Centennial Auditorium events

STAPLES -- Four main events, as well as an end-of-the-season performance, will be part of Centennial Auditorium's 2000-2001 season.

The season will start Oct. 13 with Charlie Maguire, a folk singer and composer. He performed for 10 years on "A Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor. Maguire has written more than 800 songs, recorded seven albums and is a co-writer of musicals. He is the recipient of many grants and awards. He holds the official title of "State Park Troubadour" for Minnesota State Parks and serves as "The Singing Ranger" for the National Park Service.

The Country Legends Family Show will feature Donna Douglas (most popularly known as Elly May Clampett from "The Beverly Hillbillies") and Frank Dell. The show will have two performances, at 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 20, 2001. The show has everything from comedy routines to gospel singing.

On Feb. 11, the auditorium will feature The George Maurer Jazz Group. Led by pianist/composer George Maurer, the 1998 nominee for Jazz Entertainer of the Year, this group will perform modern jazz, swing hits and Broadway hit songs. They feature music from George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and others.

Dare to Breathe will be in concert March 11, doing its most popular show called, "It's a Great Big A Cappella World." This group sings songs from a vast landscape of different countries, cultures, centuries, languages, styles and passions. This is its signature concert, a musical journey around the globe with folk songs, classical chamber music, dance tunes, lullabies and popular songs from Minnesota to Prague and back again.

An after-the-season spectacular will occur April 10, 2001. The Guthrie Theatre will bring its "Guthrie On Tour" show of Molly Sweeney to Staples. This is the latest effort to bring "professional theatre" to the outstate area. The 2001 Guthrie Theatre tour of Molly Sweeney is made possible through a generous gift from Dayton's and Target Stores.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 3 p.m. today. Walk in box office hours at the auditorium are 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. People may also buy tickets phone by calling 894-5416 or 1-800-213-6877 (24-hour voice messaging).