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Ted Mann

Recreators to round out MCAC season

By Michael Butler

The final performance of the McCraney-Cottle Arts Council season will be on Tuesday, April 11. The Montgomery Recreators will take the stage at Southside Middle School beginning at 7 p.m.

The Recreators are an 18-piece jazz band led by Tallassee's own Ted Mann and are the official band of the City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department. The Montgomery Recreators Dance Band's origins date back to 1974.

"They're a dance and jazz band," MCAC director Jerry Cunningham said. "They'll be doing about an hour program. It'll be tunes that people recognize and can tap their foot too."

Those jazz tunes will include classics from the 1940s and '50s.

"Ted is a graduate of Tallassee," Cunningham added.

Next season's schedule is almost in place already, according to Cunningham.

"We're still trying to see if we can find another children's event."

Missoula Children's Theatre will be back, a long-running tradition that involves school-age kids.

"They're on the docket," said Cunningham. "We've booked them."

Most of the events will move to the new Tallassee High School Auditorium, including Missoula. The "Homecoming Concert" is expected to kick off the season in the fall. In addition, the Auburn University Chorale and Singers are scheduled.

"It will make a huge difference in these events having a facility to foster and make it much nicer."

Cunningham anticipates keeping "A Christmas Carol" and the poetry and art event at Restoration 49 next season.

Tickets for the Montgomery Recreators will be available at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for students.