It’ll be a musical odyssey through time and genres

through the four offerings slated for the 2005-2006 season of the Greenville Area Arts Council.

GAAC members met for a brown bag lunch on Wednesday at the Ritz Reception Room to discuss plans for the organization’s 24th season.

Membership Chairman Roberta Gamble, filling in for President Leitha Boutwell, shared the good news the council had cleared more than $7,500 from the Spring Gala and Silent Auction.

&uot;With a generous gift from a truly anonymous donor, we ended up with a total of $10, 511.99 from our benefit…enough to pay the deposits on our productions this year,&uot; Gamble said.

The four productions for 2005-2006 are: &uot;Legends of Yesterday Tribute Tour – A Rock N’ Roll Musical Trip,&uot; slated for September 12; the First Annual Sweet Gum Bottom Blues Fest, October 15; the musical comedy &uot;I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,&uot; scheduled for November 15, and the Roaring Twenties Broadway musical &uot;Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,&uot; slated for February 20, 2006.

&uot;We think we have another great season in store for our patrons. We had ‘Legends’ here once before, to a great response. This time, however, it’s an expanded version, featuring not only the Beatles tribute group, but also the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly tribute performers,&uot; Gamble said.

The GAAC is joining forces with Greenville Main Street to bring the new Sweet Gum Bottom Blues Fest to the city in October.

&uot;This is a continuation of the festivals in the park we’ve been having the last few years. We’ll now have a competition for acoustic blues musicians with cash prizes, along with all the family fun and kids’ activities folks are accustomed to,&uot; Nancy Idland, Main Street Director, told those assembled.

In November, the wildly successful Broadway musical &uot;I Love You…&uot; will offer plenty of laughs geared to a mature audiences.

&uot;We have had several folks who have seen and enjoyed this show, but we do advise everybody this particular production is not one appropriate for children or young teens,&uot; Gamble stressed.

The popular musical of stage and screen, &uot;Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,&uot; will round out the season in 2006.

&uot;Windwood Productions, which brought us ‘Seven Brides’ last season, is bringing this musical and we expect a truly outstanding show once again,&uot; Gamble said.

With the season beginning in September, GAAC members will be canvassing businesses and professional offices to seek support for their ad program.

&uot;We want to remind everyone an ad ends up costing only $33.33 per show program, plus recognition at the Blues Fest this year,&uot; Gamble stressed.

Season tickets will once again be only $30 for adults and $20 for students, versus a $20/$15 per-show ticket price. Deadline for season tickets is September 5.

In addition, memberships (tax-free donations) in the GAAC begin at only $25 and entitle members to several perks, including recognition in each program; invitations to post-production parties, invitations to the lavish spring gala and silent auction and, of course, the satisfaction of knowing membership strengthens the community through the arts.

Memberships are also due to Gamble no later than Sept. 5.

&uot;We are looking forward to a tremendous season again this year, and we appreciate everyone’s support,&uot; Gamble said.

For more information, contact Roberta Gamble at 382-3414.