Date: Jan 17, 2008

"SPRING, SING, SWING" WITH HOFSTRA'S SPRING 2008 JOSEPH G. ASTMAN INTERNATIONAL CONCERT SERIES

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY ... The theme of Hofstra's Spring 2008 Joseph G. Astman International Concert Series is "Spring, Sing, Swing," and it plans to get its audiences doing just those very three things.

The International Concert Series was established in 1989 and was appropriately named after the founder of the Hofstra Cultural Center, Dr. Joseph G. Astman. Over the years, audiences have been equally thrilled by world-renowned professionals as well as exciting new young artists ready to burst forth upon the classical scene. This very popular and highly revered series has played various locations on the Hofstra campus and has presented more than 500 professional performers.

Tickets (per concert) are $18, $15 for senior citizens (over 65) or matriculated non-Hofstra student with I.D., and $10 for children under 12. Members of the Hofstra community receive one free ticket upon presentation of a current HofstraCard. Tickets go on sale January 22.

To purchase tickets online visit www.tickets.com To purchase tickets by phone call the Hofstra Box Office at (516) 463-6644, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Sunday, February 10, 2 p.m.: Unforgettable: A Musical Tribute to Nat King Cole in honor of African-American History Month, featuring Lou Watson and Friends. Lou Watson, vocals, piano; Calvin Hill, bass; Mike Campenni, drums; Joe Wilder, trumpet.

Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m.: The Feminine Musique, works by female composers in honor of Women's History Month, featuring Tammy Hensrud and Donna Balson, sopranos, Blanche Abram and Marilyn Lehman, piano; with special guests Kathryn Wieckhorst and Karen Lehman, sopranos

Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m. Long Island premiere! "Life, Love, Song! A Visit With Gena Branscombe" featuring Kathleen Shimeta, mezzo-soprano, Martin Hennessy, piano.

Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. Swing Into Spring: Broadway and Hollywood! The Broadway Big Band with guest vocalists featuring Ted Howe, piano, Eddie Bert, trombone; Andrew Stein, tenor saxophone; Mark McGowan, trumpet; Calvin Hill, bass; Joe Parker, drums; Tommy Morimoto, tenor saxophone; Howard Alden, guitar

Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call the Hofstra Box Office (516) 463-6644, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  Tickets are $15, $12 for senior citizens (over 65) and matriculated non-Hofstra students with ID. Members of the Hofstra community receive one free ticket with their current HofstraCard.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 145 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 22 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence, cutting edge technology, extensive library resources, internships and special educational programs that appeal to their interests and abilities. The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.