What is Saint Joseph Arts?

In my opinion, our organization is the best-kept secret in our area. It has become my primary objective to make sure that this secret is revealed.

We are 11 years old and believe our best years are yet to be. We are in the process of beginning our membership drive and want to open the door to the residents of Ferriday, Vidalia and Natchez.

The membership kickoff party will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Vidalia Conference Center. Admission is free.

The entertainment will be provided by on of our own musical groups, “The Jazzers.”

This group plays “Big Band Music” from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. If you enjoy to dance “ballroom style,” this will be an evening to remember.

You will have the opportunity to become a member and participate in the many musical opportunities that we offer.

The new season promises to be extremely fun and entertaining. The theme “Tootin Our Own Horn!” was chosen.

The events for this upcoming year will be, Sept. 11, SJC will host a delightful couple which is a favorite of the Natchez Festival of Music, Michael and Jessica Bunchman. The team will entertain with a cabaret style event, and promises to intrigue the audience with the show, “The Truth About Love … And the Usual Lies.”

In the fall, SJA will sponsor one great event featuring two awesome bands at a Folk Music Festival at the Ag Arena on U.S. 65 at St. Joseph, La. The event is scheduled for Oct. 24 and will spotlight “Hotel California,” the official tribute band of the Eagles, sponsored in part by Panola Company and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.

Also entertaining at the Folks Music Festival will be a great band called “Juggernaut Jug Band.”

This group is from Louisville, Ky., and is another very popular group. Besides the two headliners, local and regional bands will be performing throughout the day.

In December, the Saint Joseph Orchestra will join with the St. Joseph Youth Choir and Adult Choir to perform a Christmas musical.

This performance will be on Dec. 11, and there will be a second performance in Vicksburg utilizing Vicksburg choirs on Dec. 13. The Christmas Musical will also be presented at the Ferriday Arcade Theatre.

In February, ballroom dance lessons will be offered at SJA, Inc., to prepare the audience for a dance highlighting their very own “Jazzers.” The spring concert of the Saint Joseph Orchestra will feature a pair of talented girls, the Karkowska Sisters from Poland. They combine their musical talents — violin and piano — with humor and charm for a fantastic program for their audience. This concert is scheduled for May 2, 2010.

Join us Saturday at the Vidalia Conference Center for an evening of beautiful “Big Band Music” with “The Jazzers.”

Bob Sasser is the president of St. Joseph Arts.