Recently heralded as the Best Performing Arts Venue in Mississippi by the readers of Mississippi Magazine<\/I>, Bologna Performing Arts Center Executive Director David Dallas is hoping that\u2019s just the momentum the center needs as it prepares to, both, announce its 2006-2007 season and launch its annual membership drive.<\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> \u201cWe know that there aren\u2019t many facilities in the nation that compare to what we have here, but it\u2019s wonderful to know that there are others out there who feel the same,\u201d Dallas proclaimed. \u201cThis is a huge honor because it was voted on by readers all over the state, not just the Delta readers.<\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> \u201cBeing recognized is a high honor. But more than that, I think it speaks to our continued commitment to bring our patrons and supporters the best in both stage productions and arts education programs,\u201d he continued. <\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> But, like many of the most successful performing arts centers across the country, ticket sales and other earned income cannot cover the cost underwriting the season\u2019s programming alone. Annual memberships are vital to the success of any arts venue, including the BPAC.<\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> \u201cWe would urge one and all to become an annual member for the 2006-2007 season,\u201d <\/SPAN>Dallas<\/SPAN> advocated. \u201cYearly contributions are critical to fulfilling our cultural mission. Private contributions will ensure the future success of the Bologna Performing Arts Center.\u201d<\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> For loyal patron and perennial annual member Wilma Gilbow, the decision is simple, offering, \u201cThe Bologna Performing Arts Center has been repeatedly recognized as one of the premiere venues for the performing arts in the Southeastern United States, and we are very fortunate to have the BPAC at home in the Mississippi Delta. <\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> \u201cBy supporting the annual membership program, I consider it an investment, not only in this outstanding facility and its phenomenal main stage series, but particularly in the superlative arts education programming the BPAC offers to the children of the Delta. The return on this investment is incalculable,\u201d she finished. <\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> And, <\/SPAN>Dallas<\/SPAN> feels confident your \u201cinvestment\u201d would be well worth it, as the BPAC is expected to deliver another stellar season of programming. <\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> \u201cWhile we\u2019re still ironing out some of the final details, what I can share with you is this \u2013 you won\u2019t be disappointed,\u201d <\/SPAN>Dallas<\/SPAN> lauded. \u201cWe have high standards with our programming, and this year is no different.\u201d<\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> The Bologna Performing Arts Center will first welcome CeCe Winans, Sunday, Sept. 24 at <\/SPAN>7:30 p.m.<\/SPAN> as the inaugural performance of the 2006-2007 season. <\/SPAN>A pure musical delight, Winans <\/SPAN>has received nine Grammy Awards, 21 Grammy Nominations, 18 Dove Awards and numerous Stellar Awards, as well as being named Female Vocalist of the Year twice in her 20-plus year career as one of the gospel greats. Her heavenly voice will amaze your ears and relax your soul. <\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> Also slated for this year\u2019s season \u2013 KODO, Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. \u201cWe are very, very excited to be able to bring KODO to our mainstage. Just as the Sowetto Gospel Choir had audiences riveted last season, I am sure KODO will be just as exciting, energetic and truly, <\/SPAN>a performance you will not want to miss,\u201d Dallas boasted. <\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN><\/P> Based in Sado Island, Japan, KODO is one of the elite taiko drumming groups today. Showcasing traditional dance and vocal arrangements based on the traditional rhythms of regional Japan, their energetic renditions will have you leaving the theater in awe and amazement. <\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P>