Believe Greater Dalton Education Partnership names director

DALTON, Ga. — Stephani Womack has been selected as the director of the Believe Greater Dalton Education Partnership, according to the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce and the Believe Greater Dalton leadership. She will begin on Aug. 21. She was previously the assistant director of career and professional development at Dalton State College. “I am thrilled at what this position means for our community and humbled to begin this journey,” Womack said. “This position has the opportunity to build bridges across all of our local school systems, and I look forward to strengthening our partnerships with higher education and ensuring our students are ready to take the next steps at every level.” Rob Bradham, chamber president and CEO — the chamber oversees the Believe Greater Dalton initiative — said, “Stephani’s experience in career and professional development at Dalton State College, her passion for our community and her positive outlook make her the perfect person to coordinate this important work.” Believe Greater Dalton is a five-year strategic plan for Dalton and Whitfield County (Greater Dalton).

ABAC Performance Preview set for Aug. 16

TIFTON, Ga. — The Office of College Advancement at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will host the Sneak Peek Preview for the 2018-2019 Arts and Culture Series at ABAC at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16.

This preview event will highlight the new additions and spotlight the returning series such as the ABAC Presents! Performing Arts Series, the First Tuesday concerts, An Evening for ABAC, the Baldwin Players’ productions, and all other musical performances at the college. New to the Arts and Culture Series at ABAC this year are the Georgia Poetry Circuit, ABAC History Lecture Series, and cultural events for Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month. The preview will be held in the conference center of ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village. Members of the community are invited to attend at no charge. Attendees should RSVP by phone by Aug. 13 at 229-391-4895. ABAC Arts Connection Director Wayne Jones said the preview includes a look at many free events as well as events which require admission, recognition of sponsors and a video highlighting all the performing arts events available to the community. Refreshments will be provided following the video, and sponsors will also have information tables. Season tickets for the 2018-2019 ABAC Presents! Performing Arts Series are $80 for adults or $25 for students under 18 years of age. To purchase individual tickets, the cost varies per event. Order forms will be available at the preview event for ticket purchases. For more information on any of the entertainment events open to the public at ABAC, interested persons can call 229-391-4895 or visit www.purplepass.com/abac.

Open Mic Night returns to the SOSMP

LIVE OAK, Fla. — It’s time for another Open Mic Night with Lyndie.

Open Mic Night returns to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on Friday night with Lonely Highway Band playing Saturday.

For those who haven’t signed up for a live stage performance during Open Mic Night with Lyndie, now’s the time. Lyndie Burris, a former Nashville artist who lives in Orange Park now, keeps the music going all evening at this popular event. Lyndie will perform onstage along with North Florida and South Georgia artists who love to entertain. To take part, contact Lyndie Burris at Lyndie@Lyndieonline.com.

This is a laid back, beautiful evening where solo and duo musicians, singers and those who just want to hear some great music all come together to enjoy an evening of music and a dancing. It was previously announced Cole Tomlinson would be a special guest. However, due to circumstances beyond his control, Tomlinson will not attend.

Saturday evening will feature the Lonely Highway Band of Jacksonville on stage. This is a six-piece country band with the desire to be heard in every home in America. This energetic band can be heard on iTunes, Spotify and other popular music avenues. Lonely Highway will bring some serious country dancing music to the Music Hall when they take the stage.

Doors to the Music Hall open Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. for dinner. Bands begin playing at 8 p.m.

Admission is free.