CLEARWATER, -Robert A. Freedman, President and CEO of PACT, Inc., announced today the main stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall will close for renovations as scheduled on May 12, reopening November 2003. During construction, Ruth Eckerd Hall will promote shows at other venues. Freedman says, "We are pleased to share a spirit of cooperation with organizations like All Children's Hospital Foundation (Taste of Pinellas) and the Mahaffey Theater Foundation. Our goal is to continue to deliver great entertainment this summer even in the midst of our construction."
Confirmed shows include:

Comedian Margaret Cho at the Mahaffey Theater May 8, 8 pm $29.00, $38.00
(Mature Content)
(presented by Ruth Eckerd Hall in association with the Mahaffey Theater Foundation)
On sale to public March 28

Chicago (the band) at Taste of Pinellas, Vinoy Park May 30, 8 pm $20 VIP, $10 general
On sale to public April 25

B-52s at Taste of Pinellas, Vinoy Park May 31, 8 pm $20 VIP, $10 general
On sale to public April 25

The Neville Brothers, Taste of Pinellas, Vinoy Park June 1, 4:30 pm $20 VIP, $10 general
On sale to public April 25

Norah Jones at Coachman Park June 11, 8 pm
On sale to public April 18

ADDED! Smooth Jazz Summer at Mahaffey Theater starring
The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman and special guest Michael Franks June 13, 8pm $35; $39.75
On sale to public April 18

Joe Cocker at Mahaffey Theater June 14, 8 pm $39.75, $45.75
with Roger McGuinn
On sale to public April 18

ADDED! Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band at Mahaffey Theater August 16, 8pm $50; $60; $70
On sale to public May 9

More shows to be announced in the coming months.

Tickets for the general public to the aforementioned events will be sold through TicketMaster outlets only, NOT the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office. Members of Ruth Eckerd Hall will enjoy advance purchasing opportunities for all Ruth Eckerd Hall promoted shows regardless of location. Members of the Mahaffey Theater Foundation will have advance purchasing opportunities for all shows at the Mahaffey Theater.

Ruth Eckerd Hall is also proud to present the rock band Kansas, appearing at The Festival of States on April 12 at 8 p.m., Vinoy Park. No advance sales. Tickets are free until 5 p.m., $3.00 after.

The special concerts taking place at other venues should help maintain Ruth Eckerd Hall's acclaimed artist relations as well as introduce new artists to the Tampa Bay area. Director of Entertainment, Bob Rossi, says, "We will essentially focus on concert promotion this summer, booking and marketing shows at multiple venues. It should be an exciting time for everyone involved."

Although the main auditorium will be closed this summer, the new Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute will remain open year round for classes. The recently renovated Margarete Heye Great Room will also remain open for weddings and other rental functions.

Ruth Eckerd Hall is on it's way to completing a $28 million dollar capital campaign. The first phase of construction, featuring The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute opened February 2, 2003. The second phase, beginning May 12, will include renovations to the existing auditorium including a connecting walkway between the East and West lobbies, new finishes and additional restroom facilities. For more information, please call the administrative line at 727-791-7060.

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