People don't often need a reason to see quality entertainment.
The Alma Performing Arts Center season provides one anyway.
FYI
Alma Performing Arts Center
Professional Season
Sept. 17 — Roy Clark and the Tulsa Playboys
Nov. 5 — Rhonda Vincent and the Rage
Dec. 17 — David Phelps
Feb. 13 — The 5th Dimension
March 12 — Mark Lowry and the Martins
Bonus Shows
Oct. 8 — The Four Tops
Nov. 19 — Casting Crowns
Oct. 12 — Big Friendly Giant
Feb. 8 — Chicken Dance
Alma Shows
Dec. 3-6 — ‘Seussical the Musical’
April 1-3 — ‘The Rainmaker’
April 30-May 1 — Dance show
WHERE — Alma Performing Arts Center
COST — Prices vary
INFO — 632-2129 or almapac.org
The venue recently announced its 2015-16 season of events, which includes both a five-show slate of touring performances and a host of other acts. The money raised from tickets sold for the professional season is later distributed through student scholarships via the Alma Education and Arts Foundation.
"People need to know why we do this," says Teresa Schlabach, executive director for the PAC.
Schlabach each year travels to a trade show to find available talent. She returned this year with leads on several acts, including those booked for the upcoming season, which begins Sept. 17 with Roy Clack and the Tulsa Playboys and concludes March 12 with Mark Lowry and the Martins. Clark earned fame as host of the show "Hee Haw" and is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lowry is a Christian comedian and vocalist who spent a decade with the Gaither Vocal Band.
Another Gaither alum, David Phelps, is what Schlabach describes as a "sleeper" show -- not one that will put someone to sleep, but rather one that people might not recognize at first glance. Phelps brings his Christmas show to Alma on Dec. 17. Rounding out the season are bluegrass band Rhonda Vincent and the Rage on Nov. 5 and pop/soul group The 5th Dimension on Feb. 13.
Patrons who buy tickets to all five shows get a 15 percent discount. Those buying four of the tickets get a 10 percent discount.
The venue is also sometimes booked by a third party, resulting in a block of shows not part of the official Alma Performing Arts Center season but at the venue nonetheless. Acts in this category include Motown legends The Four Tops on Oct. 8 and contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns on Nov. 19.
Students in Alma schools will also offer several shows in the venue.
-- Kevin Kinder
kkinder@nwadg.com
NAN What's Up on 08/28/2015