The Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville will present a wide range of top touring artists in music, theater, dance, comedy, and other performing arts for their 2013/2014 Mainstage Series.

The 2013/2014 Mainstage Series season opens September 20 with an opening night party sponsored by Pack’s Tavern at 7 p.m. and an 8 p.m. performance by Grammy-nominated blues artist Ruthie Foster, with an opening act, blues and roots artist Seth Walker. The 2011, 2012 and 2013 winner of the Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist, Ruthie Foster smolders, sizzles and ignites with an intensity born from her vibrant voice and indelible presence.

The 2013/2014 Mainstage Special Attractions Series showcases five performances that cross multiple genres. In her one-of-a-kind live performance “SandyLand” comedian Sandra Bernhard (October 12, 2013) sharply blends theatre, rock-n-roll and stand-up comedy with a little burlesque and cabaret, backed by her band, The Flawless Zircons.

The 2013/2014 Mainstage Music Series at Diana Wortham Theatre features some of the nation’s top touring acts. Hot new Canadian band Chic Gamine (October 18, 2013) comes to Diana Wortham Theatre as part of its inaugural North Carolina tour.

The 2013/2014 Mainstage Dance Series, recognized for offering some of the nation’s foremost dance companies right here in Asheville, opens with Diavolo Dance Theater (October 8 & 9, 2013) under Artistic Director Jacques Heim—back by popular demand. Diavolo’s dancers, gymnasts, athletes and actors brilliantly explore the space where reality ends and imagination begins.

The 2013/2014 Mainstage Theatre Series features four compelling performances. Asheville audiences can experience the performance that brought down the house on its last visit to Diana Wortham Theatre: Shakespeare on Trial (November 23, 2013). Jeremy Webb presents writer Bill Shakespeare as he encounters four of his most famous characters up-close, personal and ticked-off.

2013/2014 Intersections Series Performances: The Intersections Series features two dedicated performances in the 2013/2014 season. The ultimate troubadour Jim Malcolm (November 20, 2013) performs “Just Flown In From Scotland.” Malcolm warms the soul with masterful guitar and harmonica peppered with funny stories and engaging wit.

The theatre offers flexible multi-show discount packages starting with as few as three performances. Savings range from 10% to 20% off Regular prices depending on the number of performances; multi-show packages are available through the Diana Wortham Theatre box only at (828) 257-4530.

If You Go: Diana Wortham Theatre 2013/2014 Mainstage Series, September 2013 – May 2014. For more details or to purchase tickets, call the box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.