Waukee Area Arts Council Announces 2011-12 Season

The will announce its season lineup today with a special event and ribbon-cutting ceremony at in Waukee.

This is more than just a preview of the Home Grown Talent 2011-2012 season. It's also a bit of a housewarming as the council makes ArtsCentral, the former St. Boniface Catholic Church at 405 Maple St., its home base for the third year in a row.

"I think it's a great use for this space," said Cindy DePond, board member with the Waukee Area Arts Council. "It's a historic landmark and we love that we can use it as a community space where people can come and enjoy the arts."

DePond said the roster of talent that makes up this season's Home Grown Talent offers a little something for everyone — jazz, pop, opera, folk and blues. Favorites like Waukee natives Craig Irvin and Bonne Finken are just a couple of the acts expected to perform this season.

The Home Grown Talent Series 2011-2012 is as follows:

Sat. Sept. 17 - Craig Irvin "Jukebox Concert"

Waukee native Craig Irvin will delight with his beautiful bass-baritone voice by singing a variety of unique songs and operatic selections.

Sat. Oct. 1 - Rob Lumbard

A true entertainer, Rob Lumbard’s music is based in blues/folk, but it isn’t unusual to find him playing a jazz standard or his own tunes.

Sat, Oct. 22 - Carol Montag
A gifted songwriter with an angelic voice, Carol Montag accompanies herself on guitar and piano and appeals to audiences of all ages and musical sensibilities.

Sat. Nov. 19 - Bonne Finken Trio
Bonne’s remarkably versatile voice allows her to transcend genres effortlessly.

Fri. Dec. 2 - Max Wellman
Max is a great jazz vocalist who will remind you of Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé.

Sat. Jan. 21 - Home Grown Tomatoes
Mixing humor and energy in every performance, a Home Grown Tomatoes show is an organic music mix of life in Iowa.

Sat. March 3 - Tina Haase Findlay "Broadway and Me"
Tina Haase Findlay has been a vocalist on the Des Moines music scene for over 25 years and has made her musical mark in the fields of jazz, blues, rock, soul, gospel, musical theatre, and beyond.

Season tickets to the Home Grown Talent Series are available for $60 for all seven shows. Season packages are available until Sept. 17. Single tickets are $10 for adults and $ for children and are available by mail or at Waukee Hardware, 380 Sixth St.

For more information, go to the Waukee Area Arts Council's website or call 515-402-7870.