Get Bill Shakespeare Off the Stage
by Joseph Robinette
Highlands School Play

After some humorous and, at times, bitter differences of opinion, the students and the new, idealistic high-school drama teacher develop a better understanding of each other. The students arrive at a surprising appreciation of the same Shakespeare they had wanted to get off the stage. This exciting show, with its lively backstage action and unique character developments — in the tradition of A Chorus Line — is a director's dream and an audience's delight.

• Thursday April 3, 2008      7:30 pm
• Friday April 4, 2008          7:30 pm
• Saturday April 5, 2008      7:30 pm
• Sunday April 6, 2008        2:30 pm

Adults - $5
Students - Free
Call 828-526-8084 for reservations

A Night With Gary Carden
Storytelling

Born and raised in western North Carolina, Gary Carden is a story-teller extraordinaire. Come listen as he shares the highly amusing but sometimes poignant tales of his life in these mountains.

Friday May 23, 2008       8:00 pm

Desserts
with Chef Roland Mesnier

Washington Tea Party Enjoy tea time and a special presentation and discussion with Chef Roland Mesnier, former White House Executive Pastry Chef as he shares sweet stories of life in the White House pastry kitchen. You'll enjoy tea cakes, cookies and savory nibbles that are perfect for tea time at the White House or your house. The menu will include: Dried Blueberry Scone, Special Turnover with Seasonal Fillings, Lemon Madeleine, Parisian Macaroon, Hot Miniature Pizza with Brioche Dough, and Miniature Orange Creme Brulee.

Saturday, May 31, 2008   2:30pm
For reservations call 828-526-4188. Cost: $75

All the Presidents Pastries Chef Roland Mesnier is a renowned Pastry Chef who created thousands of elegant and dazzling desserts for American Presidents, their families and the world's leaders for more than 25 years. A brilliant and witty speaker and teacher, Chef Roland will share his stories in a 2.5 hour presentation that reflects his years in the White House serving Presidents from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush. The evening will include a photo essay of his most stunning desserts and a Q & A session for attendees to ask about life in the White House. A champagne and dessert reception will follow.

Saturday, May 31, 2008   6:30 pm
For reservations or more information call 828-526-4188. Cost: $85

Special discount for both events with advanced reservations: $150

Presented by Fressers Eatery

Lance Brown's
Will Rogers Now !

is a journey into the roots of the American experience. This highly entertaining portrait of a gentle American hero honors Will Rogers in words, theater and song. After years of study, Lance has at his command a fascinating collection of Will Rogers' newspaper articles, radio monologues and off-the-cuff comments that still ring true today. After years of performing as Rogers, Brown wears the role like a second skin. This performance brings you history, heroes and hilarity, a few rope tricks and a few tears, but mostly the irrepressible spirit of Will Rogers and hope for our troubled times.

Friday June 13, 2008           7:30 pm
Saturday June 14, 2008       7:30 pm

New York Jazz Comes to Highlands
Lynn Loosier

Lynn Loosier is a redheaded, blue-eyed, soul singer, which may seem like an oxymoron to those who tend to judge the book by the cover, but just wait until she opens her mouth to sing... pure soul. Lynn is not your typical Cabaret performer, she can sing any style of music from jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, country, and rock with the natural and effortless ability to connect to each song's story and move an audience. David Finkle at Backstage Magazine sums up her versatile and raw style with this simple sentence, "Lynn is a saloon singer."

There is nothing fragile about Lynn Loosier's velvety soft delivery or her cordial-smooth vocals. Whether belting sweet ditties at New Yorks's famed Firebird Cafe, or performing on the PBS special Cabaret Live, Lynn is a force to behold. But it is perhaps the advice from the legendary Patti Labelle that inspires Lynn's passion for sharing her gift of music, "Never stop singing, cause Girl, YOU CAN SING."

Friday June 20, 2008           8:00 pm
Saturday June 21, 2008       8:00 pm

A Walk in the Park
Highlands Historical Society

The ninth annual "Walk in the Park" will be presented by the Highlands Historical Society at Memorial Park, the Town's cemetery, on June 20 and 21, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The walk circles through Memorial Park, stopping to learn the Town's history as illustrated by the personal histories of some of its most interesting former residents. The same program will be offered at the Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for anyone who would prefer to sit while learning about Highlands' history. This year's theme is "Highlands: Home to All the Arts." Tickets go on sale in June at Cyrano's Book Store or may be purchased at the event.

Sunday June 22, 2008       4:00 pm

Adults - $15
Students - free

Robert Ray Presents
Route 66 - a Musical Journey

Broadway Performer and Award Winning Cabaret Star, Robert Ray returns to the Performing Arts Center again this year in "Route 66" a new Musical Revue, celebrating the songs and singers that defined Jazz and Pop music of the 20th Century. Backed by 5 of Atlanta's top jazz musicians Ray will be joined on stage by International Recording Artist, Shawn Megorden whose latest CD is hitting the airwaves from Macedonia to Tokyo. Highlands audiences will remember Miss Megorden from her co-starring role in Ray's critically acclaimed "Johnny Mercer...Too Marvelous for Words" which played to sold-out crowds at The Highlands Playhouse in 2005. Expect to hear songs made famous by Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Jr, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin, Diane Shur, Elton John and Billy Joel. This is Ray's 4th summer to bring professional entertainment to the Highlands Community having produced 6 Hit Shows at The Highlands Playhouse: "Too Marvelous for Words," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat," "Jerry's Girls," "Driving Miss Daisy,"; "Let The Good Times Roll," and "2 for Broadway" which co-starred Courtenay Collins. Last season Ray and Collins entertained at PAC in a musical tribute to the 40's 50's 60's and 70's - "Jukebox Journey."

• Thursday June 26, 2008      8:00 pm
• Friday June 27, 2008          8:00 pm
• Saturday June 28, 2008      5:00 pm & 8:00 pm
• Sunday June 29, 2008        3:00 pm

The Dappled Grays
Atlanta's Bluegrass Band

The Dappled Grays were named Best Bluegrass Band in Atlanta by Creative Loafing Magazine and have been featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. They've had several original songs played on MTV. They have also had the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in acoustic music, including the Del McCoury Band, Mountain Heart, Ronnie Bowman, Larry Cordle, and David Grier. Now, with an exciting new configuration and direction, The Dappled Grays are focused on creating an original, distinctive sound fueled by their exceptional songwriting and musical ability.

Mandolinist, singer, and founding member of The Dappled Grays, Michael Smith is a major contributor to the band's progressive bluegrass sound. He draws not only from his extensive experience with The Dappled Grays but through various projects he has produced for other prominent members of the Atlanta music community. In 2005, Smith toured with the multi-platinum country music group Sugarland.

Guitarist, singer and co-founder of The Dappled Grays, Casey Cook got his start in bluegrass as a child in his family's band, "Special Cookin'." Cook, along with his brother, was inducted into the North Florida Bluegrass Hall of Fame as the youngest professionally performing duo in Bluegrass. Cook's skills developed over the years and others began to take notice of his aggressive playing style and tasteful execution. This led to a feature in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine which among other things showcased an original tune of Cook's written along with bandmate Michael Smith.

Fiddler and vocalist Leah Calvert is the newest and youngest member of the Dappled Grays. Her unique vocal stylings have been a driving force in the band's new sound. As a solo artist, Leah has earned a strong following and garnered the attention of many of Atlanta's top acoustic musicians and promoters. She is a strong addition to The Dappled Grays.

Keith Morris is among the elite in bluegrass bass playing. After honing his skills at the University of Georgia School Of Music, Morris moved on to perform with various symphonies around Georgia. Along his musical journey, Morris has been fortunate enough to play with such Bluegrass luminaries as Claire Lynch and Alison Krauss. Morris is an asset to The Dappled Grays.

Master five-string banjo player Greg Earnest brings the three T's to the Dappled Grays: tone, taste, and timing. Greg is becoming a household name to many up and coming banjo players with his successful series of banjo instructional DVDs released through Banjo.com. He has also been a featured performer in Tom Key's world-renowned musical Cotton Patch Gospel.

Saturday July 12, 2008           8:00 pm

Folkmoot

Folkmoot USA is again coming to the Performing Arts Center. Performers from around the world demonstrate their cultural heritage through colorful, authentic and original reproduction costumes, lively dance and beautiful music. During its 25-year history, over 200 folk groups from more than 100 countries have shared their heritage and culture at Folkmoot USA.

Wednesday July 16, 2008       7:30 pm

Bel Canto
Italian for beautiful singing

The Bel Canto Gala is an annual operatic evening for the Highlands community. A selection of talented singers from around the country perform in the acoustically superb Performing Arts Center. The music ranges from opera to the Broadway classics. A Gala feast follows the concert for benefactors and the artists. Proceeds from the concert support the music program at the Highlands School and the permanent collection of The Bascom, Center for the Visual Arts.

Sunday September 7, 2008      4:00 pm

Tickets on sale July 2008
For tickets call 828-526-9074
or write PO Box 2392, Highlands, NC 28741

Annual Conference on Landscaping and Gardening with Native Plants

Since 1999, the Highlands Biological Foundation has held an annual 2-day conference to promote the use of native plants in landscaping and gardening. Participants learn to integrate concepts of landscaping, ecology and conservation to enhance their gardening practices. Proceeds from the conference benefit the Highlands Botanical Garden which is open to the public year-round.

Friday September 12, 2008
Saturday September 13, 2008

For more information and to register visit www.wcu.ed/hbs or call the Highlands Biological Station at 828-526-2602.

Highlands Community Male Chorus
under the direction of Orville Wike
accompaniment by Angie Jenkins

Friday September 19, 2008       7:30 pm