The Clarion’s popular Summer Matinee Series begins June 21

The Clarion at Brazosport College is pleased to announce a new roster of shows for its popular Summer Matinee Series. The Summer Matinee Series is a series of performances aimed at children, which will run at 1:30 p.m. every Wednesday from June 21 through August 2, except July 5.

This summer’s matinee series will feature some new performing artists, as well as some old favorites. The series begins with the outrageous comedy antics of pianist Jason Farnham, who has been described as “Schroeder” from Peanuts mixed with part Victor Borge and part Jerry Lee Lewis.

Next in the series is an old favorite, Tom’s Fun Band, on June 28. In July, another new performer, Steve Trash, takes center stage with his “Ecology is Amazing” show, which uses magic to the principles of ecology. More favorites fill out the series with Jean Kuecher’s Marionette Theatre, C.J. Johnson’s “Little Big Magic Show” and, from the Happiest Place on Earth, Jamie Shaheen. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Clarion’s website at clarion.brazosport.edu or call the Clarion Box Office at (979) 230-3156.

The following is a closer look at the Clarion’s 2017 Summer Matinee Series:

JASON FARNHAM
Wednesday, June 21
1:30 p.m. — $6
Jason Farnham has delighted audiences around the U.S. over and over again. Fans have affectionately dubbed him "Schroeder" from Peanuts because of his toy piano, his witty Victor Borge-style piano comedy antics and the clever way he interacts with the audience. The variety includes contemporary Romantic piano, jazz, bossa nova, blues, stride piano and classical with a modern twist.

TOM’S FUN BAND
Wednesday, June 28
1:30 p.m. — $5
A Summer Series favorite, Tom’s Fun Band is a group of musicians who have come from very different musical backgrounds to bring fun music to children and families. Tom’s Fun Band was born when Tom Wilbeck decided to start writing children’s music for his twins. Today, Tom’s Fun Band can be seen at festivals, schools, libraries, fundraisers, parties, museums and anywhere positive, family music is needed.

STEVE TRASH — ECOLOGY IS AMAZING
Wednesday, July 12
1:30 p.m. — $10
This eco-empowering show with green entertainer, Steve Trash, will have your children on the edge of their seats. Since 1984, Steve has entertained more than 20 million kids with live ecological illusions, magic tricks and family-friendly fun. Learn how the water cycle works, how the sun generates renewable energy, why littering is a bad idea and how to reduce, reuse and recycle. Even Steve’s green-themed magic tricks incorporate found-object trash.

JEAN KUECHER’S MARIONETTE THEATRE
Wednesday, July 19
1:30 p.m. — $5
The drama and splendor of a professional theatrical production are captured by an ensemble of delicately hand-crafted puppets and marionettes performing on a majestic stage complete with drapes, lighting and sound. This season, Jean Kuecher brings Aladdin and Princess Jasmine to life as they outsmart Jafar to keep the magic lamp safe from evil hands. This glittering story from “The Tales of the Arabian Nights” will dazzle all ages as string puppets perform on an elaborate marionette stage. After the story, master puppeteer Jean Kuecher reveals the special effects and backstage secrets.

C.J. JOHNSON - ILLUSIONIST
Wednesday July 26
1:30 p.m. — $8
For more than 15 years, C.J. Johnson has been entertaining audiences across the nation and on numerous television networks, including Showtime, CBS, Fox and CMT. His kid-friendly, family-friendly show is a blend of side-splitting comedy, mind-bending magic and grand illusion. You will have the time of your life.

JAMIE SHAHEEN
Wednesday August 2
1:30 p.m. — $5
Jamie Shaheen’s catchy original songs form the basis of the “Everybody’s Happy When They’re Singing” show — a sing-a-long and dance-a-long celebration for kids. A highly interactive performance, Jamie leads the crowd in singing as a solo act or with additional musicians as backup. Audiences can’t resist the urge to join in when Jamie’s effervescent personality and irresistible sense of fun work their magic on them.

Please call the Clarion Box Office at (979) 230-3156 to make reservations for your group. All programs are recommended for children ages 4 through 14 years old. The Clarion at Brazosport College is located at 500 College Drive in Lake Jackson and can be reached by call (979) 230-3156 or visiting clarion.brazosport.edu.