The Austin Area Commission for the Arts will feature several special events in conjunction with our 2014 Performance Season.

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, we will again partner with Austin High School and Ellis Middle School for the second annual Paramount Jazz Concert. This performance is a culmination of the students residency with Twin Cities-based jazz artist Kenni Holmen.

Tickets are $5 adults and $3 for students.

Then the Northwestern Singers present “American Bandstand” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26. Hear music that spans the decades.

Some of their featured selections include: “American Bandstand,” “Lean On Me,” and a kid’s chorus.

Tickets for adults are $12 advance, $15 at the door and students are $5.

As we head into February, we will be featuring two very special performances on Thursday, Feb. 6. At 2 p.m. we will present “What A Wonderful World” featuring David Eicholz and Ted Manderfeld.

“What a Wonderful World” features beloved musical standards, spirituals and sing-alongs liberally sprinkled with comedy, costumes, and wit.

“Over the Rainbow,” “Tennessee Waltz,” “16 Tons, Amazing Grace” and many more. This is the perfect group outing for the senior in your life.

Tickets are $15.

At 7:30 p.m. we will present Dave and Ted as Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos.

This show defies all expectations and experiences in a dueling piano show. Dave and Ted take you on a variety class act adventure, where the audience paves the way to a wild and zany performance.

Completely customized, the show dares to go where you take it with comedy, music, and a whole lot of improv.

This performance will coincide with our Lucky 7 Raffle. Purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to win either 70 bottles of wine or 700 bottles of beer. Tickets for the show and raffle ticket are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Raffle tickets alone can be purchased for $7 and you do not need to be present to win.

In March, we will feature another Paramount fundraiser with “Judy Judy Judy” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15.

Directed by Jerry Girton, this production features local actress Krista Johnson as Judy Garland, as well as numerous other local talented actors and singers.

The story follows Judy’s life through her music. Tickets are $20.

Tonic Sol-fa’s Shaun Johnson will energize the Paramount stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, with his Big Band Experience.

This show will blend the musical stylings of Tony Bennett and Michael Buble to create a contemporary big band sound with a pop flair.

Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door.

Last but not least we are proud to announce the return of Michael Veldman and Friends for their 2014 Holiday Show. Dates for this event will be announced later in the season, but tickets will go on sale on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at 9 a.m.