Get ready to experience the excitement of live music and entertainment again, coming back soon to Blue Bell.

Montgomery County Community College is proud to present the return of its Lively Arts Series, now in its 38^th season, with a performance by jazz vocal group “The Manhattan Transfer” Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Blue Bell Country Club, 1800 Tournament Drive, Blue Bell. Eisenhower Middle School Choir students will open the show. Then Philadelphia’s own “Christian McBride and the Inside Straight,” will perform Sunday, Feb. 27, at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Normandy Farms Hotel, 1401 Morris Rd, Blue Bell.

Early bird tickets are on sale now for the entire season and are open to the community.

This coming year’s performances will serve as a pathway to the grand opening of the newly renovated theater, home of the Lively Arts Series, on MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus, said Brent Woods, Senior Director of Cultural Affairs. Construction on the project began in fall 2019 and is anticipated to be completed in October 2022. Having world-renowned headliners continue to perform in the area in the meantime speaks to the staying power of the Lively Arts Series each new season.

“We are so excited about this new season and coming back to live performances,” said Woods. “Our goal is simple, deliver the highest artistic talent to our audiences making Montgomery County Community College a cultural destination.”

The priority this season is also audience health and safety, so new regulations have been put into place for attendees, he said.

“We have their safety in mind and so masks are required all the time, except when eating or drinking,” said Woods.

Among the other up and coming artists also set to hit the stage this season include: “Lakecia Benjamin and Pursuance,” Sunday, March 6, at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Normandy Farms Hotel;” jazz vocalist Youn Sun Nah, Sunday, April 24, at 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Blue Bell Country Club; and cellist “Joshua Roman,” Sunday, May 1, in the Parkhouse Hall Atrium, on Blue Bell Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike.

Closing out the series with four performances is “The Voice That Would Not Be Silenced” by Millicent Sparks, Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m., Friday, May 13, at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 14, at 7 p.m. all in the Black Box Theatre of the Science Center on Blue Bell Campus. Professionals will be working with theater students/Theater Assistant Professor Tim Gallagher on this production, the first collaboration on the main stage.

The Lively Arts Series also features special programming including the return of the Richard K. Bennett Distinguished Lectureship for Social Peace and Justice series, “Racism in America: Understanding Medical Racism and Its Impact on African Americans and Indigenous People in the 20th Century,” Wednesday, Feb. 23, and Wednesday, March 2.

In addition, the Lively Arts Family Series includes “Jeff Boyer’s Bubble Trouble,” Saturday, March 26, at the Steel River Playhouse, 245 E High St, Pottstown at 11 a.m. and “Trekking Mexico” Saturday, April 2, in the Eisenhower Middle School auditorium, 1601 Markley St, Norristown at 11 a.m.

“It’s nice to see people are venturing out to enjoy live performances together again, after living through this pandemic for the past 18 months,” said Woods. “We’re all certainly excited to welcome everyone back again. Now on with the show!”

For more information about the Lively Art Series, venue and seating information, and/or health and safety procedures, contact Brent Woods at bwoods@mc3.edu.