Local talent will take on the roles of some of the Vietnam Era’s biggest celebrities as they perform in a USO tribute show Friday-Sunday, Aug. 9-11, at the Colquitt County Arts Center. In this photo, vocalist Amber Heard is joined by John Pitts on keyboard, Steve Kudela on bass and Steve Fritz on drums.

The Colquitt County Arts Center and the Daughters of the American Revolution John Benning Chapter proudly present the USO Tribute Show to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam Conflict.

The Arts Center stage is soon to be filled with the sounds of some of the greatest hits of the Vietnam Era performed by some of the most talented musicians and vocalists in our community. Band members Steve Fritz, Noah Hawkins, John Pitts and Steve Kudela have been working with local artists including Lee Hill, Michael Langston, Jennifer Jarvis, Staci DeRosso, John Griffin, Mickey Key, Jimbo Jarvis, Sandra Jordan, Matthew Clifton, Jason Lairsey, Allen Edwards, Richard Edwards, DJ Baines, and Colquitt County Men’s Chorus singing the hits of John Denver, Brenda Lee, Nancy Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Marvelettes and Neil Diamond just to name a few. Oh and of course, Mr. Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller will be there too!

Performances will take place on Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 11th at 2 p.m. at the Colquitt County Arts Center. Tickets are $15 but ALL veterans are invited to enjoy the performance of their choice at no charge —however veterans will need to pick up a ticket in advance.

There are still tickets available for each performance and they will be available at the door until sold out.

The Arts Center is beginning a new program year with classes in dance, piano, guitar, voice, drums, mixed media art, ceramics, violin and show choir. New classes being offered this year include Pre-K group experiences in music and yoga.

You will want to check out the galleries of the Arts Center this fall as we host a celebration of the history of our medical community with Reflections of a Dream August 16th through September 20th.

The following exhibit is the Connecting Threads Quilt Exhibit. This large scale fiber art exhibit will feature quilts created by local and regional artists. This year the exhibit will also feature Quilts of Valor, patriotic quilts that are created exclusively for veterans.

Auditions for the fall Children’s Theater production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley will be held on Monday, August 12th from 5:30-7:00.  (Kindergarten through 5th Graders) Performances will be held October 3rd, 5th & 6th with school performances scheduled for Friday, October 4th.  

SHREK, Jr. will be offered as the Middle, Junior and Senior High fall production with auditions being held Tuesday, August 29th from 5:30-7:00. Performances will be October 24, 26 & 27 with school performances scheduled for Friday, October 25th.

SAVE THE DATE for ARToberfest to be held on the grounds of the Arts Center on Saturday, October 12th with local and regional artists, food vendors, a Children’s Make It Take It table and entertainment! Later that same evening the Arts Center will host Peace of Woodstock- an outdoor concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock musical event. Get out your tie dye and bell bottoms and bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the Peace of Woodstock concert which will take place on the grounds of Ashburn Hill Plantation.

Remember to check our Website- colquittcountyarts.com or our Facebook page for regular programming updates. Give us a call at 985-1922 with any questions and drop in and see us any day Monday through Friday from 10 AM until 5:30 PM.