Carpenter Center’s 2023-2024 season: Henry Winkler, Samara Joy, Charo and more

Grammy winners, Broadway singers, dancers, comedians and even Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli himself are heading to Long Beach starting this month as part of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center’s 2023-2024 season.

“It’s got something for everyone in the community. We can’t wait to show people world-class entertainment here in Long Beach,” said Franz Neumann, a spokesperson for the 1,000-seat Long Beach venue.

The season, which runs through May 2024, starts on Sept. 23 with Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Samara Joy, who won best new artist at the Grammy Awards earlier this year.

Henry Winkler comes to the Carpenter Center Jan. 20 as part of the venue’s new season of shows. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Musician and comedian Charo comes to the Carpenter Center March 9 as part of the Long Beach venue’s new season. (Photo courtesy Carpenter Center)

The Carpenter Center’s new season continues Sept. 30 with a performance by celebrated dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham. (Photo courtesy Carpenter Center)

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The nearly two dozen shows are presented in a handful of distinct series including the Cabaret Series. During performances in this series, the audience is on stage sitting at tables about 40-feet away from the live action. People can also order dinner before the show. The Cabaret Series’ first shows of the season will feature Tony-nominated singer Melissa Errico paying tribute to her musical mentor Stephen Sondheim on Nov. 8-9.

Another can’t miss show that should make fans of “Happy Days” pretty joyful is a night with Henry Winkler on Jan. 20, 2024 as part of the Wit and Wisdom Series, which is made up of actors and comedians who tell stories and a few jokes.

“He’s gong to be talking about his life from the ‘Fonz’ all the way up to ‘Barry’ and about overcoming adversity and he’s got a new book coming out. It’s going to be a real inspiring evening,” Neumann said.

The Dance Series will launch on Sept. 30 with a performance by celebrated dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham. Meanwhile, Disney fans will want to attend the first performance of the Sunday Afternoon Concert Series on Oct. 8 to catch a show dubbed “When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney.” The performance will include pianist Sean Mason, who will lead the house band for the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and two singer-storytellers in a night of nostalgic songs.

Other season highlights include comedian and guitarist Charo, who will wow people with her comedy and guitar skills when she performs as part of the WOW! Series on March 9. Fans of David Bowie will not want to miss “David Brighton’s Space Oddity: The Quintessential David Bowie Experience.” The tribute show to the legendary musician takes place on Jan. 19 as part of the Center’s Single Events Series.