Studio jazz ensemble announces performances

The Studio Jazz Ensemble at Southeast Missouri State University will present its first concert from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in the second floor lobby at the University Center on campus.

The jazz ensemble previously performed with jazz legend Dr. Clark Terry. The group is directed by Barry Bernhardt.

Some of the selections for the performance include "88 Basin Street" by Sammy Nestico, "Neverbird" by Ray Brown and "The First Circle" by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, arranged by Bob Curnow.

The concert is free and open to the public. The next performance will be at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at the University Center Ballroom and will feature both the studio ensemble and the University Jazz Lab Band.

Swingle to sign copies of new book at museum

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle will sign copies of his new book, "The Gold of Cape Girardeau," from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the University Museum.

On Nov. 2, Swingle will sign copies of the book beginning at 3 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Cape Girardeau.

The book is being published by the Southeast Missouri State University Press.

At 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the University Center Ballroom, Swingle will deliver a lecture titled "Researching the Historical Novel."

Duo will perform 'dysfunctional folk'

The duo Danzig and Woolley, known for their brand of "dysfunctional folk," will perform Nov. 2 at Grace Cafe. The pair combines guitar, mandolin and percussion in original songs. Their latest release is "The Key."

More details about the group are available at www.danzigandwoolley.com.

Starcatchers to hold auditions for shows

The Starcatchers Community Theatre in Jackson will hold auditions for its upcoming shows at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

Five women are needed to play parts in two short plays, "Funeral Tea" and "Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust."

The performances will be Dec. 31, which will be a dinner theatre show at Reflections, and Jan. 3 through 4.

For information, call Elaine Carlson at 243-4285.

Herbal workshop at Wickliffe Mounds

Two herbal workshops are planned Nov. 2 at Wickliffe Mounds in Wickliffe, Ky.

The workshops will be from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Each workshop is limited to 10 participants and all materials are furnished. A workshop fee of $25 is required for registration.

The will feature Native American herbalist Victoria Fortner. She will talk about herbal remedies including teas, tinctures, ointments and oils. Participants will make a dry first-aid kit, learn about popular herbs and plants and discuss readily-available remedies.

Wickliffe Mounds Research Center is affiliated with Murray State University. For information, call (270) 335-3681.

Judging begins for 2003 Missouri Arts Awards

Linda Melkersman of Sikeston, Mo., an art instructor and 2002 Missouri Arts Awards recipient, is serving on a statewide panel that will judge nominations for the Missouri Arts Awards. The awards are sponsored by the Missouri Arts Council.

Winners will be announced in February.

Music, dance, circus coming to Carbondale

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Shryock Auditorium will be busy entertaining audiences with music, dance and a circus during November.

First on the schedule is Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Cornet Band on Nov. 1. The band is a re-creation of the band Jack Daniel organized in Lynchburg, Tenn., in 1892 to liven up political rallies. It is composed of 12 musicians led by musician-actor-historian Dave Fulmer.

On Nov. 2, the Bruce Wood Modern Dance Company will perform works that range from the tango-inspired "Zero Hour" to a dance set to Leonard Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms."

Next on Nov. 6 is "Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes," a show that pays tribute to Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Earnest Tubb, George Jones and Hank Williams.

Grammy-nominated fiddler Natalie MacMaster will perform Nov. 8. A native of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, MacMaster plays traditional and updated Celtic styles. Her album "My Roots are Showing" was nominated for the Best Traditional Folk Album Grammy in 2000.

The Moscow Circus will bring 35 dancers, musicians, acrobats and clowns to the Shryock stage Nov. 12. The show is billed as a Russian folk fair.

All shows are at 7:30 p.m. Phone (618) 453-ARTS for information and tickets.

-- From staff reports