IMMEDIATE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     FEBRUARY 16, 2004

STAFFORD SERIES PRESENTS FIRST TUESDAY CONCERT MARCH 2 AT ABAC

TIFTON--The Stafford Fine Arts Series will present The Marlene Bowen Group in concert

 at the next event in the First Tuesday Performance Series on March 2 at 7 p.m. at Abraham Baldwin

College. Featured performers will include Marlene Bowen, mezzo-soprano; Vann Thornton, trumpet; Kevin Bales, piano; Billy Thornton, bass; and Pauly Lentz, drums. The Stafford Foundation has made it possible for the concert to be open to the public at no charge.

As part of the Arts and Entertainment Series, sponsored by the Abraham Baldwin Arts Connection, regional professional artists will be featured on the first Tuesday of every month in the Chapel of All Faiths on the ABAC campus. The concerts, which last one hour, are designed to be light, entertaining, and informative.

For more information about the First Tuesday Performance Series, contact Dr. Susan Roe, First Tuesday Program Coordinator, at (229) 386-3097.

In 1995, Bowen decided to pursue a career in music and formed a partnership with Vann Thornton. Since then, she has performed extensively, singing at functions, corporate fundraisers, and engagements. Bowen is currently producing a second, limited–release recording of her live performances.

Vann Thornton has taught band at Dougherty County High School, Tift County Junior High School, Tiftarea Academy, and in Alma, Ga., as well as in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. He served as an adjunct faculty member at ABAC and has worked as an adjudicator and as a clinician for concert, marching, and jazz band festivals and performances for many years. He currently teaches in Lowndes County.

Bales is currently the Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

He has performed, toured, or recorded with various jazz artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Ira Sullivan, San Rivers, Marcus Printup, Nathan Page, Eddie Daniels, Rich Matteson, Buddy DeFranco, and Bunky Green. Bales has also appeared with the Kevin Bales Group in jazz clubs and festivals throughout the United States. 

Billy Thornton works as a regular in the Southeastern Jazz and R&B music scene and performs as a primary member of Jacksonville’s River City Band. He has performed with such notable greats as Doug Carn, the late Nathan Page, and Anthony and Linda Cole, members of the renowned Nat King Cole Family.

In conjunction with the First Tuesday Performance Series concert, there will be an art exhibit in the Music Building, adjacent to the Chapel of All Faiths. The exhibit will feature paintings, drawings, and two-dimensional designs by ABAC art students. Donna Hatcher, assistant professor of art, will feature works by her students. The exhibit will be open for viewing before and after the concert. 

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