Tickets are on sale for the 2008-09 Patten Performances series at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The 29th season will open Sept. 12 with comedian Mark Russell and will conclude March 30 with the Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile.

In between, performances will include a world-famous boys choir, dancers, an evening of spoken-word entertainment and a multi-media show featuring Celtic music, projected images and narration.

“I believe we have a very good schedule with a wide appeal,” said Patten Performances manager Bob Boyer. “We feel very fortunate to have been able to book some of these performers.”

Individual-performance tickets range in price from $15 to $30, and packages are available through the box office at the UTC Fine Arts Center. Tickets may be ordered online at www.tickettracks.com or by phone at 425-4269.

The schedule

* Sept. 12: Mark Russell — The political commentator/comedian has said he uses 535 writers for his material. “One hundred in the Senate and 435 in the House of Representatives,” he explains.

* Oct. 2: Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago — The nation’s original jazz company, and a Patten favorite, returns.

* Oct. 27: Vienna Boys Choir — One of the most famous boys choirs in the world, the Vienna Boys Choir has sung on dozens of major recordings in addition to touring the world.

* Jan. 24: Ensemble Galilei: Universe of Dreams — The show will be a multimedia experience from the world-renowned Celtic/early music ensemble, with narration provided by National Public Radio host Neal Conan and projected images from the Hubble telescope.

* Feb. 9: Rik Reppe: Staggering Toward America — Reppe will share his stories of what he found during his journey across America in the post-9/11 era.

* March 1: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet — Contemporary dance, with a classical ballet foundation, is presented in an energetic and eclectic showcase.

* March 30: Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile — Mandolin wizard Chris Thile will be backed by the equally talented Punch Brothers in a show that will include bluegrass, folk and jazz.

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