MERIDIAN —     OXFORD — The Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts brings classic Broadway, fun family shows and big-name performers to the University of Mississippi for the 2010-11 season.

    The season includes five shows in the Ford Center Series, seven in the Artist Series and four in the Ford Family Friendly Series, as well as a few extras.

    "This season's offerings continue our tradition of presenting high quality performing arts and entertainment to the north Mississippi region," said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director. "The number of performances on the Artist and Family Series has been increased while we have focused more on presenting American musicals on the Ford Series."

    Single tickets for the 2010-11 Ford Center season went on sale July 30. Ticket prices to Ford Center events vary depending on each show and seating choices. For information, contact the UM Box Office at (662) 915-7411 or go to http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/ and http://events.olemiss.edu/events/.

    The Artist Series begins this year with the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet at 8 p.m. Oct. 6. The acclaimed quintet is known for its range of expression, tonal spectrum and conceptual unity.

    Other shows in the Artist Series, all beginning at 8 p.m., include the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company on Oct. 26, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" performed by Aquila Theatre Company on Nov. 12, Christopher O'Riley on Nov. 30, "Gingerbread and Brass" performed by Synergy Brass Quintet on Dec. 4, Emerson String Quartet on Jan. 21 and "Swan Lake" performed by the Russian National Ballet on March 4.

    Singer Amy Grant will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 8. Grant is the first contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the pop charts and the first to perform at the Grammy Awards. With hits such as "Baby, Baby," "Every Heartbeat" and "That's What Love is For," she is widely known for being contemporary Christian's first major crossover success. Tickets for the show are on sale now.

    "Ms. Grant will be performing in an acoustic setting, which is very intimate with the audience," Easterbrook said. "The Ford Center will be a wonderful backdrop for Ms. Grant and her ensemble."

    Other season extras, all beginning at 8 p.m., are Urban Bush Women on Jan. 17, Chris Brubeck's Triple Play on April 12, and "The Aluminum Show" on April 19.

    Opening the Ford Series at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 is "Rhythm of the Dance," a two-hour dance and music extravaganza that relives the journey of Irish Celts throughout history. The richly costumed show combines traditional dance and music with the advantages of contemporary theatrical technology.

    Additional Ford Series performances, all beginning at 8 p.m., include the musicals "Fiddler on the Roof" on Nov. 9, "Oklahoma!" on Nov. 19, "Forever Plaid" on Jan. 22 and "A Chorus Line" on March 26.

    "Strega Nona, The Musical" will open the Family Friendly Series at 3 p.m. Oct. 16. Based on children's books by Tomie dePaola, "Strega Nona" tells the tale of a friendly witch whose mission is to cure the everyday ills of the tiny Italian town of Calabria. When a local lug, Big Anthony, sneaks a peek at Strega Nona's magic book, he fools with a magic pasta pot and can't turn it off. Pasta threatens to cover the entire town unless Strega Nona can save the day.

    "Strega Nona, like all of the performances on the Family Friendly Series, is a great way to share the joy of the Ford Center with your entire family," Easterbrook said. "We encourage young people to attend these performances and experience quality live performing arts. All the performances offer educational and hands-on experiences as part of the presentation."

    Other Family Friendly performances, all beginning at 3 p.m., are "Gingerbread and Brass for Kids" by the Synergy Brass Quintet on Dec. 4, "Charlotte's Web" on Feb. 12 and "The Ugly Duckling Starring Pinky Flamingo" performed by Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre on April 9.

    "We are very proud of what we have to offer for the coming season," Easterbrook said. "From the most familiar American musical to the newest and most innovative of contemporary performing arts, we are sure that we have something to offer everyone."

    For more information, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/.