This year the Greenville Area Arts Council is celebrating 30 years of bringing live concerts, musicals, revues and much more to the Camellia City.

And in honor of three decades of a flourishing arts scene, the GAAC is bringing no less than four shows to the Ritz Theatre as part of its milestone 30th anniversary season.

The season kicks off on October 13 with “Rave On – The Buddy Holly Story.”

“Many of you will remember a great Beatles interactive show we had a couple of years ago,” said GAAC Executive Director Nancy Idland.

“Well, the same very talented fellows are putting this show on with lots of wonderful oldies — and be on the lookout for more news closer to the date. We’ll offer an opportunity to go dancin’ in the streets in downtown Greenville!”

Idland says she is particularly excited about the second offering, the Missoula Children’s Theatre on December 3.

“You know I love having kids in our own fundraisers, not just to sell more tickets, but to give them a great opportunity to build their confidence and self-esteem and creativity,” Idland said.

“This theater group brings in everything to do a musical production except the cast.

“Our own children will get to audition for parts on Monday, they will rehearse together that week and then put on a show, ‘The Wizard of Oz Goes West,’ on Saturday. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our kids to learn not only about acting but set design, lighting and much more.”

On February 13, the guys “on a mission from God” will arrive with the “Official Blues Brothers Revue,” featuring songs from the hit movie such as “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and “Theme from Rawhide.”

“This show has been officially sanctioned by John Belushi’s estate and by Dan Ackroyd and I think it is something everyone will enjoy,” said Idland.

The season closes out on March 27 with “The Highwaymen: A Musical Tribute.”

“I know country music is a favorite for many people here, and this show pays tribute to three country music legends, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. I think this will be a great hit with our audience,” said Idland.

Tickets for individual GAAC shows are $20 for adults and $15 for students.

“However, season tickets to all the shows are only $40 for adults and $30 for students. That means you get to enjoy four professional shows right here in Greenville for the price of two. That is a bargain,” Idland said.

For as little as $25, arts patrons can become GAAC members with their names listed in the programs and invitations extended to lavish post-show galas.

Memberships help defray the costs of mounting the productions, Idland said, and are necessary to keep bringing quality shows to the Ritz.

For more information on the GAAC and its upcoming season or to obtain season tickets/membership, visit www.gaac-ritz.com or call Nancy Idland at 334-354-2802.