A Cuban Big Band, China's Shaolin Monks, an African-American a capella ensemble — “it's an eclectic mix” for Aronoff Center for the Arts in 2001-2002, says executive director Steve Loftin.

        The upcoming season reflects Mr. Loftin's belief that audiences will support “high quality performances in any given discipline.”

The Shaolin Warriors give their first area performance. (Zhao Hui photo) | ZOOM |

        The season so far: Afro-Cuban All Stars, Nov. 10; the a capella Sweet Honey in the Rock, Jan. 26; Shaolin Warriors, Feb. 24; The Chieftains, March 3; Bill Cosby, March 15. Performances take place in the Procter & Gamble Hall.

        Cincinnati Arts Association also will host a March 22-23 return engagement for Loveland native Dan Stroeh and his one-man drama it is no desert, which was a sellout in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater last spring.

        It will be a local debut for both the Afro-Cuban All Stars and the Shaolin Warriors.

        Juan de Marcos Gonzalez (of The Buena Vista Social Club) will take center stage amid a multi-generational big band. The audience will have the opportunity to get up and dance to son montuno, contemporary timba, big band guijira, Afro-Cuban jazz and more.

        The Shaolin Warriors will present a day-in-the-life-of-a-monk entertainment that starts with meditation and evolves into a martial arts extravaganza reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

        Tickets are on sale at the Aronoff Center, Music Hall and Ticketmaster (phone 241-7469 or online at www.ticketmaster.com).

        Several more events will be announced as the season progresses.

        Mr. Loftin's belief in an eclectic performance schedule is expected to be supported next month when the Cincinnati Arts Association releases its annual numbers for attendance and income.

        He expects bookings of the Aronoff Center and Music Hall to be “at an all-time high” in 2001-02.

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