Edmonds Center for the Arts has announced its 2010-2011 performance season, which kicks off with comedian and media master Hal Sparks Saturday Sept. 25, 2010 and continues through May 2011. All performance tickets are currently on sale; full season subscriptions are available by calling the ECA box office at 425-275-9595 and single tickets can be purchased by phone or online at www.ec4arts.org. Ticket prices vary by show.

“I’m proud of the quality and diversity of the performances we’ve presented at ECA in the past three years, and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition this season, said Joe McIalwain, ECA executive director.

The season schedule also includes:

• Cowboy Junkies, Friday Oct. 1, 2010: Canadian alternative country group whose sound was originally influenced by American blues musicians like Robert Johnson, Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams then transformed into their own mix of country, folk, rock and jazz.

• “It’s Your Birthday“ — A Celebration of John Lennon, Sunday Oct. 3, 2010: A multimedia celebration of John Lennon’s 70th birthday that will feature a special showing of The Beatles’ first film “A Hard Day’s Night” and a music set by local Beatles tribute band Cream Tangerine.

• Richie Havens, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010: American folk singer and guitarist best known for his intense rhythmic guitar style and his opening performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

• Jo Dee Messina, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010: Country music artist who has charted nine singles on the Billboard country music charts.

• Natalie McMaster & Donnell Leahy, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010: Canadian husband and wife fiddle masters who are a whirlwind of fiddle-driven Celtic music and dance..

• Seattle International Comedy Competition, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010: The annual comedy competition returns to the ECA stage for a fourth year, with this stop being part of the final round.

• Spyro Gyra, Friday, Nov. 19, 2010: This modern jazz group has released over 25 albums and sold 10 million copies, including their two most successful hit singles “Shaker Song” and “Morning Dance,” which has been influential in the development of smooth jazz as a genre, combines jazz with R&B, funk and pop.

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band:  Creole Christmas, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010: Treat your family to a New Orleans holiday tradition as this legendary band puts a special southern twist on traditional holiday favorites.

• The Traveling McCourys, Sunday Dec. 5, 2010: The sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury blend the best of the Appalachian tradition with the improvisational magic of jazz.

• Al Stewart, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011: Scottish singer-songwriter and folk musician, combining folk-rock songs with delicately woven tales of great characters and historical events.

• The Second City, Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011: The touring sketch comedy company returns to ECA to add laughter to your Valentine’s Day weekend!

• Vicki Lawrence, Friday March 11, 2011: Comedy legend Vicki Lawrence brings her two-woman show to the stage, featuring her beloved character “Mama.”

• Red Chamber, Saturday, March 19, 2011: These four talented Chinese musicians play only play only plucked string instruments to create unique sounding music that spans 4000 years, from Chinese string band music to bluegrass, jazz fusions and a host of other folk traditions of the plucked kind.

• Seattle Men’s Chorus, Saturday, March 26, 2011: Return to ECA for a third season with their spring presentation
  “Life is a Cabaret.”

• Johnny Clegg, Thursday, April 28, 2011: Popular South African guitarist forges a musical bond between his Zulu brethren and his Western ancestors, and celebrates his unique musical style on this 30th-anniversary tour.

• An Evening with Groucho, Sunday, May 1, 2011: Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrant recreates his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity.

• Chinese Acrobats of Hebei, Friday, May 6, 2011: These masters of agility and grace combine Chinese traditions, incredible acrobatics, stunning costumes, Chinese props, and a beautiful music soundtrack.

For more detailed performer information, please visit www.ec4arts.org. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.