THE NEW SEASON 2007

Money Talks

It’s dollars first, expertise second, if you want to serve on an arts organization’s board of directors By Molly English-Bowers

 

 

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

Not rough and tumble: David Rubin, dean of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, appreciates that everyone can contribute to the well-being of the city’s culture, while Everson Museum of Art director Sandra Trop (below) is thankful that trustees here tend to be polite and accommodating.

 

 

As a corollary to the saying that behind every good man stands a good woman, behind every successful arts organization sits a strong board of directors. Not just any board but one composed of members that speak up, bring ideas, help raise money and keep the arts group relevant and on its toes. That’s the way executive directors like it.

 

“The recipe for disaster for a board member is someone who isn’t eager or passionate about the work of the organization or its mission,” says Karen Gahl-Mills, executive director and president of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. “That’s very serious, I think, and something that all boards have to work to guard against. Constructive dissent is something all board members can do. You get into trouble with people who come to the board wondering what the organization can do for them, and not what they can do for the organization.”

 

Everson Museum of Art’s director Sandra Trop agrees. In fact, the Everson just honored loyal board member John Hancock, 93, at its annual picnic, for his selfless assistance to the museum. “Generations before us didn’t ask about what they can get out of volunteering, but they asked us, ‘What can we do for you?’ John always helps and he puts his help where you want it,” Trop says.

 

Trop also values the politeness of Syracusans. “Being that I’m from downstate, I know the difference,” she says with a laugh. “Everyone here is very genteel, men and women; it’s not rough and tumble the way board members can be in New York City. No one here is rude.”

 

Still, trustees have to speak up. Veteran board member and dean of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications David Rubin has served most recently on two boards, including the Syracuse Opera, which he left a few years ago after 13 years. “My vision and their vision were different,” he says. “If you don’t think the company is going in the right direction, and you think there are problems and you sit there and don’t do or say anything about it, you’re not a good board member.”

 

Another surefire way for boards to be ineffective tends to happen in larger cities, Trop says, but not here. “The trustees try to pack the board with their own people,” she says. “That doesn’t happen upstate. There’s no looking for power or control. Downstate, the more of your own you have as a trustee, the more you can influence the board. They don’t do that here.”

 

Still the reasons to be named to a board are pretty universal, no matter what North American city you live in. Two factors loom large: the fiscal means to contribute with a personal donation or a pledge of bringing money to the organization, and the knowledge and wherewithal to be more than a figurehead. Most board members are asked from time to time to host fund-raisers at their home. Then there are the nuts-and-bolts of board membership—attending meetings, deciding policy, evaluating management, making tough decisions—and serving on various committees.

 

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

 

 

Game Board

 

While board membership doesn’t come with a price—–$5,000 for the privilege to serve, for example—there is an expectation that trustees will contribute financially. “Leadership giving from our board of directors is extremely important and is the key to our success with other fund-raising efforts,” notes Gahl-Mills. “Our board members are expected to make a personally significant gift to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. That amount varies, of course, as ‘personally significant’ is different for everyone. But to give you some context, the average annual gift from a member of our board is $4,000.”

 

After networking and catching the eye of current board members, nominees for respective boards are brought to a nominating committee for evaluation. “We ask our staff, the women in the shop, if they know anybody who can contribute,” Trop explains, “and that means a financial contribution, community contribution, wisdom. We take diversity into consideration. And it’s also nice to have somebody who is not on every board in the community. It tends to be the same people in Syracuse.”

 

There are term limits to board membership as well. At the SSO, the 60 members of the board of directors serve three-year terms, usually two concurrently. “While you don’t want to lose good board members,” Gahl-Mills says, “bringing fresh perspectives to the table is always important. A smart organization can keep people who served on the board involved in other ways.”

 

Likewise, the Everson’s 30 trustees generally serve two three-year terms, but they don’t turn over all at once. “Sometimes someone will fill one term but not be able to go on to a second term; there is always a need to find new people for the board,” Trop says. “The director and the board of trustees have a very close relationship. The board has oversight of policy, while the museum director is responsible for day-to-day operations and the staff. The trustees are supposed to evaluate me every year. I evaluate the staff, and the board evaluates me.”

 

It’s nice to have somebody who is not on every board in the community. It tends to be the same people in Syracuse.

—Everson Museum of Art director Sandra Trop  

 

Before Rubin—who is stepping down as dean at the end of the school year—and his wife, Tina Press, another board volunteer, came to the Salt City they lived in New York City where he taught at New York University. “The fastest way to get on a board is through money,” he says. “Boards are first about the fiscal health of the organization, the board is legally responsible for the fiscal health of the organization, and so boards naturally want on them people with money and the willingness to part with that money in support of the art form.”

 

When asked if he was as involved on boards in the Big Apple as he is here, Rubin, who still serves on the board of the Skaneateles Festival, scoffed. “You can’t play at these levels in New York with my kinds of resources; it’s not possible. There the issue was not money, but expertise. In a city like New York, money is not enough, where money is all over the place. The idea of somebody like me, an NYU professor with limited means, doing this sort of thing is just not possible.

 

“In fact, I was flattered to be approached recently to be on the Glimmerglass Opera board but the price of admission to that board was just too much for me,” Rubin continues. “I wish I had it; I would love to do it, but if I had made that sort of donation it would have crimped my support of boards locally. And it was Cooperstown, not Syracuse.”

 

And Syracuse is actually an ideal place to have diverse boards of directors, no matter what the arts organization is. “One of the charms of a city the size of Syracuse,” Rubin says, “is that if you’re willing to be a donor of a significant level here that wouldn’t get you noticed in New York. If you can show the nominating committee money and expertise, any board in this city will embrace you. I have never felt the social constraints in Syracuse like I have in New York or other large cities. None of that seems to matter here, which is delightful. They ask if you can help, and if you can, they welcome you on board.”

 

And from his perspective, you serve on a board not for the prestige. “First, because you love the art form and you want to do whatever you can do to nurture and grow and improve that art form in the community. Second, because you love your community and you want the arts to be as healthy and exciting as possible so your community prospers. Third, because you give them money and you want to make sure your money is being well-spent. And finally, because you have expertise and you think the organization can use that expertise to improve its operations.” ❏

 

 

 

NEW SEASON 2007: MUSIC

 

Fall Out, Boy!

The sounds of music willbe embraced throughoutCentral New York Compiled by Laura Silvius

As the weather cools, the local music scene stays just as hot as if it were still summer. In fact, fall and winter are when the myriad ensembles and campus events gear up, so there is even more musical variety than you’ll enjoy in an average Central New York June, July and August. From rock to folk to classical, there is sure to be something here for everyone.

This list represents just some of the more prominent concerts for the 2007-2008 season. New dates are being added all the time, so check the weekly Times Table section in The New Times, or visit www.syracusenewtimes.com. Arts Across Campus

Onondaga Community College hosts another year of performances with something sure to please just about everyone. Musical events take place at Storer Auditorium on the OCC campus, located at Routes 173 and 175 on Onondaga Hill. For more information, call 498-2787.

Lyra Choir. Sept. 14, 11:15 a.m. Society for New Music. Sept. 28, 11:15 a.m. OCC Student Showcase. Oct. 5, 11:15 a.m. Dialogue with Steve Reich. Oct. 12, 11:15 a.m. The Mischief Makers. Oct. 13, 1 p.m. OCC Brass Ensemble. Oct. 19, 11:15 a.m. Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. Oct. 26, 11:15 a.m. Guitar Foundation of America Performance. Nov. 2, 11:15 a.m. Simple Gifts. Nov. 2, 7 p.m. OCC Percussion Ensemble. Nov. 30, 11:15 a.m. OCC Winter Concert No. 1: Wind Ensemble and Choir. Dec. 2, 3 p.m. OCC Flute Choir. Dec. 7, 11:15 a.m. OCC Winter Concert No. 2: Jazz, Latin Ensembles and OCC Singers. Dec. 9, 3 p.m. Arts Alive in Liverpool

Funded by the Friends of the Liverpool Library, Arts Alive has long been a local staple. This year, everything from Latin jazz to German dance will be featured. All concerts take place Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Carman Community Room at the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Call 457-0310 for more information.

Woodwind Overture. Oct. 7. The September Trio. Nov. 4. LCSD Faculty Recital. Nov. 18. Wind Song. Dec. 2. Artswego

SUNY Oswego brings another colorful lineup of performances to Tyler Hall this year, with acts that range from Shakespeare to performance art. Ticket prices vary with performance. Call 312-2141 or go to www.oswego.edu for more information.

Jane Comfort & Company. Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. Esmeralda Santiago. Sept. 20, 8 p.m. Twelfth Night. Oct. 9-13, 8 p.m., Oct. 14, 2:30 p.m. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel. Oct. 26-28, 8 p.m. Men Fake Foreplay. Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. Songs of the Spirit. Nov. 13, 8 p.m. Sweet Honey in the Rock. Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. The Glass Coffin. Dec. 2, 3 p.m. Center for the Arts

Featuring a variety of folk and other types of musical acts, the Center for the Arts, 72 S. Main St., Homer, has played host to some of the area’s premier concerts. A complete schedule may be accessed at www.center4art.org. For ticket and concert information, call (877) 749-2787.

Crosswinds Trio. Sept. 16, 3 p.m. Arlo Guthrie. Sept. 27, 8 p.m. The Four Bitchin Babes. Oct. 13, 8 p.m. Ellis Paul, Flynn. Oct. 26, 8 p.m. The Dave Gross Blues Band. Nov. 10, 8 p.m. Maria Muldaur and her Red Hot Blueisiana Band. Dec. 8, 8 p.m.

Civic Morning Musicals

Civic Morning Musicals has been bringing lunch-hour classical music to the area for 117 years. Most concerts are free. All Wednesday concerts take place at 12:30 p.m in the Hosmer Auditorium of the Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St. Call 699-5856 for more information.

Master Class with Frank Glazer, piano. Sept. 15. Sharon I-Chung Cheng, soprano. Sept. 26. The Highland Winds, a clarinet quartet. Oct. 3. Nicholas Hrynyk, piano. Oct. 10. Eileen Allen, Maureen Macero & Bette Kahler. Oct. 17. Christopher Dranchek & Patricia DeAngelis. Oct. 24. Timothy Schmidt. Oct. 31. Jeremy Mastrangelo & Andrew Russo. Nov. 4. Lavender Trio. Nov. 7. CMM Statewide Vocal Competition. Nov. 10. Lake Effect Winds with Susan Crocker. Nov. 14. CMM Holiday Program. Dec. 19. Cornell Concert Series

The Department of Music at Cornell University in Ithaca hosts a number of local and national classical and jazz acts throughout the year at Bailey Hall. For more information and ticket prices, call (607) 2555-5144, or go to www.arts.cornell.edu/music. 

Simon Shaheen & Qantara Music Ensemble. Sept. 23, 8 p.m. U.S. Marine Corps Band. Oct. 10, 8 p.m. Gussman Jazz Combo. Oct. 18, 8 p.m. Harlequin Capers perform Mouret’s Pygmalion. Nov. 18, 3 p.m. Earlville Opera House

Tucked into the rural Madison County village of Earlville, the opera house continues to attract some of the best blues and folk acts around. Call 691-3550 or visit www.earlvilleoperahouse.com.

Dougie MacLean. Sept. 16, 4 p.m. Gaelic Storm. Sept. 22, 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. The Chocolate War. Sept. 30, 3 p.m. Grada: New & Old Traditions of Ireland. Dec. 8, 4 and 7 p.m. The Folkus Project

The concert series is one of the foremost Syracuse-area advocates for folk, singer-songwriter and acoustic music, booking both local and national acts. Folkus holds concerts at two locations: the Second Saturday concert series is at the Westcott Community Center (826 Euclid Ave., 478-8634) and the May Day Cafe is at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society (3800 E. Genesee St., tickets at 440-1818). All concerts start at 8 p.m. Call 457-2290, or go to www.folkus.org.

The Kennedys. Sept. 21. May Memorial. $12. Jay Ungar & Molly Mason. Oct. 5. May Memorial. $18. William Nicholson. Oct. 13. May Memorial. $10. Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart. Oct. 19. May Memorial. $10. Jonathon Byrd. Nov. 2. May Memorial. $10. Jeffrey Foucault. Nov. 10. Westcott Center. Price unavailable. Ryan Fitzsimmons. Nov. 16. May Memorial. $10. Karen Savoca & Pete Heitzman. Dec. 7. May Memorial. $15. Dan Duggan & Peggy Lynn. Dec. 8. Westcott Center. Price unavailable. Hamilton College Concerts

During the fall semester, Hamilton College in Clinton will be offering two distinct series. The Department of Music will present student and faculty recitals, along with community collaborations. With the Performing Arts at Hamilton Series, the college attracts many world-class acts. All concerts in the Department of Music series are free unless otherwise noted, and concerts in the Performing Arts Series are $15 to $18, with subscriptions available. Most concerts in both series will be at the college’s Wellin Hall in the Performing Arts Center. Call 859-4350 or go to www.hamiltonpa.org for more information.

Department of Music Concerts. Jazz Kickoff. Sept. 12, 9 p.m. Chamber Orchestra Concert. Sept. 14, 8 p.m. Andrew Luse. Sept. 23, 3 p.m. Excelsior Trombone Quartet. Sept. 30, 3 p.m. Armando Bayolo, Faculty Recital. Oct. 21, 3 p.m. Hamilton College Chamber Ensembles. Nov. 17, 8 p.m. Chamber Ensembles. Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Jazz Combo Winter Concert. Nov. 28, 9 p.m. Christmas Vespers. Dec. 2, 4 p.m. Hamilton College Choir & College Singers Winter Concert. Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Landmark Theatre

For almost 80 years the Landmark, 362 S. Salina St., has been the best spot to see a show. New dates are added all the time, so check www.ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 475-7980 for updates.

Tori Amos. Oct. 13. 8 p.m. $39, $47.50. Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic. Oct. 14, 7 p.m. $39, $48, $58. Stomp. Oct. 19, 8 p.m., Oct. 20, 5 and 9 p.m, Oct. 21, 2 p.m. $22.25, $35.25, $45.25. Shackin’ Up. Oct. 30, 8 p.m., $29.50, $35.50. The Tragically Hip. Nov. 1, 8 p.m., $38.50. High School Musical.: Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 7, Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, 2 p.m. $17.75-$54.75. Steven Curtis Chapman. Nov. 11, 7 p.m. $25, $35, $45. The Doodlebops Live! Nov. 16, 7 p.m. $14, $20, $26, $35. Warren Miller’s Playground. Dec. 1, 8 p.m. The Nutcracker. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. $27-$67. Le Moyne College’s Music Journeys

This concert series, now in its sixth year, is dedicated to introducing the public to a variety of music. Presented in Le Moyne’s W. Carroll Coyne Center, tickets are $7 to $12 for each concert, except as otherwise noted. All-festival and all-season tickets are available. Call 445-4523 for more information or to purchase tickets

Steve Reich with Real Quiet. Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. De Angelis Youth Piano Festival. Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tan Dun’s Ghost Opera featuring Wu Man. Dec. 6, 7:30. $10-$15. The Jazzuits. Dec. 9, 4 p.m. New York State Early Music Association

The Ithaca-based group, formerly known as the Genesee Baroque Players, is now in its 36th year. Known for its educational outreach program, the troupe emphasizes playing music on instruments appropriate to the period in which the piece was composed. For more information, call (800) 579-5750 or log on to www.nysema.com.

Scintillating Schubert. Oct. 28, 4 p.m., Church of the Savior, 437 James St. Virtuosic Vivaldi. Dec. 9, 4 p.m., Church of the Savior, 437 James St. OnCenter Complex

The OnCenter Complex, which boasts the John H. Mulroy Civic Center, the Onondaga County War Memorial and the Convention Center, always has something going on. The Civic Center alone houses the Syracuse Symphony, Syracuse Opera and many theatrical productions, while the War Memorial attracts more major concerts. Call 435-2121 or visit www.oncenter.org for box-office information. The Phantom of the Opera. Sept. 12-Oct. 7, various times, Civic Center. $18-$73. Carmen Basilio Tribute. Sept. 19,. 6 p.m., OnCenter. $10. Magic the Gathering Pre-Release. Sept. 29, 9 a.m., War Memorial. So You Think You Can Dance? Sept. 30, 8 p.m., War Memorial Dancing With the Stars for Diabetes. Oct. 27, 6 p.m., OnCenter. The Palace Theatre

A Syracuse bastion for film, conferences and musical acts, the Palace Theatre, 2384 James St., also hosts a wide variety of concerts throughout the year. Visit www.palacetheatresyracuse.com for more information about the historical venue’s concert series. For more information, call 463-9240.

Robert Goulet: The Man and his Music. Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Simon Shaheen. Sept. 22, 7 p.m. Little Feat. Oct. 2, 7 p.m. The Redhouse

This Armory Square magnet, at 201 S. West St., is one of Syracuse’s newest and most versatile venues. Check out www.theredhouse.org or call 425-0405 for the always-expanding music, theater and film lineup and for ticket information.

Cosmology. Sept. 20, 5 p.m.; Nov. 8, 8 p.m. RedFilm Club Premiere. Sept. 23, 6 p.m. Chris Trapper. Oct. 13, 8 p.m. Stanley Performing Arts Center

The Stanley, 259 Genesee St., Utica, is a breathtaking building that hosts everything from musicals to classical, jazz, blues and comedy concerts. For more information, call 724-4000 or surf www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172.

Antique Action for the Arts. Oct. 11, 6 p.m. Cabaret Evening in the Lobby. Oct. 12 and 13, 8 p.m., $25. State Theatre

Much like the Landmark, Ithaca’s State Theatre (111 W. State St.) is an old converted movie house that has kept much of its beauty. The theater is just over an hour away, so call (607) 277-8283 or check out www.statetheatreofithaca.com for more information.

Rachel Maddow Radio Show with the Burns Sisters. Sept. 28, 6 p.m. Free. Michael Franti and Spearhead. Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., $25.50, $29.50. The Velveteen Rabbit. Oct. 6, 3 p.m., $15, $19.50. Comedian Brian Regan. Oct. 6, 8 p.m., $36.50. His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Oct. 10, 10 a.m. Arlo Guthrie. Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., $35. The Vienna Boys Choir. Nov. 30, 7:30, $32.40 & $37.50. Ithaca Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Dec. 7 & 8, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 9, 3 p.m., $8-$17. Syracuse Children’s Chorus

After more than 25 years of performing, the Syracuse Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Barbara M. Tagg, is still going strong. Concerts take place at Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave., except when noted. For ticket prices and information, call 478-0582, or go to www.syracusechildrenschorus.org. Friendship and Music: United for Peace. Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Nine Lessons and Carols. Dec. 3, 4 p.m. Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music

One of the oldest classical societies in the area, the group’s concerts are held at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School, 1613 James St., unless otherwise noted. Tickets range from $5 to $20 per concert. Visit www.syracusefriendsofchambermusic.org or call 446-3424.

Tokyo String Quartet. Oct. 13, 8 p.m. Brentano Quartet. Nov. 3. Boston Chamber Music Society. Dec. 1.

Syracuse Opera

The only year-round opera company serving Central and upstate New York features performances at the Mulroy Civic Center’s Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater. With lavish productions and accompaniment provided by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, a trip to the opera is always one to remember. Single performance tickets range from $16 to $150, and season subscriptions are available. For more information, call 476-7372.

Rigoletto. Oct. 26, 28. Don Pasquale. March 7, 9. The Medium and Pagliacci. April 25, 27.

Syracuse Symphony Orchestra

The SSO performs pieces sure to attract classical enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. This season’s theme is “Hear the music, see the world,” and the calendar of events is just as varied as the theme suggests. Several subscription packages, along with individual tickets, are available. Call 424-8200 or log onto www.syracusesymphony.org for more information, including ticket prices. Special Events The Nutcracker. Nov. 29, 7 p.m.; Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 1 & 2, 2 p.m. The North Carolina Dance Company, along with conductor Ron Spigelman, will once again appear in this holiday favorite at the Mulroy Civic Center. Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 9, 3 p.m. With the SU Oratorio Society, directed by Elisa Dekaney. Mulroy Civic Center. Classics Series On The Town. Oct.19-20, 8 p.m. Rodeo. Nov. 2-3, 8 p.m. Soprano Lianne Coble; Andre Raphel Smith conducts. The Pines of Rome. Nov. 16-17, 8 p.m. Four cellists perform. Postcards from the Piano. Dec. 21-22, 8 p.m. Daniel Hege conducts; Yefim Bronfman plays piano. M&T Bank Pops Series Three Phantoms in Concert. Sept. 29-30. Conductor Rick Spigelman and special guests Mark Jacoby, Craig Schulman and Cris Groenendaal, all former stars of The Phantom of the Opera. Dear Mr. Sinatra. Oct. 12-13. Jason Robert Brown conducts; John Pizzarelli provides guitar and vocals. Betty Buckley’s Broadway. Nov. 9-10. Guest vocalist Betty Buckley sings some of her most memorable tunes, including “Memory” from Cats. Holiday Pops. Dec. 14-15. Spigelman conducts; Mara Bonde is the soprano in this holiday production. Bristol-Myers Squibb Stained Glass Series Quint Plays Bach. Sept. 30. Hege conducts; Philippe Quint on violin. English Accents. Nov. 25. Andrew Constantine conducts; Gregory Quick, bassoon. CNY Community Foundation Family Series (Performances at 10:30 a.m. at the Mulroy Civic Center) Koshika’s Tales: Stories from Russia. Oct. 13. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov provides the poetic basis for some of Russia’s most loved fairy tales, such as “The Snow Maiden” and “Baba-Yaga Bony-Legs.” Polar Express and The Bear. Nov. 10. Conductor Spigelman takes audiences on a magical adventure with these two classic children’s stories. Turning Stone Casino

The casino resort continues to attract top-notch talent to the area. While the newer and much larger Event Center can accommodate huge crowds, the 800-seat Showroom gives show a more intimate, cabaret-like feel. All shows start at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The casino is located off Thruway Exit 33 in Verona. Call (877) 833-SHOW or log onto www.turning-stone.com for more information.

Loretta Lynn. Sept. 14. $60-$75. New York Flyers with special guest Alecstar. Sept. 15. $10-$20. Larry the Cable Guy. Sept. 17. $65. One Sweet World: Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Sept. 17. $10-20. Michael Bolton. Sept. 18, 8 p.m. $65-$80. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Sept. 20. $23-$40. ZZ Top. Sept. 20. $55. Kathy Griffin. Sept. 21. $55-$70. Lifehouse. Sept. 25. $45-$60. Heart. Sept. 27. $40. Menopause the Musical. Sept. 29, 3 p.m. $25-$40. Olivia Newton John. Oct. 3, 8 p.m. $70-$85. Beatlemania Now. Oct. 5. $15-$30. That’s Italian. Oct. 6, 8 p.m. $35-$50. Florence of Moravia Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. Oct. 7. $45. Queen Latifa. Oct. 8. $70-$85. Kelly Clarkson. Oct. 10. $75. Steven Wright. Oct. 16. $45-$60. Wayne Newton. Oct. 19, 8 p.m. $65-$80. Marie Osmond and the Osmond Brothers. Oct. 26. $60-$75. Collin Raye. Nov. 5. $35-$50. Three Dog Night. Nov. 8. $35-$50. Bob and Tom Comedy All-Stars Tour. Nov. 16. $30-$35.   Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Show. Nov. 17, 8 p.m. $60-$75.