Overview
In 2021 the Vilar Performing Arts Center restored its year-round programming to include all genres ranging from Broadway to large format rock bands all the way to international classical sensations. The venue also reinstated vital community offerings including STARS, Underground Sound, Community Arts Access, and more. Throughout the year the theater hosted a wide range of events, and even expanded its classical music offerings, expanding on its role as a purposeful and clear leader among performing art centers throughout the nation.
VPAC
Impact By the Numbers
Living in full
COLOR
Not our first rodeo
In a sometimes black-and-white world, live entertainment is the catalyst for bringing color into our lives. The Vilar Performing Arts Center at Beaver Creek continues to shine bright as an asset to our community and a jewel of our valley thanks to its generous donors, incredible partners, diligent staff and kindhearted volunteers.
And there were certainly some colorful moments at the VPAC in 2021 to be remembered as the venue made its return to full capacity and celebrated 24 years of providing world-class entertainment.
The legendary Yo-Yo Ma experienced a “senior moment” when he forgot his sheet music in the dressing room, sending his manager scrambling backstage while the musicians carried on a playful banter with the crowd. Keller Williams, known as a one-man jam-band, lit up the intimate venue with a special guest when he invited his yellow lab Yogi on stage. Tedeschi Trucks was a “dream booking” for the venue and thrilled a sold-out audience. Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes put on one of the best shows of the year, with up-and-coming star Emily Earle performing a stellar opening performance.
In addition to these memorable performances, the VPAC also hosted the Bravo! Vail Chamber Music Series, the return of its STARS program (Support the Arts Reaching Students) and Underground Sound Series (known as the Love for the Locals series), as well as a world premiere dance by Micaela Taylor – and much more.
Throughout 2021, the Vilar Performing Arts Center continued to provide a safe place for audiences and performers alike to celebrate the arts. The VPAC hosted over 10 of Colorado’s favorite artists, oftentimes providing them their first opportunity to perform in more than a year.
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Photos: Jarabe Mexicano visited Homestake Peak during a STARS outreach performance, photo by Chris Kendig. Legendary & house-favorite Keb’ Mo’ returned to the VPAC for the 6th time, photo by Jon Resnick.
We were able to watch Jarabe Mexicano and my students absolutely loved it. Every time I looked down the aisle they were clapping or dancing. … The kids really get into the shows and so attending STARS is something really memorable for them.
Our recent investments in technology now allows the theater to produce professional, multi-camera shoots that have streamed to audiences worldwide.
So happy to be back performing & spreading the love here at one of my favorite venues.
Thanks for the opportunity to share music again!
Connecting with
COMMUNITY
Welcome aboard
Every performance booked at the Vilar Performing Arts Center is a personal invitation from the VPAC to our audience to experience something special. From world-renowned musicians to top-tier dance, age-appropriate shows for local youth to iconic comedians, the VPAC’s diverse lineup offers something for everyone.
While providing exceptional entertainment to locals and visitors alike, the VPAC is also a place where community finds roots.
- The “Mission Mt. Mangart” movie premier highlighted local Chris Anthony’s passion project before it was spread across the globe.
- The Nutcracker Ballet Presented by Vail Friends of Dance and Vail Valley Academy of Dance brought local youth onto the big stage to perform.
- Through the VPAC’s Community Arts Access Program, nearly 400 local health care workers and first responders were able to see shows free of charge thanks to $42,500 worth of tickets going to our local heroes.
Through its collaboration and inclusion of others in the community, the VPAC continues to be a treasured amenity and presenter of events for the entire Vail Valley.
The facility also mastered streaming technology in 2021 and partnered with one of the largest streaming services in the country to cast a larger net and reach people around the globe with its performances. Capital improvements at the venue in 2021 include converting the lighting system to LEDs for more brilliant effects.
The May Gallery Patrons Lounge has always been a beautiful space inside the VPAC that serves as a pre-show gathering place. Attendees in the May Gallery now have the pleasure of perusing marvelous pieces of art due to a partnership with the local Claggett/Rey art gallery providing a portion of its collection to the VPAC.
With all of the venue enhancements, community relationships and forward-thinking leadership, the future is bright for the VPAC as it heads into its 25th anniversary year in 2022. Among the programs to look forward to, the new Therese M. Grojean Classical Series will make the VPAC a national leader in stewardship of classical music due to the generous donation by a longtime patron of the venue.
The Vilar Performing Arts Center already has nearly 50 shows ranging across the performing arts spectrum on the schedule through April of 2022, with many more to come.
