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With a unique opportunity to experience a show at The Midland Theatre while seated on the stage, The Midland’s very special Stage Door Cabaret Series opens its 2009-2010 season with Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Vezner, a tunesmith of rare sensitivity and dry wit. Jon’s catalogue of recorded songs, topped by the poignant “Where’ve You Been,” sung by wife, Kathy Mattea, reflects his straight-to-the heart sensibility and sensitivity. Vezner weaves the particulars of his own feelings with the lives of people he has known, creating universal themes that deeply touch listeners’ emotions. Performances will be held Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2 at 8pm, with doors opening at 7pm at The Midland Theatre.

Artists who have recorded Vezner’s works include Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Janis Ian, Steve Wariner, Reba McEntire, Kathy Mattea, Lorrie Morgan, Vonda Shepard, Aaron Tippon, John & Audrey Wiggens, John Mellencamp, Ronnie Milsap, McBride & The Ride, Nanci Griffith, Clay Walker, Bill Miller & Diamond Rio. Jon Vezner also has a growing list of production credits, producing CD projects for such artists as Danny O’Keefe, Victoria Shaw, and singing legend Patti Page. Jon believes strongly in the idea of "giving back", and building on this philosophy, has become very active as an instructor in various songwriting schools and workshops across the country.

This Stage Door Cabaret Series performance, sponsored by Huntington Bank, will be held both Thursday and Friday, October 1 and 2, 2009 starting at 8pm. Ticket are $27.50 and include snacks and a cash bar. Purchase tickets by calling The Midland at 740-345-LIVE (5483) or stop by our box office in downtown Newark from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00pm, and an hour before the performance. Tickets are also available online at www.midlandtheatre.org. Please note: add $2 to each ticket for handling and historic preservation fees. For more information call The Midland Box Office at 740/345-Live (5483).

The Stage Door Cabaret Series places the audience on stage with the artists with limited seating to approximately 100 people set in 25 tables of four patrons per table. The artist stage is also set on stage. Ticket price includes light snacks and a cash bar with beer, wine, soda and water available beginning at 7:00 pm with the performance starting at 8:00 pm.

With a remarkable view of the theatre as a backdrop, The Stage Door Cabaret Series invites its audience to enter through the Midland’s stage door entrance at the back of the theatre and be seated on stage with the artist, creating a more intimate way to experience artists at The Midland. Last season The Midland had a waiting list for each Stage Door performance and has expanded to two nights this season to give more patrons a chance to enjoy this hugely popular series.

The Show will be performed without an intermission. Use of cameras, videotape recorders and/or any other type of recording device during a performance is strictly prohibited.

Listen to some of Jon's music, and learn more about this amazing songwriter at his sites:

www.jonvezner.com · Jon’s MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/jonvezner

Calendar Listing:

Jon Vezner

Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2

Midland Theatre Stage Door Cabaret

Sponsored by Huntington Bank

Doors and cash bar open at 7:00 pm, Curtain at 8:00 pm