Panoply Update

Springtime in Huntsville is no only a time for pretty flowers and sunshine, it's also time for one of the city's favorite activities: Panoply! This Big Spring Park event takes place on Friday, April 22 from 5 -10 p.m., Saturday, April 23 from 10 am - 10 pm and Sunday, April 24 from 12 -8 pm. This year, you'll need to purchase a PANOPASS Ticket to get into the park.

PANOPASS TICKET FACTS

· Tickets go on sale March 1, 2005.

· Tickets are on sale at the following locations beginning March 1: AmSouth Bank, Chamber of Commerce, Colonial Bank, Compass Bank, First Commercial Bank, Humphreys, Cotton Row & Sazio, Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center, Regions Bank, The Arts Council, The Huntsville Times.

· Advanced Weekend Pass will be $15 and an Advanced Single Day Pass will be $7.

A ticket at the gate each day will be $8.

· Adults and Children over the age of 12 will need to purchase a Panopass Ticket to attend Panoply 2005.

· Children 12 and under will be admitted free with paying adult.

· All children’s activities will be free in the park—no extra cost for doing the art make-n-take activities.

· Purchase an Advanced Weekend Pass and pick up an exclusive gift from Panoply—a special edition Art print FREE during the Festival as a Thank You for supporting Panoply.

· Opportunities to make purchases at the Boeing Company Art Marketplace, Food Vendors, and Panoply Stores will continue to be available at Panoply.

· Panoply is still looking for volunteers so contact The Arts Council at 519-2787 if you are interested. On the day or days that you volunteer, you will receive free admission and a couple of Panoply perks.

Panoply is known for its fabulous entertainment. Here's a look at some of the acts coming to Huntsville to this year's Panoply:

Chubby Checker - Friday, April 22 @ 9:15 p.m. on the BellSouth/Cingular Wireless Showcase Stage You may know him as the “King of the Twist.” That’s how most of the world knows him. Chubby Checker, born Ernest Evans spent most of his young life in South Philadelphia. After seeing a child pianist perform, young Checker promised to one day be in show business. Before high school, he sang in a street corner harmony group. While in high school, he made jokes and did impressions at his jobs that kept everyone laughing and having a good time. In 1959 “The Twist” was born. Chubby Checker had started a dance craze and inspired other musicians to sing about twisting, shouting and shaking! At the Panoply Arts Festival, he’ll be bringing “The Twist,” along with other great songs, invoking an all out dance party! Don’t miss your chance to twist the night away with this legendary performer. Chubby Checker’s performance is sponsored by Knology.

Panoply's "Twisting with Chubby" Contest

What: In conjunction with Chubby Checker’s performance at the Panoply Arts Festival, Knology, The Arts Council and Lite 96.9 are partnering up to present a FREE Twist Contest.

When: Saturday, April 9 th

9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Where: Carousel Skate Center on Leeman Ferry Road(See details for when specific groups should sign up)

There will be four categories:

Preschool –must be 4 or 5 years old to participate in this category - Sign up at 9 am for a 10:30 am twist contest

Elementary School - Sign up at 11 am for a 12:30 pm twist contest

Middle and High School - Sign up at 1 pm for a 1:30 pm twist contest

Adult - Sign up at 2 pm for a 2:30 pm twist contest

Once contestants sign in they will be invited onto the dance floor to begin the twist! The actual dancing will last for half an hour. Judges will walk around and pick the Top 5 dancers. Then, the Top 5 contestants will “twist off” for the Grand Prize!

The Top 5 contestants will win prize packs. The Grand Prize winner will receive 2 weekend Panopasses and the opportunity to twist on stage with Chubby Checker during his Panoply performance.

Come and wear your 50’s attire to add to the fun!

Hal Ketchum--Saturday, April 23 @ 7:15p.m. on the Publix Kids’ Stage.

Native to New York, this country singer has come a long way! As a poet, songwriter, painter, carpenter, singer, actor, and author, Hal has proven himself as a true artisan.

Ketchum first made a name for himself in Texas with artists like Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson. Since then, he has published two books, had a successful gallery opening that featured his own original paintings, and has been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Now, he is lighting up the stage at Panoply! Put your boots on and come out to listen to this phenomenal country singer/songwriter!

Pam Tillis--Saturday, April 23 @ 9:00 p.m. on the Publix Kids’ Stage.

After appearing on Broadway and becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, she’s back! With such hits as “Spilled Perfume” and “In Between Dances,” Pam Tillis has made a name for herself in country music as a singer/songwriter. It wasn’t easy for Pam to make a name for herself in the music industry. She started out in country music when there were very few women who were well known.

Pam also lived under the shadow of her father, famous country singer, Mel Tillis. Though she had struggles to become more than “Mel’s daughter,” no one could deny or contain her talent. In 2002, she signed with Epic/Lucky Dog Records and will soon release her tribute album to her father that has a range of artists from Dolly Parton to Marty Stuart.

Check back for more Panoply news as we get closer to the big weekend!