COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION BRINGS LIVE PERFORMANCE TO CAPE

Bringing the thrill of live performances to Cape Girardeau is what the Community Concert Association has been doing since its inception in 1935.

Through the years the organization has brought performers such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Earl Rose and his Orchestra and the Von Trapp Family Singers for their first and probably only Cape Girardeau performances.

"What's really so special," said Kim McDowell, a member of the board of directors, "is that throughout the many years it's been established it has brought these talented and world-reknowned performers to Cape Girardeau."

McDowell said that without the Community Concert Association "you would have to go to St. Louis or New York to see this kind of entertainment."

The not-for-profit organization is currently holding its yearly membership drive. Performers for the upcoming 1991-92 season include the Oregon Ballet Theatre; the Sofia Chamber Orchestra with violinist Leland Chen; pianists Anthony and Joseph Paratore; and The Scholars of London. Dates for the concerts have not yet been set, McDowell said.

The Paratore brothers act as a dou-piano team. They have appeared with the New York Philharmonic, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic.

In addition, two concerts in April will be open to the public and are free with a Community Concert membership.

Baritone Gordon Hawkins will perform Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Academic Auditorium. Hawkins, hailed by the Washington Post as "one of the most promising young singers Washington has produced in recent years," was the first-prize winner of the 1989 National Institute of Musical Theater Award.

On April 30, the Crescent City Jazz Band with Connie Jones will perform at 8 p.m. A favorite at festivals and concerts around the country, the New Orleans band plays well-loved Dixieland standards such as "Bill Bailey, as well as some almost-forgotten old treasures like "Frog-I-More-Rag."

Most of all, McDowell said, the association tries to offer a wide range of entertainment that will appeal to young and old alike.

"The Oregon Ballet Theatre is one of the most exciting programs we're offering this year," she said. "There are several ballet studios in the area and we think young dancers will really enjoy this performance."

The association works through Columbia Artists to book performers. McDowell said the organization selects the number and magnitude of shows it can offer based on how many memberships it sells.

"By everyone's support of the organization, we are able to get these more expensive performers to come into the community," she said.

Memberships are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Family memberships are $50. The membership also includes free admittance to concerts throughout the season plus free admittance to Southeast Missouri State University Cultural Programs series concerts.

Free admittance to cultural concerts in Poplar Bluff, Perryville, Sikeston, Paducah and Carbondale are also included. Memberships are available only during the three-week membership drive.

Those interested in obtaining a memberships may attend either of the concerts in April or call membership co-chairmen Bill Rader at 335-6029 or Fred Godwin at 335-8656.

Membership cards and tickets will be mailed in September.