The Kevin and Sima Zlock Performing Arts Center has gone through plenty of notable changes these last semesters, from the variety in the lineup to a revamped pre-show experience, and judging by the turnout, it seems to have paid off to Director of Community Programming & College Events Peter Chiovarou.
“I am excited that folks are coming back to live performances and are remembering the pure joy of watching a performance together with other humans again! Nothing beats the great feeling being in a room full of others with all of the laughter, cheers, oooos and ahhhs of others around you as you experience the same,” Chiovarou says.
The various events on offer over the next four months range from musical acts like the Bucks Jazz Orchestra and Rick Estrin and the Nightcats to an appearance from comedian Tom Cotter, runner up and frequent subsequent guest or “America’s Got Talent” and guest of “The Tonight Show”, “Last Comic Standing” and “Comedy Central Presents,” and Peter is hoping to keep the momentum going from the success of the fall semester shows.
“I love the variety of the whole spring season! We have a little bit of everything this season.. from big names in comedy, blues music, amazing local singers and actors to shows for kids and the family as well as the new Bucks County Story Tellers Series. With such a wide variety of shows [it’s] guaranteed to have something everyone can enjoy.”
If one were to go to a show in the fall, the lobby bar may have been one of the most immediate standout changes, and the spring semester brings more options in the form of snacks in addition to the beverages on offer. The reaction has been very positive, and it seems getting a license to serve alcohol has paid off.
“The ZPAC lobby bar has been an [absolutely] wonderful addition to the Zlock Performing Arts Center. We are now able to offer our patrons an added value to the shows and the ability to enjoy a beverage – (both non alcoholic or alcoholic) and a snack before and during shows! It also livens up the lobby area adding more to the community experience of our shows. And hey you never know… sometimes the artists come out to hang before shows and many times after the show to sign autographs at their merchandise table,” says Chiovarou.
The Zlock Performing Arts Center can be found in the Gateway Center, next to the library, and a list of upcoming shows as well as links to buy tickets can be found at www.bucks.edu/tickets. Additionally, any current Bucks students have one more benefit:
“Current Bucks students receive one free ticket to performances! Yup! Can’t beat that! Students can visit the Box Office, managed by Bucks Students, located in the Library atrium area, show their ID and get their free ticket for a show. Box Office is open Monday thru Thursday 12 p.m. – 4 and one hour before a performance on days of shows.”