(Columbia, Tenn.- August 25, 2011) - - - First Farmers & Merchants' 2011-2012 Performance Series presented by Columbia State Community College begins on September 29, 2011 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 2010-2011 Performance Series are on sale September 6. The series features two packages: the Theater Package which includes Grits: The Musical and Ain't Misbehavin'-- and the Musical Heritage Package which includes the Nashville Symphony, The Return and Wynn Varble and Refried Howdy.

"We're very excited about the 2011-2012 Performance Series," said Beth Duffield, director, alumni relations and community events. "A lot of planning has gone into the show selection for our tenth anniversary season. We're very honored that the local community continues to support Columbia State and the arts and has helped us realize ten successful years. We think the line up this season has something for everyone from classical music lovers to baby boomers and lovers of big Broadway productions. We're sure every seat is going to be filled so we encourage everyone to purchase their tickets early."

The Nashville Symphony (Thursday, September 29, 2011, 7 p.m.) will open the 10th anniversary season of the Cherry Theater under the leadership of Associate Director, Kelly Corcoran. The award winning Nashville Symphony was the opening performance for the inaugural season in 2001.

Grits: The Musical (Thursday, October 27, 2011, 7 p.m.) is the fun filled musical by creator and author, Deborah Ford. Based on the book "Friends are Forevah," Grits: The Musical is four women, four generations and four different points of view. It's about love and laughter, revelation and grace. It's all things Southern and a walk down memory lane sure to leave the audience wanting more.

"Beatlemania" is alive again in The Return (Thursday, December 1, 2011, 7 p.m.) - the world's most authentic and entertaining Beatles tribute band on the stage today. The Fab Four performs a song list packed with all the fun and lively tunes the Beatles played while touring. Tickets for this show are already going fast.

Ain't Misbehavin' (Thursday, February 9, 2012, 7 p.m.) is a Tony award winning musical that encompasses 30 show-stopping musical numbers that take you on a journey through the Fats Waller song book and down the streets of Harlem in its heyday.

Wynn Varble and Refried Howdy (Thursday, March 3, 2012, 7 p.m.) return to the Cherry Theater playing old favorites and new hits. Wynn Varble is singer/songwriter with numerous number one hits and award nominations to his credit. His wit and great talent, make this Maury County native a crowd pleaser each time he steps on the Cherry Theater stage.

Columbia State Spring Musical (Thursday, April 26, 2012, 7 p.m.) is the most anticipated performance in the series. Given the success of the Columbia State Commercial Entertainment Program's previous performances including Grease, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cats and last spring's The Wiz, this year's performance is sure to exceed expectations.

Individual show ticket prices are $15 for students and $20 for non-students. Package prices range between $40 and $60. For complete ticketing information, please visit http://www.columbiastate.edu/performance-series/tickets. To charge tickets by phone, call (931) 540-2879. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted. Tickets can also be purchased at the Columbia State Community College ticket office, located in the Pryor Administration, Room 108 Monday- Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The ticket box office will be open one hour prior to all performances in the Waymon L. Hickman building, room 100A.

The 2011-2012 Performance Series is made possible by our sponsors, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, and the Columbia State Community College Foundation.