kicks off series Saturday

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Sept. 19, 2000 10 PM

The Troy Council on the Arts and Humanities will kick off the "best ever" series of programs Saturday night with the first exhibition of its permanent collection from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hunter’s Mountain Clubhouse.

Bobbie Swisher, publicity chairperson, said the public is invited to attend the exhibition and to learn more about the schedule of events planned for the 2000-2001 season.

"We have an exciting night planned," Swisher said. "In addition to viewing the collection, those who attend will be treated to outstanding entertainment provided by The Fabulous Shades. The event is casual and we hope everyone will join us."

Swisher said the exhibition will also be a opportunity for interested persons to become patrons of the arts.

"We have different subscription choices which offer opportunities for patrons to be involved in other activities in our community," Swisher said. "Being a patron gives support to the art, music and drama programs in local schools, art and music scholarships for talented students, performances by the Birmingham Children’s Theater, opportunities for talented art students to display their work and the many other ways in which the Council supports the arts in our city and county."

Last year’s series of programs, was so good that most patrons thought there was no way it could be topped. However, Swisher said the Council was determined to prove them wrong.

The program series will open Oct. 16 with A Closer Walk with Pasty Cline.

"The Pasty Cline performance will be combined with a Pop Art Show by Charles Henderson High School Art students and together they will be a fantastic show," Swisher said.

In January, the Council will bring the Maximum Dance Company from Miami to Troy.

"The Maximum Dance Company will be a remarkable experience for all of us," Swisher said. "The Company features 24 energetic and inspiring dancers. We will work with the local dance studios to ensure that all children have an opportunity to witness this very professional presentation."

In March, the Russian men’s chorus, Chorovaya Akademia, will be in concert. They will sing both Russian classical and folk music.

This concert will be a collaborative effort on the the part of the Council, the Troy State University Lyceum and the Alabama Arts Council.

"This program and evening will be a memorial to Claudia Crosby, Troy’s premiere art benefactor," Swisher said.

Also in March, the Troy Arts Council will continue its amazing array of programs by underwriting the introduction of the Troy Children’s Chorus combined with the Troy Community Chorus, The Southeastern Community Chorus, The Collegiate Singers and the Southeastern Symphony Orchestra.

These programs, in addition to TSU Band Concerts, Collegiate Singers programs, TSU Theater and Musical Theater productions, the annual TSU Christmas event, Christmas in Troy, The Troy Music Study Club Founder’s Day Program, the Jean Lake Festival and special visual art shows and many other events will be a part of a subscription to the arts. The concerts include the TSU Theater productions of "Lizard" in October, "You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" in March and "Hello, Dolly" in April and

"Sounds of Season" in December.