By Janet Van Vleet / Reporter-News Staff Writer
January 16, 2005

It's a silver shindig as the Abilene Opera Association celebrates 25 years of bringing culture to Abilene.

Texas country music legend singer/songwriter Johnny Bush (''Whiskey River,'' ''Today I Started Loving You Again'') headlines the organization's Gala 25th Silver Anniversary at the T & P Event Center on Jan. 29. The party also includes an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, dance floor and performances by the artists in this year's opera, Puccini's ''The Girl of the Golden West,'' at the Paramount on Feb. 18, 20 and 22.

Tickets are $20 for the Johnny Bush performance only, which begins at 9 p.m.; patron tickets run $35 and include hors d'oeuvres and operatic performances, beginning at 7 p.m.

Bush, known as ''The Country Caruso,'' was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003 with Kris Kristofferson and Lefty Frizzell. His latest album, ''HonkyTonic,'' includes performances by country musicians Willie Nelson, Kevin Fowler and Cooder Graw.

The opera board chose Bush to perform because his music and style represent West Texas, according to Frances Yakes, board president. As with the opera itself, the board strove to keep ticket prices at reasonable price for the gala, so more folks could attend.

''Galas (tickets) usually cost around $125,'' Yakes said. ''That's not really what we are. The people who come to our opera are good old Abilenians and people from around the area.''

Details

What: The Abilene Opera Association Gala 25th Silver Anniversary, featuring Johnny Bush

When: 7 and 9 p.m. Jan. 29

Where: T & P Event Center, North First and Pine streets

How much: $35 for patron tickets, which include 7 p.m. entrance, hors d'oeuvres, open bar, performances by opera singers and Johnny Bush; $20 dance only, including 9 p.m. entrance, open bar and Johnny Bush.

For more information: Call (325) 676-7372 for reservations.

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