CONNYE FLORANCE This Saturday, November 21, at 8 p.m., the curtain will rise on the Washington Wilkes Historical Foundation's presentation of Connye Florance in concert. On stage at the Bolton Lunceford Playhouse on North Alexander Avenue in Washington, Florance will provide her audience with a world-class offering showcasing her talents.

A renowned jazz vocalist, Florance has toured nationally with Columbia Artists and vocalist Jennifer Holliday among others. Her one-woman show, "Jazz Rhapsody," has received international acclaim. Her performance here will be an intimate duo concert with pianist Kevin Madill.

In his 25-year career, Madill has worked with some of the top big bands and vocalists including Tony Bennett, Lou Rawls, and Bernadette Peters, as well as being an arranger and accompanist for blues-rock legend Leon Russell.

As the opening event for the Washington Wilkes Historical Foundation's 2009-2010 Concert Series, the concert will bring to the forefront Washington and Wilkes County's historical legacy of celebrating and appreciating the arts and music. In the early 1800s, the community was a center for dance and music with academies and schools specifically emphasizing such coursework.

Following the Civil War, Stummer's Concert Hall, Floyd's Opera House, Lyndon's Opera House, and the Lyceum all flourished providing the local populace with noted performers from New York, Boston, and Europe. Whether it was the Mendelssohn Quartet, the Royal Hungarian Orchestra, the celebrated Blind Tom, or local entertainers like Billy the Fiddler, Johann Fischer, and Antonio Raffini, Wilkes County encouraged and supported its musical opportunities.

Now once again the community has the chance to experience memorable performances that will make their mark on posterity.

Individual tickets for the Connye Florance concert are $30 each or patrons may join for the entire series of four outstanding programs (2009-2010) for $100. Contact the Washington-Wilkes Historical Foundation at 706-678-5001 or go online at www.historyofwilkes.org for more information.