The Troy Arts Council 2016 Membership Kick-off is set for 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday on the square in downtown Troy. Everyone is invited to bring their dancing shoes because it will be a “kick.”

Joel Williams, TAC president, said the TAC Membership Kick-off will feature live entertainment, food and fellowship.

“This membership kickoff will be different from our other membership kickoffs,” Williams said. “The downtown square is a focal point of our community and it has become the popular place to host events so we decided to bring our membership kick-off to the square. From 5 until 8 p.m. on Sept. 1 ought to be a great time, weather-wise to be on the square.”

Williams said all members of the TAC board will be available to share information about the TAC’s 2016-2017 fine arts entertainment calendar.

“The kickoff is going to be a lot of fun,” he said. “Wyatt Edmondson, a very talented local musician, will open for The Hot Club of Auburn that plays gypsy-jazz kind of music. You’ll want to bring your dancing shoes for that.”

Amid the frolic, there will be the opportunity to get on board for, what Williams said, will be an incredible year-long musical journey.

“John Jinright is our presenter chair and he has put together a fantastic lineup for this year’s calendar,” Williams said. “John spends most of the year looking for performers for the next year. He attends conventions and talks to agents that represent the performers. He collaborates with other arts organizations in an effort to bring world-class performers to Troy.”

Williams said Jinright has put together an outstanding calendar for the 2016-2017 year.

“If you enjoy great music and like to be well entertained, you’ll want to get season tickets to the TAC’s 2016-2017 events.

“We’ll open with the Annie Moses Band on September 20 at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University. This is a family band that plays everything from classical to jazz. The Annie Moses Band is very popular. Already, I’ve had people from Montgomery to Dothan calling about tickets.”

The TAC’s calendar will offer a variety of performers including a jazz singer, a ventriloquist/comedienne, four brothers that infuse classical music with gypsy, jazz and pop and a concert pianist who can deliver a joke.

“Of course, the Shelia Jackson and Company Christmas concert is always a sell-out,” Williams said. “We’ll close out the season in a big way with a performance by the extremely popular Southeast Alabama Community Band.”

Troy Arts Council season tickets are offered at different price levels and with increasing amenities.

“It’s going to be a great year and we invite everyone who likes to be well entertained to come to the square Thursday night and learn more about the Troy Arts Council’s calendar of events, become a TAC member – and also be well entertained,” Williams said.