October 2003 - Local Jazz Artist, Greta Matassa, opens the season at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center After much anticipation public performances have begun in earnest at Renton’s newest performing arts center.

This Saturday, October 4th, at 8p.m. the theatre will host a season benefit to help raise money to bring in artists for 2003/2004. Tickets are based on seating preference at $20, $40, and $60. For $75, donors will enjoy an exclusive pre-performance reception with the artist, a signed CD, and appetizers. The pre-show event will be held at the Met, a coffee and wine shop one half block away from the theatre. There is a limit of 100 donors at the pre-show function.

At intermission, all ticket holders will enjoy a coffee and dessert bar, sponsor by the Met in the theatre lobby.

Other 2003/2004 performances will include Book-It Repertory’s Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes, Why the Leopard Has Spots, the Rainier Symphony, the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, Missoula Children’s Theatre, The Nutcracker Ballet, Monday night Cabaret nights, and a matinee lecture series on Saturdays. Other music concerts are still being scheduled. Ticket prices will range from $5 to $30 depending on the performance. In February of 2004, a season subscriber party will be held to advertise season subscriptions for 2004/2005.

“This is our year for feedback from the Renton audience,“ says theatre manager Shana Pennington-Baird. “We will be doing an eclectic season this year and once we have an idea of what the Renton community wants—that’s what we will make happen. We’ll be taking surveys for any feedback we can get.”

Seattle native Greta Matassa is one of the northwest’s most talented and popular singers. With hints of Ella, Sarah, Billie and Carmen, Greta is increasingly recognized as a unique voice in jazz.

Seattle’s Earshot Jazz organization has four times voted Greta the NW best jazz vocalist, and her musicianship as earned her the respect and admiration of many of the areas top jazz players.

“If you have not heard Greta sing, this is your chance to enjoy her talents and support the theatre.” Pennington-Baird adds. “We look forward to getting to know the community.”

To buy tickets for the Season Benefit or other performances during the 2003/2004 season, call (206) 325-6500 or visit www.ticketwindowonline.com.