There is something for everyone this summer at Western Carolina University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. The Center’s second annual Sizzlin’ Summer Shorts Series opened its curtains to the full sounds of the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra on May 28. The Orchestra’s tribute to the music of North Carolina, “Blue Skies, Red Earth,” set the volume for the rest of the season. But if you missed the show, don’t be discouraged. There’s plenty more fun to be had in the rest of the summer’s entertainment. Saturday, June 16, the Performing Arts Center’s stage will be graced by the presence of Johnny Counterfit. Johnny Counterfit – comedian and singing impressionist – has been called before “the Rich Little of country music,” with over 200 voices in his repertoire. Country singers, actors, and even famed political figures of our age as well as ages past are found in Counterfit’s show. “It’s good, clean, family entertainment,” says Paul Lormand, director of the Performing Arts Center. Counterfit’s achievements in radio voiceovers have earned him a Silver Microphone Award as well as helped win an Emmy for Disney’s “Claymation Christmas Special” with his role of Rex. Counterfit can currently be found in numerous appearances around the country, including film, video, radio and on Country.com. The following month on Saturday, July 7, finds Avner the Eccentric coming to WCU’s Performing Arts Center. Avner Eisenberg, better known as Avner the Eccentric, is a Broadway clown, mime and physical comedian. In a one-man show designed for audiences of all ages, Avner juggles, performs magic tricks and keeps the spirit of slapstick comedy alive in true Chaplin-like fashion without ever uttering a single word. Avner is also well known for his portrayal of Jewel in the film The Jewel of the Nile, starring alongside Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The final event for the Summer Series is the 24th annual Folkmoot USA, North Carolina’s Official International Festival. The Performing Arts Center will be hosting the Festival on Tuesday, July 24. Six countries from around the world will be represented at the Festival, performing folk music and dance from their different cultures. This is the second time that Western Carolina University will be hosting the International Festival after a wonderful reception the previous year. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Parking is available within a short walking distance just across the street from the Center. Tickets for the North Carolina Symphony, Johnny Counterfit and Avner performances are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and WCU faculty/staff and only $5 for students. A special rate is offered of $15 per person for groups of more than 15 people. Tickets for the Folkmoot USA Festival are $18 for adults, $15 for WCU faculty and staff and $5 for students or children under 12. For reservations or to learn more about the Folkmoot event, contact the ticket office at (828) 452-2997 or visit www.folkmootusa.org. For more information about WCU’s Sizzlin’ Summer Shorts Series, contact the box office at (828) 227-2479. Enjoy the show!
