Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           985/549-2341/fax 985-549-2061
    Date: 12/13/01
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple   25A

FIRST COLUMBIA THEATRE PERFORMANCES IN EARLY 2002
     HAMMOND -- The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will host its premier
performances in early 2002 when the historic renovated theater's curtain rises for concerts by
country singer Doug Stone and jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis.
     Stone, who is part of the dynamic country music scene that includes artists such as Clint
Black, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, and Travis Tritt, will perform on January 29. Marsalis, a
New Orleans native born into one of the city's most distinguished musical families,  will be
spotlighted on February 1, said Columbia Artistic Director Donna Gay Anderson.
     Tickets will go on sale at the Columbia/Fanfare box office, located in the theater at 220
East Thomas Street, from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, beginning January 22, Anderson said.
      Ticket prices are
      Doug Stone: $25, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $20, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1, and $18,
Balcony 2.
      Branford Marsalis: $32, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $30, Ochestra 2 and Balcony 1, and $27,
Balcony 2.
     Anderson said Columbia patrons will soon be able to purchase tickets online through
TicketWeb at www.ticketweb.com. A link to TicketWeb will also be available on the Columbia's
website, www.selu.edu/columbia.
     "Originally, we also planned a grand opening gala in January," Anderson said. "We've
rescheduled the gala for the summer, since a generous grant from the Schlieder Foundation is
allowing us to do some additional renovation and add some special finishing touches. When the
renovation is totally finished, we're going to have a wonderful celebration!"
     For additional information on the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, call 985-
549-2333 or visit www.selu.edu/columbia.
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsf01.html