At Thursday night’s St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Reichhold Center for the Arts announced a dynamic and diverse lineup of entertainers for the upcoming 2009-2010 season.
Approximately 370 people, one of the largest crowds for Business After Hours, enjoyed food and drinks while listening to the sounds of St. Thomas’ “Top Notch Band” before welcoming Pamela Toussaint, co-director of Reichhold, to the stage to present the list of entertainers.
On Oct. 17, the official season kicks off with a performance by "blue-eyed soul" singer Michael McDonald, former member of the Doobie Brothers and a contributor to early albums by Steely Dan. His successful solo career has included such hits as “On My Own," “I Keep Forgetting," “Ya Mo B There," and “Sweet Freedom."
Sizzling hot Latin dance troupe Ballet Hispanico brings contemporary dance to the stage on Nov. 21.
Dressed in colorful costumes and praised for their rich harmonies and haunting a cappella arrangements, Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir’s performance on Jan. 15 is sure to be a favorite.
February brings jazz to the Reichhold with Patti Austin and Ramsey Lewis sharing the stage on Feb. 6. Austin has had a string of hits, including “Baby Come To Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” and has recently recorded tribute albums to Ella Fitzgerald and George Gershwin, while Lewis has five gold records and has won countless Grammy Awards.
Hailing from the U.K., the venerable reggae band Steel Pulse performs on March 13.
The season finale on May 15 brings to St. Thomas two of the hottest neo-soul singers: Musiq Soulchild and Vivienne Green.
Continuing its popular family series, the first performance, on Oct. 3, brings New York based dance group COBU to the Reichhold stage. Blending traditional Japanese Taiko drumming with funk tap dance, their show has been described as mesmerizing and energetic.
Then on March 27, the family series presents BlackViolin, a duo of young men who combine hip hop with classical violin. Their talent and classical training has made them three-time winners of the Apollo Theater competition and “America’s Got Talent”.
Reichhold teams up with The Forum on Nov. 14 to once again bring to St. Thomas the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, featuring vocalist Melita Etienne, a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul High School and The University of the Virgin Islands.
In a co-production with St. John resident Steve Simon, the 1st Annual Blues Festival on Jan. 22 features Curtis Salgado, blues harmonica player, Trampled Under Foot, winners of the 2008 International Blues Challenge, and Edin Brent, a vocalist who some have compared to Janis Joplin and Sarah Vaugahn.
Jim Tunick and the Rotary Club of St. Thomas present the final co-production on Feb. 27 with a concert by rock band Orleans, whose hits include “Still the One” and “Dancing in the Moonlight.". Proceeds from this event will go to the Nana Baby Home on St. Thomas.
Reichhold’s presenting sponsor for the upcoming season is International Capital & Management Company. Returning season sponsors are First Bank, First Insurance, Virgin Islands Lottery, Tropical Shipping, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Resort, Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, and the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.
Season tickets, which do not include the co-productions or the family series, are $343 for Zone A and $275 for Zone B.
Tickets to any and all shows for the 2009-2010 season can be purchased by calling the box office at 693-1559 or by visiting their website at www.reichholdcenter.com. 
