March 06, 2008

Association hosts members at two performances

by Kathy Dillard

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Salukis, save these dates! The Southern Illinois University Alumni Association hosts its members at two upcoming local performances.

First up, members enjoy special pricing and a reception at the upcoming Emanuel Ax concert at Shryock Auditorium. Ax, a world-renowned classical pianist, is set to perform Beethoven's "Emperor" Piano Concerto with the Southern Illinois Symphony on April 1 at 7:30 p.m. From a string of early career successes in the 1970x, Ax emerged as one of the most versatile, brilliant and universally respected pianists on the international concert scene. His career includes appearances with major symphony orchestras worldwide, recitals in celebrated concert halls, a variety of chamber music collaborations and Grammy Award winning recordings on the Sony Classical label.

Members can purchase upper balcony tickets for $40 per person rather than the $55 general admission price. In addition, the association hosts a dessert and coffee reception prior to the concert. Cost to attend the reception is $10 per person. Reserve your spot by March 26.

The next event is a 2 p.m. presentation on June 22 of "Always, Patsy Cline," a part of the McLeod Summer Playhouse program.

The production, back by popular demand, has Lori Merrill-Fink reprising her role as the immortal Patsy Cline. A huge hit in the summer of 2000, this intimate musical brings to life 23 of Cline's hits through the recollections of her dear friend and fan, Louise Seger, played by professional actor and SIUC Department of Theater faculty member, Susan Patrick Benson. The audience is certain to enjoy this tribute to the legendary country singer. Cline died at the age of 30 in a tragic plane crash in 1963. The performance is based on a true story about Cline's friendship with Seger, a fan from Houston who befriended Cline in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

SIU Alumni Association members can purchase tickets at the discount price of $17.50 per person. Prior to the performance, the association hosts an hors d'oeuvre reception. Cost to attend the reception is $10 per person. Reserve your spot by June 18.

To reserve tickets or to RSVP for the reception for either event, visit www.siualumni.com or call 618/453-2408. Members may also visit the SIU Alumni Association office on the second floor of Colyer Hall or the second floor of the Student Center during regular business hours.