PNT's Kickoff Weekend Set for 8/15-17

To celebrate the upcoming season, Performance Network Theatre will hold a Kickoff Weekend at the theatre August 15-17, 2014. Three days of not-to-be-missed events offer something for everyone.

"The rumors of our death have been greatly exaggerated," joked Suzi Regan, Performance Network Artistic Director. "The Network's doors are open! We want the community to know we've been diligently working to get information to our supporters and get new operating systems running. We're still working out some kinks but these doors are open."

The Kickoff Weekend begins Friday, August 15, from 7-11 p.m. with a Silent Auction that includes a weekend at A Place Somewhere B&B in Stratford, Ontario and packages from local restaurants and vendors such as The Blue Tractor, Crazy Wisdom and more. The evening includes wine, hors d'oeuvres, and music featuring Network favorite Naz Edwards. The cost to attend is $30 per person or $50 per couple. Seating is limited for this event and reservations are encouraged.

The first ever Network Palooza will be held Saturday, August 16, from 3-10 p.m. This event features a variety of artists including Michelle Held, Rochelle Clark and Performance Network's new Artistic Director, Suzi Regan. A $15 wristband gets you in for the entire day of entertainment. Additionally, in between each set there will be a mini open mic where interested performers may pay $5 for five minutes on stage. Tickets are purchased at the theatre on the day of the event.

"Thrilled!" was Executive Director John Manfredi's comment when asked about the event. "This is the beginning of expanded programs in live music at the Network. We want this to be another venue for artists and audience to celebrate the deep and diverse musical talent in Ann Arbor. Who knows, Network Palooza today, a string quartet next month? This is a space of possibility."

The Weekend finishes up on Sunday, August 17 from 8-11 a.m. Families are encouraged to come hungry to the theatre for Pancake Breakfast with the Pig. Visit with the Pig from the popular "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" children's story and join as she reads several of the popular books. There will be children's activities and maybe even a special appearance by a certain Mouse with an appetite for cookies. The cost for the breakfast is $7 per person, $10 per couple, or $15 per family. Seating is limited for this event and reservations are encouraged.

"The weekend has something for everyone," Manfredi continued. "And the very next week The Big Bang, Williamston Theatre's smash summer musical, is here. It's an exciting time and we are very encouraged about what is happening here, especially the community support we've seen."

The company is currently half way to their fundraising goal of $62,000 by September 1st. This support is vital for the launch of the revamped theatre's new operations. Donations may be made on the company Facebook page, website or by mail with checks made payable to Performance Network Theatre.

Performance Network Theatre is located at 120 E. Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI. For more information, or to make a reservation, please email pnet618@gmail.com now and reference "Kickoff Weekend" or call 734-663-0681 AFTER August 4 once the phones are reconnected. For information on our upcoming season, go to www.performancenetwork.org.

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