The performance features the National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China performing gravity-defying acrobatics.

The Kingston Trio take the stage Oct. 4. The trio that helped launch the folk revival of the 1960s has continued along through changing times, with great songs that have stood the test of time.

The Comic Strippers return to the Farquhar stage Nov. 14 to provide some improv hilarity by the male stripper parody. The skilled comedians, led by founder Roman Danylo, take audience suggestions and turn them into a whole new genre of comedy. No nudity, just extreme hilarity.

International Guitar Night promises to strike a chord with audiences Jan. 17. The world’s foremost acoustic guitarists are brought together by IGN founder Brian Gore to perform their latest original compositions and exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. This year, Gore will be joined by three of Europe’s finest acoustic guitarists: Gypsy jazz legend Lulo Reinhardt, contemporary fingerstyle innovator Mike Dawes and multi-genre showman Andre Krengel.

The Paperboys will dish up a taste of international music with a dash of pop on Feb. 13. This acclaimed Canadian-based band serves up an eclectic mix of music inspired by Mexican Son Jarocho mixed with Irish jigs and reels with doses of country and bluegrass. Add a little ska, soca and African highlife to the blend and you have The Paperboys.

De Danann will play March 20. This legendary Irish folk music group features founding member Frankie Gavin. Accordion, fiddle, banjo and bouzouki lead the way accompanied by propulsive bodhrán rhythms creating music rich in character and spirit. De Danann is considered one of  the most influential bands in traditional Irish music, famous for their cross-cultural experiments.

Farquhar’s season ends on a high note with the Glenn Miller Orchestra  March 23. Established in 1937, this is the original and world-famous swing/jazz band. Get your jive shoes on and tap to the beat as the big band era returns to The Farquhar. The Glenn Miller Orchestra is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today with a unique jazz sound all its own.