By Sarah Robinson 

The Selma Times-Journal 

 

The Selma Community Concert Association is kicking off its 75th concert series with a “once-in-a-lifetime show,” according to group president Doris Holland.

The Spencers Theatre of Illusion is scheduled to perform Oct. 20 at the J.A. Pickard Auditorium located on Washington Street at 7 p.m. The entire concert series will run through Feb. 26 with performances from the Gold Standard Band, the Auburn Singers and Capitol Sounds Concert Band.

“You’d almost have to go to Las Vegas to see this kind of show,” Holland said about the Spencers’ act. “Also, it’s a show that’s seldom seen in the city the size of Selma.”

The married couple Kevin and Cindy Spencer pack magic, illusion, humor, mystery, persona and personality into a magic show that has helped earn them the Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year title for six consecutive years and the America’s Best Entertainers honor twice, according to the couple’s website.

The magic show will be followed by a Nov. 13 Gold Standard Band performance held at the Selma Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. It occurs during the Contributor’s Party and Concert, which recognizes the dedication of the group’s donor.

The small band plays ballads, blues, show tunes and more.

Next in line is the Auburn Singers who will lift their voices under the direction of Dale Farmer Tuesday, Jan. 20 at J.A. Pickard Auditorium with a 1 p.m. concert for about 900 students and a 7 p.m. concert for the general public.

From Auburn University, the group has gained attention from groups and individuals all over America and Europe, according to the Selma Community Concert Association.

The series will end Feb. 26 with Capitol Sounds Concert Band playing at J.A. Pickard Auditorium at 7 p.m.

The band offers a variety of music from the past and present. Selma native Barbara Blanks will be the featured vocalist.

The concert series involves tons of organizing that has easily kept Doris Holland and the planning committee busy, but Holland said it’s all worth it in the end to produce a series that has offered successful shows for more than seven decades.

“When I get to the concerts, I see all those people out there and I see how happy they are,” Holland said with a smile. “They clap their hands and laugh, even at intermission.”

The association is offering special deals exclusively for the Spencers Theatre of Illusion.

Each special-priced ticket is $5 for a student 21 or younger, $5 for an adult accompanied by one or more students and $25 for an adult.

All community concert tickets are available at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library and the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce.

Those interested may also contact any Selma Community Concert Association volunteer or board member for tickets and additional information.

Holland can be reached at 334-875-9201 or 872-3387.