DCA Passport Program Opens a World of Musical, Educational Opportunities

One of the outstanding things about Door Community Auditorium (DCA) in Fish Creek is the opportunity it offers the community to see popular performers such as Lyle Lovett, Brandi Carlile, Marty Stuart and Joan Baez, as well as to have unforgettable cultural experiences through music and programs from around the world.

“During the tourist season, DCA plays host to world-renowned touring artists,” said Executive Director Cari Lewis. “In the school year, we bring the world to our community.” 

On Friday, March 25, the DCA audience will travel to Zimbabwe through the sounds and talents of the Zimbabwean vocal ensemble Nobuntu as part of DCA’s Passport Program. 

Recently nominated for Best Musician of the Year at the Zimbabwe International Women Awards, the all-female a cappella quintet creates concerts with elements that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs, to Afro-jazz, to gospel, and they’re accompanied by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments and organic dance movements.

Based on those attributes and accolades, Lewis said the group sounded like the perfect addition to DCA’s 2022 Passport Program lineup, which offers performances and learning opportunities for both the general public and students.

“We work toward a good mix of the performing-arts disciplines, cultures and curriculum ties, and we aim to offer at least one show for all the student age ranges,” Lewis said. “A women’s singing ensemble from Zimbabwe sounded like a perfect fit for us.”

The group’s celebration of the African philosophy of “ubuntu,” which values humanity’s compassion and interconnectedness, also seemed like a perfect fit for current times. 

“My hope for this program is similar to my hope for all performances at DCA,” Lewis said. “I want audiences to enter, put down their burdens for 60-120 minutes, be present, share space with their community, feel a range of human emotions and leave renewed, inspired or maybe resolved to face a challenge,” Lewis said. “[‘Ubuntu’] is timely right now, but it is also a timeless philosophy.”

Show sponsorship from the Peninsula Pulse and the 30th-anniversary-season sponsorship from Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik have made it possible for DCA to offer free tickets to all Door County music, band, theater and dance students, as well as $10 tickets to accompanying family members and $10 tickets for all Door County school students and staff. These tickets must be reserved by phone at 920.868.2728.

Tickets for the general public range from $28 to $48 and are available online at dcauditorium.org; by phone at 920.868.2728; or in person at the DCA box office, 3926 Hwy 42 in Fish Creek.