Hancher announces revised 2008–09 season

	The performance by Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars is one of 17 events planned for Hancher's revised 2008–09 season. The performance will be held at Iowa City West High School.

Eastern Iowa arts audiences know the University of Iowa Hancher Auditorium well: it is that gleaming theater by the banks of the Iowa River—or, in the tragic case of this summer, in the river.

But Hancher is more than just the building. There is also Hancher the arts-presenting organization, internationally renowned for its commissions, networking, and innovative educational programming. It was the arts-presenting Hancher that took the Joffrey Ballet "River to River" last summer, and presented the "Spot" artist residencies in Marshalltown, Perry, and Spencer the last several seasons.

That being said, Hancher has salvaged a healthy portion of its initially announced 2008–09 season. The events will be dispersed throughout the Iowa City/Coralville Area, which plays into the season's theme: "Can't Contain Us!"

A new brochure making that proclamation will be shipped Sept. 17 to all people who regularly receive Hancher mailings.

While the big 2008–09 Broadway and dance events, which depend on the large stage and advanced technical capabilities of Hancher Auditorium, have been canceled or postponed, Hancher's season is still afloat with 17 events, beginning with a free Sept. 28 performance by ScrapArtsMusic on the Pentacrest.

The other 16 events are scattered to venues large and small: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the historic Englert Theatre, the auditoriums at City and West High Schools, the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Brown Deer Golf Club, and the Congregational United Church of Christ.

"We have been so impressed, and grateful, for the sense of community that has been shown by the people at the other venues and by our many dedicated supporters," says Chuck Swanson, Hancher's executive director. "The reason Hancher exists is to provide enriching performing arts and educational experiences to the University and all of Iowa. The cooperation of all these venues has made it possible for us to keep that mission alive by presenting as many events as possible."

Seating will be reserved or open based on the configuration of each venue. Because all the venues except Carver-Hawkeye are smaller than Hancher, tickets for most events will be more limited. A second performance of An Irish Homecoming was added to provide additional audience access to that event.

Those who have already purchased tickets—both for events that have been canceled or postponed, and events that have been moved—are being contacted directly by the box office with instructions.

So how do I buy tickets?

Advance ticket buyers can take advantage of volume discounts on most events in the season. A simultaneous purchase of five events or more qualifies for a 15 percent discount. College and university students, senior citizens, and audience members 17 and younger also qualify for special discounts to most events. Groups of 20 or more receive a special discount on tickets to most Hancher events. Call 319-335-0009 for information and arrangements.

Tickets may be ordered at http://boxoffice.hancher.uiowa.edu. The box office may be reached by phone at 319-335-1160 or 800-HANCHER (426-2437) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. For TDD and access services call 319-335-1158. Tickets may also be purchased by visiting the Hancher box office's temporary location in Suite 107, South Lindquist Center.

Orders may be charged to VISA, MasterCard or American Express. UI students may charge their purchases to their university bills, and UI faculty and staff may select the option of payroll deduction.

The box office email address is hancher-box-office@uiowa.edu. The administrative office phone number is 319-335-1130.

Hancher's 2008–09 Season

Sunday, Sept. 28
ScrapArtsMusic, 2 p.m., Pentacrest (free event)

Saturday, Oct. 4
Kathy Griffin, 7:30 p.m., Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Wednesday, Oct. 15
Global Drum Project, 7:30 p.m., West High School

Friday, Oct. 17
An Evening with Judy Collins, 7:30 p.m. Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Thursday, Oct. 23
Chiara String Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Congregational United Church of Christ

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 6 and 7
An Irish Homecoming, 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre

Wednesday, Nov. 12
Takács Quartet, Muzsikás, Marta Sebestyen, 7:30 p.m., City High School

Thursday, Nov. 13
Brad Mehldau Trio, 7:30 p.m., City High School

Wednesday, Feb. 4
St. Lawrence String Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Brown Deer Golf Club

Thursday, Feb. 12
Time for Three, 7:30 p.m., City High School

Friday, Feb. 13
Vienna Boys' Choir, 7:30 p.m., West High School

Tuesday, March 10
Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars, 7:30 p.m., West High School

Wednesday, March 11
Musicians from Marlboro, 7:30 p.m., Brown Deer Golf Club

Wednesday, March 25
The Academy of Ancient Music, 7:30 p.m., West High School

Friday, April 3
Richard Stoltzman, Salute to Benny Goodman, 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre

Friday, April 24
Alpin Hong, 7:30 p.m., City High School

Sunday, May 10
Trout Fishing in America, 2 p.m., West High School

by Winston Barclay