August 31, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator
(724) 238-6015

SAMA TO CLOSE BLUE MONDAY SEASON WITH SEPTEMBER PROGRAM

             Altoona – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona will close its inaugural season of Blue Monday programs on September 11. Blue Monday is an informal night of wining and dining that occurs the second Monday of every month, April through September. The entire evening takes place in the Museum, where the Blair County region’s best visual, musical and culinary arts are brought together in one setting.

            The program begins at 6 p.m. at the Museum, located in the Brett Building at 1210 Eleventh Avenue. The event provides an opportunity to take a stroll through the Museum gallery, and enjoy some delicious hors d’oeuvres and a monthly dinner, drink and dessert special, catered by Michael’s Café. In the gallery, guests will be treated to some of the area’s best live musical talent, with each month featuring a new artist or group and a new musical program.

            The September program is titled “The Blues, They Keep on Comin’,” and features a performance by the Altoona duo, COLE. Comprised of Jim Cochran on piano and vocals and Dick Caram on drums, COLE is a gentle-jazz group named in honor of Cole Porter. The duo appears regularly in clubs and restaurants throughout the Altoona region. In addition to his work as a musician, Caram also is a directory artist with SAMA and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

            The dinner will include a bacon-wrapped scallops appetizer, salad with honey-peanut dressing, and an entrée of chicken pasta alfredo primavera. Bananas Foster will be served for dessert. Currently on view at the Museum is the exhibition, Obligation and Opulence: Vintage Photographs of William H. Rau. Cost for the program is $35 per person. For reservations or more information, please call the Museum at (814) 946-4464.

            The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. Parking is available in the garage across the street or in the lot at the rear of the building. For more information, please call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.