Parsons Dance, David Parson's kinetic New York-based company, will open the 2014-15 season at the Cowles Center for Dance in downtown Minneapolis.

Parson's highly physical company will perform for a gala benefit and fourth-season launch (Sept. 5-6), to be followed the next weekend by the free Groundbreaker hip-hop festival outside and inside the venue (Sept. 13).

The upcoming Cowles slate includes a first appearance at the theater by the Steele family of singers, who will do a Gershwin-themed show (Oct. 10 & 12). Other acts that are new to the Cowles this year include Ananya Dance Theatre (Sept. 18-20); comedian Shed G (Sept. 27); the Lightwire Theater from "America's Got Talent" (Dec. 17-18); and vibrant hip-hop storytellers Shapeshift (Feb. 6-8, 2015).

"It's a dynamic mix of dance, music and theater," said executive director Lynn Von Eschen. "As the home for the Minnesota dance, it's nice to welcome new and exciting companies as well as the bigger companies that are the mainstays of the scene."

The marquee companies include James Sewell Ballet, which will present concerts in the fall (Oct. 24-Nov. 2) and spring (April 24-May 3, 2015). Zenon Dance (Nov. 21-30 and May 8-17); Minnesota Dance Theatre (April 10-12); and TU Dance (April 17-19, 2015) also will do shows at the Cowles.

The 500-seat venue, which opened in Sept. 2011 in a remodeled historic theater, will have concerts by Rita Mustaphi's Katha Dance Theatre, which does dances from Northern India (Nov. 7-9); Karen Charles' Threads Dance Project (Nov. 14-15); the Afro-Brazilian-influenced company Contempo Physical Dance (Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2015); Beyond Ballroom Dance (Feb. 13-22, 2015); tap-meister Joe Chvala's Flying Foot Forum (Feb. 27-28, 2015); Carl Flink's Black Label Movement (March 5-7, 2015); Saint Paul City Ballet (March 20-22, 2015); Mathew Janczewski's Arena Dances (March 27-28, 2015); Shapiro & Smith Dance (April 2-4, 2015) and Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre (June 26-27, 2015)

The Steeles will appear at Cowles Center Oct. 10 & 12 in a program of Gershwin music.

Cantus, the male vocal ensemble, will return for shows in October, March and June.

The Cowles also is teaming up with Walker Art Center and Southern Theater on the Momentum festival of new dance, which will be curated by Michele Steinwald and will remain at the Southern (July 9-18, 2015).

Tickets for the Cowles season, which range from $10 to $36, are on sale, as are Cowles Club memberships, which offer package discounts and other benefits. 612-206-3600, or thecowlescenter.org.

Rohan Preston • 612-673-4390