Concert pianist Frederick Moyer opens Arts Council 2008-2009 season Sept. 23

Frederick Moyer will kick off the Cherokee County Arts Council's 32nd year on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Fullerton Auditorium at Limestone College.

During over 20 years as a full-time concert pianist, Moyer has established a vital musical career that has taken him to 42 countries and to such far-flung venues as the Sydney Opera House, Windsor Castle, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

His recordings comprise works by over 30 composers and reflect his affinity for a wide variety of styles. Moyer's enthusiasm, exciting artistry and adventurous programming have made him a favorite among audiences of all ages. In recital, his commentary from the stage brings the audience into the heart of the musical experience. His one major goal is to promote classical music within communities.

In addition to Moyer, there are three other outstanding shows in the Arts Council's 2008-2009 season.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast will be presented November 13-15, 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15, 16, 22 at 3 p.m. Back by popular demand, the audience is invited to step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic. Based on the Academy Award-winning feature, the stage version of Beauty and the Beast includes all of the wonderful songs from the film, plus new songs written especially for the Broadway version.

Viewers will be transported to a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle lives with her father. When her father doesn't return from a trip to a local fair, Belle rushes off to find him. To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast. She trades her freedom for his and the "tale as old as time" begins.

The Firecracker Jazz Band will perform Feb. 3, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. With vigor that spills from the stage to the streets, the Firecracker Jazz Band revitalizes the energy of the roots of jazz. They play early New Orleans' jazz and Dixieland as well as other 1920 and 1930 period popular music, carrying the torch that was lit by such greats as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbeck.

Notable performances by the group includes Bonnaroo Highline Ballroom in New York City, Sacramento Jazz Fest and the Seaside Dixie Jazz Fest in Oregon.

The Bailey Mountain Cloggers will take the stage on March 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The group was organized in 1974 and is comprised of 45- plus Mars Hill College students from 12 different states. The cloggers serve as ambassadors of goodwill for the college and the folk dance traditions of the Southern mountains.

During their long history, the Bailey Mountain Cloggers have performed throughout the United States and internationally in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Austria and Ireland, from the Kennedy Center to the Austrian Alps. The group has established a national and international reputation for American clog dance excellence.

Season membership are available. Platinum sponsors (20 tickets) are $1,000; gold sponsors (10 tickets) are $500; silver sponsors (5 tickets) are $250; bronze sponsors (4 tickets) are $150; and patrons (2 tickets) are $100. Single adult tickets are $45; single student tickets are $15; single senior citizen tickets are $40; children under 12 are $5; and tickets at the door will be sold for $15 each. Tickets may be obtained by sending a check made payable to The Arts Council to Mary Mosteller, 122 Robinhood Lane, Gaffney, S.C. 29340.