MERIDIAN —     Pop legend Art Garfunkel kicks off the MSU Riley Center's Fall/Winter Series next month, officials announced Thursday.

    Garfunkel, best known for his work in the 1960s with Paul Simon, will perform Friday, Aug. 24, on the Riley Center stage.

    Judging from the reaction of the crowd of about 150 patrons who learned of the line-up Thursday evening, the series, which goes through March, is a big hit.

    Applause broke out throughout the video presentation of the series of shows.

    "I think everyone liked what they saw," said Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU Riley Center. "We're adding one more to the family series and we continue to offer a wide variety of presentations of both very well-known artists as well as cultural type of events."

    After Garfunkel in August, next up is the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Asleep at the Wheel in September. Emmylou Harris will perform in October and Kenny Loggins in November will round out the season's star-studded group of folk/rock singers.

    Jazz guitar virtuoso Pat Metheny and his Unity Band bring a fresh technological spin to a multitude of instruments and rhythms during their October show, officials said. Motown sound comes to town when The Four Tops visit in November. And to give the holidays some swing, John Tesh and his Big Band perform Christmas and seasonal favorites in December.

    Ticket-holders of all ages can enjoy the season's family shows, which include "Clifford the Big Red Dog Live" as well as the Enchantment Theatre's presentation of The Velveteen Rabbit. Dance and rhythm enthusiasts will welcome the Philadelphia Dance Company known as PHILADANCO and DRUMLine Live, based on the Drumline movie.

    Theater-goers have several plays to look forward to, including the French tale of Cyrano de Bergerac and Neil Simon's hit play Biloxi Blues.

    "We've put together an amazing variety of events this season. There's an experience for everyone in the family, whether they enjoy popular artists, Broadway plays, musicals, or family shows," Sankovich said. "Our ticket packages this season offer several options and are great to give as gifts or keep for yourself."

    Current season ticket-holders must renew by Wednesday, July 25, to hold the same seats. New season ticket buyers can purchase their packages starting Monday, July 30. A 'Build your own package‚' option, which includes a discount and early seating, is available for those who wish to purchase tickets to three or more shows. Tickets for these packages can be purchased starting Monday, Aug. 6. Tickets for individual shows go on sale Monday, Aug. 13.

    Performances start at either 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. except on Sundays, when the starting time is 6 p.m. Some shows will feature pre-show parties in the Grand Lobby, allowing patrons to socialize and enjoy refreshments as a prelude to the evening's entertainment.

    For more information about the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts visit www.MSURileyCenter.com

    The center is located at 2200 Fifth Street, Meridian. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Call (601) 696-2200 for more information.



2012/2013 Fall Winter Series



Art Garfunkel

Friday, August 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $65, $59

Pre-Show Party at 6 p.m.



"Dirt In The Wheel" Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Asleep at the Wheel

Thursday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $40, $34



Pat Metheny Unity Band

Saturday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $43, $37



Emmylou Harris

Thursday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $58, $52



Enchantment Theatre Company presents The Velveteen Rabbit

Family Show

Friday, October 26, at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $18, $10



PHILADANCO

Friday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $27, $21



Kenny Loggins

Sunday, November 11, at 6 p.m.

Tickets: $65, $59

Pre-Show Party at 4:30 p.m.



The Four Tops

Friday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $40, $34

Pre-Show Party at 6 p.m.



John Tesh Big Band Christmas

Saturday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $58, $52

Pre-Show Party at 6 p.m.



"Clifford the Big Red Dog‚ Live!"

Family Show

Tuesday, February 12, at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $18, $10



Cyrano

Sunday, February 17, 2013, at 6 p.m.

Tickets: $27, $21



DRUMLine Live

Saturday, February 23,at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $43, $37



Biloxi Blues

Thursday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30, $24