Steve Vai to Bring Sound Theories Tour to UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Steve Vai at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24 in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on May 18.

One of the world's most innovative guitarists, he returns to the Center with his Sound Theories Tour.

Vai first stepped into the spotlight in 1980 as a guitarist in Frank Zappa's band. In the early '80s he replaced Yngwie Malmsteen as lead guitarist in the band Alcatrazz. He then joined former Van Halen front man David Lee Roth's group to record the albums "Eat 'em and Smile" and "Skyscraper." Vai also recorded with British rock legends Whitesnake. But Vai's indelible contribution to music came during his solo career, which includes combined sales of nearly six million albums and nine Grammy nominations.

Vai will be touring in support of his new CD "Sound Theories," which will be released on June 26.

Tickets for Steve Vai are $33, students $27. Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 1-416-870-8000. For group sales, call 645-6771. For more information, call 645-ARTS. The Center for the Arts is a Ticketfast location. Students (of any school) must present valid student ID at the Center Box Office to receive discount.