TIFTON — For over 30 years, South Georgia Arts Alliance has been bringing world-class performances to South Georgia at affordable prices. Continuing the tradition, this year’s series called “Art…Your Way” features six national and international acclaimed productions plus two bonus series. “Art…Your Way” is presented by the ABAC Arts Connection and the arts councils in Tift and Turner counties which comprise the South Georgia Arts Alliance.

“We are offering the same great entertainment with a twist this year. We added a new ticketing option. Everyone experiences it these days – calendar overload!  We’ve heard from so many whose lives seem to just get more complicated.  As a result, it becomes more difficult to fit the events you want to see into the chaos that is our daily lives. The South Georgia Arts Alliance recognizes this reality and has created new subscription options that allow individuals to create their season according to one’s own personal tastes and time constraints. 

“This is accomplished by two new subscription levels: the FlexPass 5 and Flex Pass 4. The FlexPass is so simple; FlexPass 5 allows one subscriber to come to any five Arts and Entertainment events during the season.  Likewise, FlexPass 4 admits one subscriber to any four A&E; events.  There’s no need to choose in advance or to call anyone to notify of one’s choices.  Simply show up at the event and enjoy! ” commented Wayne Jones, executive director, ABAC Arts Connection.

For adults the FlexPass 5 is $57 per subscriber, and the FlexPass 4 is $48. The Full Series subscription is $65. Student ticket for those under the age of 18 is $20. ABAC and UGA Tifton students are admitted free with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ABAC Arts Connection at (229) 391-4820. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Single-event tickets are also available. Online ordering is available at www.southgaarts.com.

“Art…Your Way” starts with Jane Hunt in Violin Venus Oct. 28 at ABAC’s Howard Auditorium. Jane combines the power and beauty of classical music with the energy and vitality of more modern genres such as folk, jazz and pop. She has performed at premiere U.S. locations including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and Radio City Music Hall. Her international events include the Cannes Film Festival (France) and Sir Elton John’s Lifeball Benefit Concert (Austria). Her music has been described as expressive, passionate and technically superb.

On Nov. 17 at the Tift County High School Performing Arts Center, one of the most exuberant musical theater masterpieces, “Pirates of Penzance” by New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, takes to the stage. Pirates, swashbuckling buccaneers, bubbling British bobbies, frolicsome Victorian maidens and delightful modern Major-General tell the story set on the on the rocky coast of Cornwall. The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players bring vibrancy, energy, and contemporary sense of humor to this musical, which features often quoted lyrics and familiar tunes.

The holiday season will be ushered in with A D’vine Christmas Dec. 2 at ABAC’ s Howard Auditorium. Comprised of sisters Paula and Denise Pollard and friend Sheryl McGuire, D’vine is recognized as a world class gospel and inspirational group. This Georgia-based group has performed for presidents, world leaders, and corporate executives while touring both domestically and internationally. These ladies will present an evening of rich harmonic tones setting the mood for the season. Their soul stirring music will be a mix of a cappella singing and songs with accompaniment.

Back by popular demand is the California Guitar Trio in the intimate setting of the Ocilla Methodist Church Feb. 19. These three guys warm up a winter’s night with a synergy between three technically strong musicians. Their music crosses many genres including classical, rock, blues, bluegrass and surf music. Their songs were used to wake up astronauts of NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour. Additionally, California Guitar Trio’s music has been the soundtrack to Olympic coverage by a major television network for 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004.

Five by Design in Club Swing takes the audience on a trip down memory lane during the big band era with natural harmonies, vintage fashions, and dramatic flare. These five vocalists use songs like “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If You Ain’t Got that Swing),” “In the Mood,” and “One for My Baby”, to turn back the clock. Five by Design in Club Swing will perform March 15 at the Turner County Civic Center in Ashburn.

The season concludes with three Jazz Stars – Bill Watrous on trombone, Jeff Jarvis on trumpet and Roger Pemberton on sax. Each man is an accomplished player of his instrument and an energetic entertainer. Individually, these three men have played with the Who’s Who of the jazz world and participated in numerous recordings. Together these three stars will dazzle the audience as they are accompanied by ABAC’s own jazz band at Howard Auditorium April 21.

In addition to these six great performances, Full Series, FlexPass 5, and FlexPass 4 subscribers are given free admission to the First Tuesday Concert Series in the ABAC Chapel featuring regionally acclaimed artists. Another bonus is the Stafford Steinway Series of concerts by professionals on the Steinway grand piano in ABAC’s Howard Auditorium.

“Art…Your Way” series is funded, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. Individual and corporate patrons of the series help to make these performances possible. If you or your organization is interested in supporting this arts endeavor, contact Wayne Jones at the ABAC Arts Connection at 229-391-4820.