Denison University's Vail Series opens its 23rd season with "Schubert to Showboat," a return performance by acclaimed baritone Jubilant Sykes at 8 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 28) in Swasey Chapel. Sykes, a classically trained baritone drawing on gospel and jazz influences, debuted last February on the Vail Series with Christopher Parkening. "He brought the house down," says Lorraine Wales, director of the Series.

Jubilant Sykes

A limited number of tickets for the performance may be available to the public for $15 each. For information on ticket availability, call the Vail Hotline at (740) 587-6557.

Sykes has been lauded in theWall Street Journalas one of the "next major stars." He has given critically acclaimed performances of Mendelssohn'sElijah,Beethoven'sSymphony No. 9,Brahms'A German Requiemand Mozart'sRequiem.He has won the attention and respect of the world's finest conductors, symphonies and opera companies including Kurt Masur and the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and hundreds of other venues around the world. In a more contemporary setting, Sykes performed in TNT's All-Star Tribute to Beach Boy Brian Wilson, taped live at New York City's Radio City Music Hall with performers Elton John, Billy Joel, Paul Simon and David Crosby.

Sykes also recently made his musical theater debut to critical acclaim in City Center's "Encores!" production of E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen's "Bloomer Girl." His latest CD,Wait For Me,released in the spring of 2001, features classic songs by Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson.

Other Vail Series events at Denison this year are:

Denison's Vail Series, made possible by a generous gift from the late Foster and Mary McGaw in memory of Jeanne Vail, a 1946 alumna, is part of the Vail Program that provides the University with a range of support for fine arts activities, including art history, cinema, dance, music, studio art and theatre. Each year the program underwrites performances by major artists through the Vail Series and provides for one or more Vail artists-in-residence who work with faculty and students to expand and enrich the cultural opportunities at Denison.

The 23rd season of the Vail Series is dedicated to the memory of James D. Vail III, brother of the late Jeanne Vail and a major benefactor to the College, who passed away in August.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575