Leo Kottke to open Paramount Theater season tonight

Who: Leo Kottke
Where: Parmount Theater, Rutland
Date: September 14
Tickets: $22 to $37
Contact: paramountvt.org

 

Kottke to open theater season

Three days after the day is not too late to wish Leo Kottke a happy birthday when he graces the stage of the Paramount Theatre tonight.

So 62 years ago, on Sept. 11, 1945, in Athens, Ga., Kottke was born. At 11 years old, he began playing the guitar. Recognized as one of the pre-eminent 12-string guitarists in the world, Kottke is returning to the Paramount for his second performance.

The curtain is scheduled to go up at 8 p.m. Officials of the Paramount believe Kottke is the ideal talent with whom to kick off the theater’s seventh season. His first album was released in 1969, and Kottke’s is a talent that has stood the test of time.

“Leo was a phenomenal success last time he was here,” said Tim Marceau, marketing director for the Paramount Theatre. “That’s why we brought him back to open the season.”

Kottke last performed at the Paramount during its first season in 2001. A decade before that performance, he had come off a run of three annually released albums, one of which involved Lyle Lovett. A couple of years after that run, Kottke released an album that featured production by Rickie Lee Jones.

Kottke’s work that has received the most recognition recently is his collaboration with Phish bassist Mike Gordon in 2002 and again in 2005. Between these projects, Kottke released a solo album, “Try and Stop Me.”

“He is a musician’s musician,” Marceau said. “Musicians will flock to see Leo Kottke.”

But Leo Kottke is only one of the many reasons to go to the Paramount during the 2007-08 season. All Playhouse Series shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. this year for the convenience of audience members, Marceau said. Kottke is part of a “Back by Popular Demand” series that also includes the subdudes, Capitol Steps and Intrigue — Magician Mike Super, who will perform for two nights.

“I feel good about this season,” said Marceau, who recently added a poll to the front page of the theater’s Web site. It was created to encourage suggestions from the public on what new acts to bring to the theater.

Among the list of new acts are The Irish Rovers, Tom Chapin, The Harlem Gospel Choir and Tap Kids. Officials of the theater encourage residents to stay tuned throughout the season for other big acts coming to town.

“There’s not any one show that I’m excited about because they’re all really good,” said Brenda Colburn, executive director of the Paramount Theatre.

For more information about the 2007-08 season, visit www.paramountlive.org or call the box office at 775-0903.

By Sarah Hinckley Herald Staff