Come join the Fine Arts Center on February 7 and April 18 from 5 to 9 pm at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Holyoke for a relaxing cup of coffee and a free concert, all while sustaining the arts!

In a months-long collaboration, the Fine Arts Center and Barnes and Noble of Holyoke will continue their season of benefit book fairs featuring live in-store performances. Fine Arts Center representatives will be at hand to greet customers and offer them a benefit coupon. When the coupon is presented at the time of purchase, Barnes and Noble will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Fine Arts Center. Support the arts by shopping for books, music, or coffee - it can't be any easier!

The next Barnes & Noble Benefit Book Fair will feature the UMass Vocal Jazz Ensemble. During the three years of direction by Catherine Jensen-Hole the ensemble has performed repertoire ranging from jazz standards to more contemporary composers including Paul Simon and Quincy Jones. The ensemble includes nearly a dozen singers, complemented by a full rhythm section.

This, the third season of Benefit Book Fairs for the Fine Arts Center, is already off to a successful start. The Fine Arts Center opened the season with a performance by the local jazz group, Charlie Apicella and the Business Jazz. Following up on October 15th, the Fine Arts Center presented a special sneak-preview of The Red Priest Baroque Ensemble the night before its performance at UMass.

For more information on the Barnes and Noble Benefit Books Fairs, call the Fine Arts Center at (413) 545-3671.