Performing Arts Speakers

Brian Dennehy

Brian Dennehy has won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play, in 2003 for Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” and in 1999 for the 50th anniversary production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” Dennehy also received a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Emmy ...

Ronnie Milsap

An incredible storyteller, Milsap tells his inspirational story in a rich program, I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World, interspersing songs with the defining moments of his life. By sharing his life in song, Milsap inspires others to follow their heart, whatever their abilities may be, and to find their place in ...

Capitol Steps

A talented bipartisan troupe of Congressional staffers-turned-performers, the Capitol Steps have performed their clever song parodies for four Presidents and recorded over 20 albums, including their latest, When Bush Comes to Shove.

Michael York

Audiences have long marveled at York's versatility with his impressive body of work on screen, stage, television, and in audio recording. In addition, this consummate performer has written several books and lectures on Shakespeare, the poetry of Rudyard Kipling, and the history and art of acting.

James McBride

An award-winning jazz musician, McBride is the author of The New York Times bestseller, The Color of Water, a memoir that has become a modern classic. Spike Lee directed the film adaptation of McBride's book, Miracle at St. Anna, paying tribute to African American soldiers who fought in WWII.

Twyla Tharp

Since her graduation from Barnard College in 1963, Twyla Tharp has created more than 130 dances, choreographed five Hollywood movies, and directed and choreographed two Broadway shows. She has written an autobiography and received two Emmy Awards, 18 honorary doctorates and numerous grants including the John D. and ...

Ben Vereen

Few entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have become woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy. His strong sense of social consciousness make him an excellent speaker on overcoming adversity, black history, and motivational topics.

John Tesh

In an impressive and eclectic career that spans radio, television, music, movies, and print, the award-winning Tesh is respected as a Renaissance man. A man strongly devoted to his faith, he opted to put aside his entertainment news career to pursue music and ministry fulltime, and currently hosts “The John Tesh Radio ...

Alfre Woodard

Known for the challenging roles she's played on film and in television, critically acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard's work has earned her an Oscar nomination, four Emmy Award wins and 16 nominations, three SAG awards, and a Golden Globe. Woodard also enjoys philanthropic work and currently serves on the National Film ...

DJ Spooky

Paul D. Miller is a conceptual artist, writer, and musician working in New York. His written work has appeared in The Village Voice, The Source, Artforum, Raygun, Rap Pages, Paper Magazine, and a host of other periodicals. His first collection of essays, Rhythm Science was included in several year-end lists ...

Women of the Calabash

A unique 4-person vocal and percussion ensemble that interprets music from Africa, Latin American, the Caribbean and Black America on a variety of folk instruments made from calabash, bamboo and wood. This performance is highlighted by authentic costumes, dance and commentary.

Kathleen Turner

Considered one of the premiere American actresses, Turner has broadened her starring roles to include civil liberties activist who remains passionate about changing the current social climate in America to one that respects women’s health choices. She also tells it like it is in her frank, funny, irreverent, and ...

Branford Marsalis

World-renowned saxophonist Marsalis has always been a man of numerous musical interests. The 46-year-old, three-time Grammy winner has continued to exercise and expand his skills as an instrumentalist, a composer, and the head of Marsalis Music, the label he founded in 2002.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin, one of America's foremost comediennes, continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media, starring in television, theater, motion pictures, animation, and video. In her entertaining keynote speeches, Tomlin recants her illustrious career, which spanned decades, with candor and charm.

Jimmy Tingle

Funnyman Tingle gives his opinions on anything and everything. Appeared on The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Conan O'Brien and an HBO One Night Stand comedy special.

The Stars of Dancing With the Stars

Dancing with the Stars is an exciting new program where you can join actual performers from the hit show Dancing with the Stars in an energizing and interactive performance.

Keith Lockhart

Vibrant young conductor with over 300 concerts and 33 television shows, including 19 programs for PBS to his credit. International guest conductor.

Will Power

Will Power is an award-winning actor, rapper, playwright, and educator. As one of entertainment’s new shining stars, he has been called “electrifying” by Newsday, “dynamic performer” by Variety and “the best verse playwright in America” by New York Magazine. Viewed as a pioneer in the ...

Benjamin Zander

Since its foundation, Zander has held the esteemed position of conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. A highly sought after speaker, he captivates audiences with his take on teamwork, creativity, leadership, the transformational power of music, extreme experiences, and how to be outrageous, courageous, and risk ...

John Edward Hasse

Curator of American music at the Smithsonian and founder of Jazz Appreciation Month in the United States, Hasse is an expert on 20th century American music. A gifted pianist, brilliant author, and editor of several books, including Jazz: The First Century, Hasse's presentations are informative and entertaining.