(Photo submitted) Northwest Iowa student performers in Celebration Iowa include: Michael Phillips, Emma Walker and John Paul Jenkins.

Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band (formerly known as the State Fair Singers and Jazz Band), an elite ensemble of Iowa high school musicians, is pleased to announce their upcoming performance in Spirit Lake on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The show begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts.

In its 26th season, Celebration Iowa's 2008 show opens with an exciting Broadway Review featuring selections such as "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Oklahoma," and "On Broadway". The opening set is followed by "How Does Your Garden Grow," a children's musical featuring "Planting Seeds," "Weeds Rule," and "Garden Hoedown," including elementary students from the surrounding community.

The show concludes with a memorable set entitled British Invasion that includes "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club," "Can't Buy Me Love," "Yesterday," "Imagine," and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go."

The Celebration Iowa Jazz Band will perform many great selections throughout the performance representing various jazz styles.

Celebration Iowa strives to reflect the quality of Iowa high school music programs in this educational, performance and service-oriented summer music experience. Together with a talented staff of teachers and professionals, the members of Celebration Iowa present an action-packed two-hour show that includes song, dance, and jazz band favorites for audience members of all ages to enjoy.

During the course of the summer, Celebation Iowa cast members are offered the opportunity to perform over 30 shows in all corners of the state while learning from some of Iowa's finest teachers. Every year cast members agree that their experience with Celebration Iowa is truly "the summer of a lifetime."

Students participating this year from northwest Iowa include Michael Phillips from Pocahontas, Emma Walker from Brayton, John Paul Jenkins from Fort Dodge, and Amalie Appleton from Sanborn.

Celebration Iowa, a project of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa is also funded by The R.J. McElroy Trust, The Fred Maytag Family Foundation, HyVee, Inc., and the Celebration Iowa Alumni and Parent Funds. Each cast member also secures local sponsorships to defray personal costs.

The ensemble rehearses on the Luther College campus June 7-27 and will tour statewide June 28 -Aug. 6.

Tickets for the performance at the Sami Center are $15/adults and $5/students and are currently on sale. They can be purchased through the Pearson Lakes Art Center at (712) 332-7013 or www.lakesart.org. Questions regarding Celebration Iowa should be directed to Mary Weis, Administrative Assistant, by calling 563-387-1009 or e-mailing celebrationiowa@luther.edu.

* Information can be found on the website: www.celebrationiowa.luther.edu.