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The Whatley Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast Texas Community College will host a concert by Deb Porter and Friends on Sunday, April 18, at 2:30 pm, with limited seating due to social distancing protocols.

Porter grew up singing the songs learned from grandmother, a sharecropper from Blossom, Texas. This music has stayed with Deb throughout her musical journey and includes old jazz, traditional tunes sung in Northeast Texas’ cotton fields, and the great country songs of Ray Price, Jim Reeves, and Hank Williams.  

She plays several instruments and has focused on the “user-friendly” ukulele and mountain dulcimer for the past few decades. She helped found a dulcimer club called the “Northeast Texas Community Chorus” in this area in the 90s after offering dulcimer and banjo classes at NTCC and discovering there was a tremendous interest in folk music locally.

“Deb is a fantastic musician, and this is a great opportunity for us to highlight her talent, along with other artists,” Carolyn Franks, Director of the Whatley Center, said.

Deb has produced eight CD recordings of this traditional music. She also has written two instructional books and three DVDs demonstrating how to play both the dulcimer and ukulele. She performs regularly, before COVID, at folk festivals around the country, and is an in-demand teacher.

For this performance, Deb has assembled an incredible band of talented players who are very happy to get to play live once more as we emerge from the pandemic. David Stanley (bass guitar) was in Dolly Parton’s band for ten years and began his professional career in the 1960s with a chart-topping group, Mouse and the Traps. He went on to great success in both rock and roll and blues musical genres. Brad Davis, a Grammy-winning songwriter, and guitarist will also join Deb. Brad toured with Marty Stuart for 14 years and has been the guitarist for the Billy Bob Thornton band, the Boxmasters, for 18 years. He is also known for his work as a producer and composer of movie soundtracks. 

Dr. Ron Clinton, NTCC President, on piano, and multiple National Dulcimer Champions, including Lee Rowe from Nashville, is joining Deb and friends as exceptional guest performers. This show promises to be a joyful one featuring a great music selection from varying styles and decades.  

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for ages 17 and under, and you can purchase by calling the Whatley Center Box Office at 903-434-8181. To learn more about Deb’s music, visit the website, www.debbieportermusic.com. 

The Child Development Center with Mt. Pleasant ISD is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. The CDC serves children 0-5 years old in high-quality preschool classrooms, as well as pregnant mothers.

Applications may be picked up at the Child Development Center at 1602 West Ferguson Road or printed at www.mpisd.net/cdc/. The CDC serves Titus County children from 6:30 am- 5:30 pm Monday-Friday. Call 903-575-2092 for more information.

The Carden Circus will be at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, 1200 Houston, St. in Sulphur Springs. April 21. Showtime is 6:30 pm.

PRE-SALES SPECIAL TICKETS

Pre-Sale Special Tickets are limited to the first 100 General Admission Sales. You can use it for Adults or Children and combine it with coupon offers such as Free Children’s tickets.

Fast Food Restaurants, Convenience Stores, Businesses, Schools, and Retail stores may distribute free children’s tickets. They admit ONE child for EACH paid adult, and you can not use it in combination with the Family Package.

FAMILY PACKAGE

The Family Pass is sold exclusively online and is not available for purchase at the show’s on-site box office. Other offers you cannot use include coupons or discounts in combination with the Family Pass. The Family Pass is limited to two adults and up to three children. Additional tickets will have to be purchased separately.

The Family Pass is NOT available on the day of the show.

CHILDREN

Children two and under are free and do not need a ticket. Age 3 to 12 must have a Child’s ticket (Free or Paid). Ages 13 and up must have an Adult ticket to enter the Circus. An adult must accompany all children. Children may not be left unattended at the Circus.

AFTER YOUR PURCHASE

After your purchase is complete, you will receive an email with a summary of your purchase. It will have a barcode to be scanned at the entrance. It is ONE barcode for your entire investment. You may print this email or display it on your mobile device at the access to the Circus.

DIFFICULTY BUYING TICKETS?

If you have difficulty purchasing tickets online or prefer not to buy online, you may purchase tickets at the show’s on-site box office one hour before each performance. 

https://tickets.spectacularcircus.com/affiliate/website/event/sulphur-springs-tx—630pm—04212021.