University announces community arts schedule
FOR RELEASE: Monday, September 11, 2006
Huntington, Ind.-The 2006-2007 community arts schedule for Huntington University's Merillat Centre for the Arts is full of drama and laughs, jazz and hip-hop, and Huntington's favorite Christmas tradition. The New Orleans sound of the Preservation Jazz Band, the hilarious and dramatic displays of creativity at Davis Hall Follies, the acoustic hip-hop fusion of recording artist Paul Wright, the annual Yuletide cheer of the Holiday Pops Concert courtesy of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the worshipful ballads of previous 4Him member Mark Harris are the featured acts on the MCA's stage. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band kicks off the season and Homecoming weekend with a performance on Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Named after the music venue, Preservation Hall, located in the heart of New Orleans' French quarter, the band has traveled worldwide spreading their mission and their music. Visit www.preservationhall.com to learn more about their music which embodies a joyful, timeless spirit.
The following evening will be filled with laughs and gasps as one of the University's most sacred traditions takes the stage: the Davis Hall Follies. This night will showcase the best in song, dance, skits and more as Huntington's students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff gather together. Davis Hall Follies will be Oct. 7 with two shows: one at 7 p.m. and another at 9:30 p.m.
On Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Christian recording artist Paul Wright will be in concert. Christianity Today called Wright's debut album "creative and revolutionary" and described his music as "nothing less than a compelling fusion of progressive pop, energized rock and the pure essence of early hip-hop expression." He first made airwaves with his debut CD "Fly Away" and has recently released his sophomore album "Sunrise to Sunset." This concert has been underwritten by FUSE FM 105.5.
Holiday cheer will be in the air when the Fort Wayne Philharmonic takes the stage on Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. for the annual Holiday Pops Concert. Bring family and friends along for an afternoon of holiday favorites with a festive atmosphere. The Philharmonic, the area's premier symphony orchestra, has been an integral part of the area's music landscape since 1944. This event has been underwritten by Myers Funeral Home and Northeast Indiana Public Radio WBOI/WBNI.
Mark Harris, formerly of the Christian group 4Him, will wrap up the season in concert on March 8 at 7:30 p.m. He released his first solo album in June of 2005 titled "The Line Between the Two." After bestselling success with the Dove-award winning 4Him, Harris will be sure to deliver a night of progressive pop rhythm and worshipful ballads. This concert has been underwritten by the Rocky and Carol Strickler Endowment and STAR 88.3
Each of these events will be held in the Zurcher Auditorium of the Huntington University Merillat Centre of the Arts. To reserve tickets, please contact the Merillat Centre for the Arts Box Office at (260) 359-4261 or log on to www.huntington.edu/mca.
