Tonight is an opportunity to hear one of the top musical performers in the country and to get a front row seat for the best ticket in town.

The Troy Arts Council will kick off its annual patrons’ drive with a reception featuring Michael Kelsey from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at The Cultural Arts Studio.

“Michael is a one-man band, who plays the bass, the drums and the guitar and plays a style of music that appeals to all musical preferences including blues, folk and rock,” said Elaine Blair, patrons chair. “Everyone will want to hear him.”

The TAC Patrons’ Reception is held each September to kickoff the year’s calendar of events that includes a variety of programming from start to finish.

“We believe the Troy Arts Council offers the best ticket in town,” Blair said. “We bring in some of the top performers in the country and often from outside the country, and the tickets are a real value. You can’t go anywhere and find better programs at a better price than what we offer.”

For the 2009-2010 season, the TAC calendar will feature nationally acclaimed artists, Tuck and Patti, Austin Lounge Lizards, The Rose Ensemble, The Dallas Brass and Spivey Hall Children’s Choir.

“Of course, our own Shelia Jackson and Company will be back again for the annual Christmas Concert, which is one of the most popular events on the calendar,” Blair said. “We’ll close the season in May with the South Alabama Community Band Concert and the TAC Awards program, which is a wonderful way to close a year of great entertainment.”

The TAC also sponsors the annual Troy Fest and Film Festival and a variety of art exhibits.

When the math is done, there’s not a better ticket around than the Patron’s ticket.

“Where else could you get entertainment like what the TAC offers for less than $15 a performance,” Blair said.

Patron levels that include a season ticket or tickets begin with Supporter, $75-$100, one season ticket; Patron $101-$175, two season tickets; Grand Patron, $176- $250, three season tickets; Benefactor, $251- $400, four season tickets; and Grand Benefactor, $401-$500, six season tickets.

A Friend of the TAC is recognized for a contribution of $25 to $74. The Friend level does not include a season ticket.

“We are offering a $25 student season ticket for Troy University students with an ID,” Blair said. “We also invite corporate sponsors at different levels – Bronze, $500; Silver, $1,000; Gold, $2,500 and Platinum, $5,000.”

Blair said becoming a TAC Patron is an opportunity for more than quality entertainment.

“When you become a patron, you also support the visual arts programs for area schools, music programs, drama productions, visual art and music scholarships, community bands, clubs and theater,” she said. “Last year, the TAC awarded more than $20,000 to deserving organizations in Pike County.

“We encourage everyone to help enrich the lives of our community by becoming a TAC patron.”

The TAC Patrons Reception tonight is an opportunity to become a patron of the arts or to learn more about the organization that encourages, advises and correlates activities dedicated to the promotion of the cultural arts in Troy and neighboring communities.