University of Wisconsin - Rock County
2909 Kellogg Avenue
Janesville, WI 53546
Contact the UR Office:
E-Mail: uroffice@uwc.edu
Phone: 608-758-6530

1/23/2009

Ethel Waters Stage Show Comes to UW-Rock County

Janesville – Los Angeles recording artist ValLimar Jansen will bring to life blues legend Ethel Waters in a one-woman musical in two acts at UW-Rock County, 2909 Kellogg Ave., on Friday, February 13. The show will be held in the Kirk Denmark Theatre on the campus at 7:30 p.m.

Stormy Weather: A Celebration of Ethel Waters is a Kennedy Center award-winning show written, produced and performed by Jansen along with husband and accompanist Frank Jansen. The show chronicles Waters’ early struggles and her rise to become a Broadway star, an Academy Award nominee and the first African American woman to sing on the radio. Through such signature tunes as “My Handy Man,” “Am I Blue,” the title tune and 13 others, Jansen showcases her powerful voice as she takes the audience on a musical journey.

ValLimar Jansen began singing professionally at age 6. She was trained in music and performance at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and holds professional degrees from California State University and The University of California. She’s performed throughout the U.S., and around the globe, including playing the role of Beneatha in the Broadway touring cast of Raisin. She’s recorded three CDs with Frank and has been a guest artist on a host of others. In addition, she acts, directs, is a college professor, leads worship services and presents inspirational workshops.

Tickets are $9 for the general public; $6 for children under 12 and adults over age 65; and free to UW-Rock County students with an ID. Advance tickets are available in Business Services in Andrews Hall on the campus or by calling (608) 758-6565 ext. 100 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

###

Editors note: Digital photo available.