Courtyard Concerts Featuring Big Band Music and Dancing Return to the Ringling Museum this Spring

Sarasota, FL—January 3, 2008— Big band music will fill the courtyard with guests dancing under the stars as the Courtyard Concert series at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art returns for another season. The series takes place every first Thursday of the month beginning Feb. 7, 2008 and continues through May 1, 2008. 

            Each of the four concerts will feature a musical mixture by local big bands and orchestras.  The schedule is as follows:

• Feb.7, 2008— The Bay Band Directed by Bob Edwards 
• March 6, 2008 -- The Alan Zahn Orchestra 
• April 3, 2008- DeLeon Orchestra 
• May 1, 2008-  Jerry White Big Band

      Doors to the Courtyard will open at 6 p.m. for all four concerts, with the bands

starting at 7 p.m. and continuing to 9 p.m. Guests may bring their own food, but no beverages will be allowed. Beverages and light snacks will be available for purchase.  Coolers will be checked.

            Patrons may reserve a seat near the dance floor for $12.50, or bring their own chairs or blankets for lawn seating for $7.50. The Will Call line opens at 5:00 p.m. Ringling Museum members will receive first access into the Courtyard at 5:30 p.m.  Advance tickets are strongly encouraged and are available by calling (941) 358-3180.     

            Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the event beginning at 6 p.m. 

            Parking for the concerts will be available adjacent to the museum at the FSU Asolo Performing Arts Center.  For more information, please call 941.359.5700 Ext. 5705.  In case of inclement weather, the concert will be cancelled.  For weather updates the day of the event, please call 941.360.7375.

 The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, in its affiliation with Florida State University, is the largest museum/university complex in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca' d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit Ringling.org for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Ca' d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museums; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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