(COLUMBIA, Tenn. ? September 30, 2005) – - – Southern Fences, a live variety show dedicated to the celebration of all things southern, is the next featured performance in the 2005-2006 Performance Series presented by Columbia State Community College. The Saturday, Oct. 15 show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the College?s Cherry Theater.

Similar to Garrison Keillor?s A Prairie Home Companion, the variety show includes music, monologues and comedy bits with a local twist. Several prominent local performers, including popular Columbia newspaper columnist and historian Bob Duncan; Columbia State English professors Beverly Mitchell and Susanna Holmes; instructor of music Bob Lucianno, who will direct the Columbia State choir; blues singer Robert Edwards, Columbia State student actor Jason Jones, and show announcer Doug McLuen as ?Ramblin? Bob? will take the stage.

In addition to local performers, the Fox Brothers, a popular Christian country and gospel group from Franklin, Tenn. will perform. The group has received many awards including the ?Entertainer of the Year? award by Nashville-based Christian Country Music Association.

Southern Fences is the brainchild of Columbia State speech instructor Daniel Johnson. Johnson is a noted songwriter and has had his songs recorded by such artist as Grand Ole Opry star Stu Phillips. He is writer, producer and host of the Southern Fences show.

?I believe the fence is the perfect emblem for life in the South,? explains Johnson. ?Throughout history, and particularly in Southern history, fences have acted as both a separator and protector of property and a place where neighbors gather and share their lives.?

Tickets to the performance are $14 for adults and $9 for students. Tickets will also be available at the door prior to the beginning of the performance. For more information or to charge tickets by phone, call (931) 540-2879. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.

The 2005-2006 Performance Series is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, AmSouth Bank, First Farmers and Merchants Bank and the Columbia State Foundation.