Blumenthal Performing Arts Announces PNC CELEBRITY SERIES - CLICK HERE

A new collaboration between Blumenthal Performing Arts and PNC Bank will bring ten celebrity entertainers to the Queen City starting this summer with “The Empress of Soul” herself—superstar diva Gladys Knight and The O’Jays —on June 27 in the Belk Theater.

Other confirmed shows on the PNC Celebrity Series include singer-songwriter Boz Scaggs on July 17 and Grammy Award-winning Michael McDonald on Oct. 9 in Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts.

The first three PNC Celebrity Series shows will go on sale Monday, April 22. Tickets will be available on-line at BlumenthalArts.org, by phone at 704-372-1000 and in person at the Belk Theater box office starting at 10 a.m.

“We are thrilled to have PNC Bank’s support for this exciting new series that will showcase some of the world’s best artists,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard.  “We look forward to presenting these renowned artists in Belk Theater, where the acoustics and sightlines will make each performance one to savor. It will be a real treat to see and hear these amazing talents up close and personal in Belk Theater and we sincerely thank PNC for helping to make this possible.”

“PNC is committed to bringing top notch entertainment choices to the communities we serve,” said Weston Andress, Regional President of Western Carolina. “We are honored to be working with the Blumenthal to bring these entertainers here for what’s sure to be a series of terrific shows.”

Along with popular music stars, the new series will draw from comedy, speakers and other artists that have achieved superstar status during their careers.  Additional entertainers will be announced in the coming months.

The opening show in the PNC Celebrity Series features a star singer who has won eight-Grammy Awards, recorded a #1 Adult Contemporary hit, and has triumphed in film and performance, Gladys Knight.

Knight, known as the "Empress of Soul," has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums during the past decade: "Good Woman" (1991); "Just for You" (1994); the inspirational "Many Different Roads" (1999); and "At Last" (2001).  She is most famous for her Grammy-winning hit, “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

More PNC Celebrity Series shows will be announced soon. “Thanks to our partnership with PNC, we look forward to a remarkable year for those who enjoy shows featuring big stars in intimate spaces,” Gabbard said.