Monday, October 10, 2011

Caribbean Sound Comes to UWG


The University of West Georgia’s Townsend Center for the Performing Arts premiers its 2011-2012 season Oct. 15 with Caribbean Sound, performing their trademark show “An Island Carnival.” Filled with big names and lavish productions, the 23rd season at the Townsend Center will present ten exciting shows that promise to thrill and charm audiences of all ages.

The season opener invites you to the islands of the West Indies to experience the tropical sounds of steel drums. In addition to African drumming, Tambo Bamboo bands, old-school steel drums and modern pans, flamingos and palm trees will electrify the festivities as children and adults celebrate with island attire and enjoy refreshments in the lobby. Wonderful music, prizes, games and activities like limbo will make this a truly memorable evening.

Founded in 1986, the Caribbean Sound ensemble performs on steel drums to blend calypso, soca, reggae, mambo, classical and jazz for show stopping entertainment. Steel drums were first played as a musical instrument by an 11-year-old boy after World War II when thousands of 55-gallon oil drums were discarded on the island of Trinidad. The fascinating and rich history of the steel drum will be revealed through the ensemble’s dramatic performance.

The Kick Off Caribbean Party complete with a costume contest, refreshments and lots of tropical atmosphere will precede the opening show at 6:30 p.m. “An Island Carnival” begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Stage Theatre.

This year, the Townsend Center will present a broad selection of professional artists from around the country and beyond. Fall shows include our in-house production of The Not So Scary Fairy Tales, Vishten from Prince Edward Island and two holiday shows with Riders in the Sky and the Carroll Symphony Orchestra.

The annual gala event known as Live Art presents Club Swing in January and a second show in March for families, The Peking Acrobats. In between our two biggest shows of the season, Barry Scott will perform his one-man play about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The season will end on high notes in April with Bob McCutcheon as the headliner for the annual Jazz Festival and the much requested return of living legends, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason to the intimate Dangle Theatre.

The wide range of talent and performances are made possible by the generous support of the Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation, the Community Foundation of West Georgia, Mrs. Lucille Commander, the Family of the late Dr. Richard L. Dangle, Chester and Faye Gibson, Bradley and Janet Townsend.

“This season is fabulous art and entertainment for the entire family, with big shows ranging from a musical revue to a spectacular Chinese acrobatic circus," said Robert Jennings, director of the Townsend Center. "The community sponsors are building an annual season that rivals metropolitan arts centers. The Townsend Center offers high quality programming at incredibly low prices and without the drive. What more could you ask for?"

Tickets for the season opener with Caribbean Sound are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military and $8 for children. Ticket subscription packages are available at a discounted price for three or more shows and special discounts are also available for groups of 12 or more.

To order tickets or for more information, call 678-839-4722. Tickets may be purchased at the Townsend Center Box office Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and through our online ticket system anytime at www.townsendcenter.org.

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