The Troy Arts Council will open its 2009-2010 performance season tonight and everyone who enjoys great American songs is invited to spend “An Evening with Tuck and Patti” at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University.

Judith Owen will open the concert at 7:30 p.m. and Tuck and Patti will take the stage shortly after.

Those who come early will be treated to pre-show music by Hunter Sandlin, a classical guitar student from the Long School of Music. Sandlin will play a 15-minute set beginning at 7 p.m. He is a student of Robert Gibson, classical guitarist.

The entire night promises to be filled with outstanding music, said John Jinright, TAC presenter chair.

“The nationally acclaimed duo of guitarist Tuck Andress and vocalist Patti Cathcart has been thrilling audiences with their tributes to American music for nearly three decades,” said Jinright, who is a fan of the popular duo.

He said he became a became a fan of Tuck and Patti in 1988 when they released their first CD, ‘Tears of Joy”

“My favorite song they do is ‘My Romance’ by Rodgers and Hart. I literally wore that first CD out,” Jinright said. “Patti has all the vocal power of an Ella Fitzgerald but her voice is soft, smooth and gracious. Tuck’s guitar playing is amazing yet tasteful and subdued. He’s the heir apparent to Chet Atkins’s finger-style of playing guitar.”

Jinright said he didn’t know how to describe Tuck and Patti except to say that hearing them will be a very spiritual experience.

“Their latest album was a tribute to the great American songwriters but there’s no telling what we might hear,” he said. “Their program will include songs composed by Ellington, Mercer, Gershwin, Rogers, Hart and Hammerstein. But they could play almost anything from Beach Boys to Earth, Wind and Fire.”

Welsh-born singer/songwriter Owen is a popular opening act for Tuck and Patti. She is billed as equal parts musicality and wit. Her music combines pop, rock, jazz, classical, R&B and theatrical influences.

Tickets for “An Evening with Tuck and Patti” are $20 for the general public and $5 for students, including Troy University students with an ID.

Tickets are available by calling the TAC office at 334-670-2288 and will also be available at the door.

TAC Patrons of the Arts season ticket holders have reserved seating until 15 minutes before the program begins.

Elaine Blair, patrons chair, said the TAC season ticket is still the best ticket in town.

The supporter patron level is $75 and includes one season ticket. The patron level beings at $101 and includes two season tickets.

Patrons’ season tickets also will be available at the TAC ticket booth tonight.

The Tuck and Patti concert will be included for those who become patrons of the arts at tonight’s performance.