Lights On, Curtain Up, "We're Back!"

Marion J. Caffey Directs, Avery*Sunshine Headlines as Fine Arts Hall Reopens Dec. 3-4, 2021

“Light’s On, Curtain Up, We’re Back!”—a best-of-the-best concert directed by Marion J. Caffey, producer of Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in New York City, and featuring singer and recording artist Avery*Sunshine—will mark the reopening of the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College’s (SF’s) Northwest Campus at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4, 2021.

Because the college is following CDC guidelines during the COVID pandemic, seating will be limited to 150 people per show. Tickets are free to SF students and range from $10-$30 for others. Tickets are available on Showpass at https://www.showpass.com/lights-on-curtain-up-were-back/ or by calling the Box Office at 352-395-4181. SF students may ask to be put on a list to attend a dress rehearsal if they are unable to get tickets.

Under Caffey’s direction, the Santa Fe College (SF) singers, dancers, actors and musicians will bring their best work to entertain and delight audiences. The evening will end with a set by Avery*Sunshine, who will spend time before the concert interacting with students as part of SF’s Master Artist in Residence program.

A former resident of Gainesville, Caffey began his career as a song-and-dance man and moved on to perform, write, direct and choreograph on Broadway. He is perhaps best known for producing Three Mo’ Tenors, a tribute to the versatility of African American tenors that was featured on PBS’s Great Performances and recorded on CD for RCA Victor.

Hailed by The Washington Post as having “her own radiant brand of soul,” singer, songwriter and pianist Avery*Sunshine got her start performing in church choirs. Her influences include classical music, jazz, popular and soul tunes as well as hymns. She has recorded three albums with her musical partner, guitarist/producer/songwriter Dana Johnson.

 “Many people are involved in creating this production and Marion is crafting a beautiful evening that will showcase the healing powers of the arts in our community,” said Alora Haynes, chairperson of the Fine Arts and Entertainment Media Department who is producing the show. “For two years, our students and community members have not been able to enjoy live performances. This promises to be an emotional show to let everyone know, ‘We’re Back!’”

Assisting Haynes as producer and Caffey as director are faculty members Russell Schultz, assistant to the director; Sarah Harkness, choreographer; Lynn Sandefur, vocal director; David Smith, instrumental director; and Mitch McKay, featured pianist. Others involved include Elizabeth Reynolds, lighting designer; Lisa Cook, stage manager; and Kevin Terry, sound designer.

“Light’s On, Curtain Up, We’re Back!” is organized and sponsored by the Santa Fe College Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology Department. For more information about tickets, call the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall Box Office at 352-395-4181.