'American Spirit' launches Cleveland concert series

IF YOU GOWhat: "American Spirit."When: 7 p.m. Tuesday.Where: Lee University's Conn Center, 150 11th St. NE, Cleveland, Tenn.Admission: $50 individual adult memberships, $110 family (two adults and two students), $10 student under 18. No single concert ticketsPhone: 423-473-1114 or 423-715-5662.

A show that defines the "American Spirit" will lead off the 2011-12 Cleveland-Bradley Concert Association season. The 90-minute song-and-dance production will have its world premier Tuesday on the Lee University campus. Subtitled "One Nation Under God," the show commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Presented by Matt Davenport Productions, the show features 10 singers and dancers who trace the story of America from its birth to a spectacular modern-day Fourth of July celebration. The story is told through the eyes of a well-meaning but slightly befuddled Mayor of Your Hometown USA. Iconic video images of the people and places that shaped history are interspersed with a narrative and songs by the performers.

Local talents will join the Matt Davenport singers and dancers for a portion of the show.

Tickets to the concert are sold by season membership for four shows this season. Other shows feature The American Tenors, the trio of Nathan Granner, Daniel Montenegro and Marcus McConico; The Water Coolers, a troupe of comedians who skewer current events with skits and song parodies; and The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats, whose shows combine acrobatic displays, kung fu and a touch of comedy.

Memberships range from $50 for single adults to $110 for a family of four. Look for brochures at Red Ribbon gift shop, 223 Inman St.

SAVE THE DATE

"American Spirit" is the first of three performances this season. Tickets are sold as memberships to all four shows.

* Nov. 17: The American Tenors

* Jan. 12: The Water Coolers

* April 30: The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats

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