Highway 61 traces the origins of blues to rhythms brought to America by African slaves. The slaves cultivated the style through the chants of the cotton fields and the gospel music of their churches before it infected the Memphis musicians, most notably W.C. Handy. Continuing its migration northward, blues reached Chicago, where it heavily influenced today’s rock ’n’ roll.

Featured artists include gospel legends The Blind Boys of Alabama. An all-star jam session concludes the show.

Jolson earned the love of the nation when he starred in the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer. The man lived to entertain others, and he set a precedent by being the first to entertain troops overseas during World War I.

Jolson: The Musical, a London-based production, will make its American debut at Hershey Theatre. The musical showcases 22 American top standard songs, including “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” “Baby Face,” and “Mammy.” Written by Francis Essex, Jolson: The Musical received London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical. The Hershey Theatre performance will feature Mike Burstyn as the charismatic Jolson.

The choreography and the whimsical costume design turn the ice into the animated deep sea world, home of the mermen. Cindy Stuart and Gia Guddat choreographed the ever-flowing production, attempting to mimic the ocean’s undulations. Costume designer Scott Lane used shimmering fabrics highlighted with rhinestones and jewels to demonstrate the beauty and wealth of the sea. The set design includes a bi-level stage set, with the upper deck representing the water line; elevators permit movement between levels. Adding to the spectacle, a projection system casts images onto the set and the ice to propel changes in time, location, or mood.

The award-winning score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman binds all of the elements together with favorites such as “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” The scenes mimic those in the animated feature film; “Kiss the Girl” includes the familiar weeping willow leaves, flamingos, and fireflies.

Brooke’s second solo release on MCA’s Refuge label, 10-Cent Wings, caught national attention a year ago. Billboard went so far as to dub her “one of the most gifted and unique artists of the decade.” Brooke tames wild harmonies into complex ear candy and mixes them with literary lyrics that stroke portraits of pain and loss — and hope.

Had MCA and Brooke been able to reach a contract agreement, songs such as “Secrets and Lies” and “Crumbs” would be all over commercial radio. However, Brooke would not agree to changes in her contract, so MCA did not renew her option and stopped all promotions of her album. MCA lost out — Brooke has an ever-expanding, loyal following who impatiently anticipates this month’s release of her new CD.

Founded by violinist Rudolf Barshai in 1956, the orchestra has played for the most affluent audiences around the world in such concert halls such as Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the Salle Pleyel in Paris, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Audiences worldwide demand its music at over 120 concerts annually. Critics praise the orchestra’s musical aptitude, which they claim nears perfection.

The orchestra will feature guitarist Paul Galbraith, an internationally acclaimed musician who has performed with such groups as the Royal Philharmonic and the Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Galbraith plays an eight-string guitar in an upright position like that of a cello, resting it upon a wooden resonance box. He will solo in Concerto for Keyboard in F Minor, BWV 1056, which has been arranged for guitar.

In addition to the competition, the entertainment line-up will include guest musicians and a theatrical fashion show. Guest performers will include Carolyn White-Splawn, Charles Lee, Diane Hetes, Nicole Jenkins, and Focus Band. The “Beyond Fashion” theatrical fashion showcase will feature the Celesel Modeling Ensemble. On site for this event will be renowned New York photographer Tommy Phillips, Director of Personality Plus Model & Talent Agency Easter Hailey, and Trey Bondy of Talent America.

Saturday, November 14th, 4pm – 10pm – Preliminary competition; urban blues/gospel artist, Charles Lee; actress/vocalist, Diane Hetes; actress/vocalist, Nicole Jenkins; Focus Band

Sunday, November 15th, 6pm – 9pm – Final round competition and awards; gospel artist, Carolyn White-Splawn; “Beyond Fashion” theatrical fashion showcase

Tickets are $25.00 for each night, or a combination ticket for both nights can be purchased at a discounted rate of $35.00. Advance tickets are required. Call D.J. Productions at 230-8121 to reserve tickets.