Lagniappe refers to a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase, such as a 13th donut when buying a dozen.

The word is so intriguing that the Troy Arts Council has adopted it as part of their cultural offerings to the community.

So, with most of its presentations for the 2009-2010 season, there will be a little lagniappe.

“Lagniappe is Cajun for ‘a little something extra,” said Elaine Blair, publicity chair. “That’s what the Troy Arts Council wants to do this year – give those who attend our presentations a little something extra for their money.”

The TAC will have an opportunity to do just that early in its calendar year.

On Sept. 22, the TAC will present Tuck & Patti in concert at the Claudia Crosby Theater and lagniappe for this “outstanding” concert will be Judith Owen.

Tuck & Patti are a jazz duo. He plays guitar, and she “belts it out.” Judith Owen performs songs from her critically-acclaimed albums, “Mopping Up Karma,” “Happy This Way” and “Here.”

“When looking at the places that Tuck & Patti have played, you realize how fortunate we are to have them here in Troy,” Blair said. “They have played concerts all over the world. On their itinerary, between Europe and Washington D.C. there is Troy, Alabama.”

The TAC upcoming calendar of events is long and varied and offers something for everyone.

Some of highlights on the calendar are the Dallas Brass, the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir and the Austin Lounge Lizards.

“Most everyone knows about the Dallas Brass because they are so widely known,” Blair said. “The children’s choir is a large choir of around 50 singers and the Austin Lounge Lizards is a folk, rock, country, bluegrass quintet.”

The Rose Ensemble presents early choral music that reawakes the ancient through imaginative performances of vocal music.

“And we’ll have Shelia Jackson and Company back for our annual Christmas Concert,” Blair said. “This year, we’re big on music but with a variety. So, we should have something for every musical interest. The calendar is very different year. It’s very exciting and we are looking forward to a great year of entertainment.”

All stage performances will be at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University.

In addition to the stage presentations, the TAC will also be a major player in TroyFest in April and the Troy Film Festival held in conjunction with the annual arts and crafts show.

Dr. William Denison is president of the TAC and John Jinright is the presenter chair.

Blair expressed appreciation to them for putting together such an outstanding calendar of events for Troy,

Pike County and the surrounding area to enjoy.