Dancing Under the Stars Courtyard Concerts Return for Spring at the Ringling Museum

 Sarasota, FL—Feb. 26, 2007—Big band music under the stars will once again fill the Courtyard of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art every First Thursday beginning March 1, 2007 at 6 p.m.

• March 1, 2007— The Bay Band, directed by Bob Edwards, will be giving its fourth performance in the Ringing Courtyard series. The group features big band arrangements with two soloists, Judi Edwards and Doug Heale, and 16 instrumentalists, such as Pam Jeffries of the Navy Band, leader of the sax section. Bob Edwards has been leading award-winning bands for more than 30 years. 
• April 5, 2007 -- The 16-piece Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra, nominated for a 2002 Grammy Award for its Got the Spirit CD, plays the music of some of greatest names in big band jazz, such as Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton and Count Basie. Trumpet-playing leader McMillion, who played with the Woody Herman Orchestra, solos with a style reminiscent of Maynard Ferguson. 
• May 3, 2007- Legendary big band music is also the specialty of the Jerry White Band, which features 17 musicians, several of whom have played with bands such as Stan Kenton, Les Elgart and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. The band, which played to a sellout last year, will also be performing the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and others of the big-band era. White has been the band's director for 11 years.

            Doors to the Courtyard will open at 6 p.m. for all three concerts, with the bands starting to mix it up 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 $10, or bring their own chairs or blankets for lawn seating for $5. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged and are available by calling (941) 358-3180.        

            Any remaining tickets the night of performances will be available for purchase beginning at 6:00 p.m. and are subject to availability.

            Parking for the concerts will be available across the street from the museum at the FSU Asolo Performing Arts Center. In case of inclement weather, call (941) 360-7375 for more information. 

 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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