(Columbia, Tenn.- September 14, 2010) - - - First Farmers & Merchants' 2010-2011 Performance Series presented by Columbia State Community College begins on October 7, 2010 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 2010-2011 Performance Series are on sale now. The series features two packages: the Theater Package which includes Country Royalty: A Musical Tribute to Hank Williams & Patsy Cline-Starring Jason Petty & Carolyn Martin and War Bonds: The Songs & Letters of World War II-- and the Musical Heritage Package which includes Winter Dance Party, the Hunt Family, and the Southern Fried Jazz Band.

"We're very excited about the 2010-2011 Performance Series," said Monteia Moore, director evening & community services. "This season promises a variety of family friendly entertainment. From country, and jazz to the nostalgic music of the 40's & 50's, this series offers something for everyone."

Country Royalty: Jason Petty and Carolyn Martin's Musical Tribute to Hank Williams & Patsy Cline (Thursday, October 7, 2010, 7 p.m.) pays tribute to two legends that left behind a treasury of great hits. With songs like Hey Good Lookin' and Crazy, the audience will be swept away to the days when two of country music's best were on the rise.

John Mueller's Winter Dance Party: a tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper (Thursday, November 4, 2010, 7 p.m.) is the official live and authentic re-creation of the artists' final tour. This live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50's era including: That'll Be the Day, Rave On, Chantilly Lace, and many more.

The Hunt Family (Thursday, December 9, 2010, 7 p.m.) presents a seasonal performance sure to include world ranked step dancing, fiery fiddling, original music, and fun holiday favorites. This family of nine delivers a high-powered energetic and refreshing experience ushering the audience into the mood of the season.

War Bonds: The Songs & Letters of World War II (Thursday, January 27, 2011, 7 p.m.) is a musical journey through a war that redefined the world. This production includes twenty-two songs of the period which lift the mood even as the atrocities of war are described.

Southern Fried Jazz Band (Thursday, March 3, 2011, 7 p.m.) features a high-energy Dixieland band that provides some of the most authentic and refreshing Dixieland jazz on the scene today. This show highlights music blended with narration and personal anecdotes that chronicle the beginnings of jazz from the levees of Louisiana up the Mississippi to the early jazz clubs in Chicago.

Columbia State Spring Musical (Saturday, April 30, 2011, 7 p.m.) is the most anticipated performance in the series. Given the success of the Columbia State Commercial Entertainment Program's previous performances including Grease, Thoroughly Modern Millie and last spring's Cats, this year's performance is sure to exceed expectations.

Individual ticket prices start as low as $10 for students. Theater Packages range between $30 and $60. For complete ticketing information, please visit http://www.columbiastate.edu/performance-series/tickets. To charge tickets by phone, call (931) 540-2879. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. Tickets can also be purchased at the Columbia State Community College ticket office, located in Warf Science Building, Room 109 Monday-Thursday between noon and 6 p.m. and Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The ticket box office will be open one hour prior to all performances in the Waymon L. Hickman building, room 100A.

The 2010-2011 Performance Series is made possible by our sponsors, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, and the Columbia State Community College Foundation.