The 65th Austin Artist Series begins soon.

Celebrating 65 years of entertainment excellence, the 2008-09 season promises five great concerts at Austin High School in Knowlton Auditorium.

In addition, four more concerts will take place at Osage, Iowa.

Shirley Cahill is the publicist for the Austin Artist Series.

According to Cahill, tickets for the 2008-09 season go on sale Sept. 3-17.

“Anyone can be a member by purchasing a season ticket from a volunteer, during the sales campaign Sept. 3-17,” Cahill said. “The Austin Artist Series is proud to be one of the longest running concert series in the Midwest.”

The first concert features the National Lutheran Choir Saturday, Oct. 25.

The 60-voice mixed choir will perform classical choral literature, plus spirituals and gospel songs.

“Romanza: The Art of the Tenor” performs Friday, Nov. 21.

Three talented tenors perform ballads, operas and musicals accompanied by an ensemble.

Then, the focus ships Monday, Dec. 1, when “Amahl and the Night Visitors Ballet” takes the Knowlton Auditorium stage.

Performing a one-act opera, the James Sewell Ballet chamber ensemble tells the Christmas story.

When the new year is underway, “Fascinating Gershwin,” featuring Janice Martin, will dazzle Austin Artist Series members Monday, March 16.

Martin’s soprano voice is called “spectacular” by music critics and her piano and violin talents are also praise-worthy.

The 2008-09 season may have saved the best for last: The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra Saturday, April 18. The 16-piece big band will perform music from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

For the “Greatest Generation” and others, there simply is no other big band orchestra to enjoy, so popular was Dorsey and his brother, Tommy.

With hits like “Amapola” and “Green Eyes” featuring Helen O’Connell, the band jumped to the top of the charts making Jimmy the biggest success story of the year.

Other hit selling records and a series of motion pictures followed, establishing him firmly on top.

Helen played an important part of the band’s success, both on records and in personal appearances.

Her hits “I Remember You,” “Tangerine” and others more took her to the top of the charts as well.

There could be dancing in the aisles of Knowlton Auditorium are at least swimming and swaying in the auditorium seats.

According to Cahill, purchasing an Austin Artist Series membership entitles ticket-holders to four free concerts at Osage, Iowa.

All the Austin concerts will begin at 7 p.m.

Seasaon ticket prices remain $30 for adults, $10 for students and $65 for families.

Admission will be by season ticket membership only.

For more information, call Jeannine Buechner at 437-4834 or Lois Flaherty at 433-9104.