<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The 24th season of Banners at McNeese State University kicks off with a season preview party featuring a performance from country music star Larry Gatlin.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The event starts with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino. Gatlin will perform at 7 p.m.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Gatlin wrote several hit songs during the 1970s and 1980s, such as “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Patricia Prudhomme, Banners director, said that this year’s Banners events range from dance troupes and acrobats to pet comedy theatre. She said the mission of Banners is to bring entertainers, artists and speakers that wouldn’t be featured at other events scheduled in Southwest Louisiana.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“We try to bring people of substance,” Prudhomme said. “We’re trying to make it something you want to plan for.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Those looking for high-flying entertainment should attend the Cirque Zuma Zuma event, set for 7 p.m. March 3 at Burton Coliseum Complex. The show is described as an African-style Cirque du Soleil.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Gregory Popovich will bring his Pet Comedy Theatre to Burton Coliseum at 7 p.m. March 15. The show features 15 cats and 10 dogs rescued from animal shelters that perform different stunts and talents. Prudhomme said this is Popovich’s last tour before he takes up a residency in Las Vegas.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Several musicians will perform at Banners this year. They include the contemporary French-Acadian musicians Vishten, Colombian musicians Cimarron, and jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant. Salvant recently picked up a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her 2015 release, “For One To Love.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">New to Banners this year are four film screenings at the Cinemark movie theater, 548 W. Prien Lake Rd. Featured films include, “Selma,” “The Princess Bride,” “Desert Dancer” and</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">There will also be readings and lectures by Jill McCorkle, David Sears, Erin Entrada Kelly, Robert Cooper, David Wrobel and more.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Prudhomme said that Banners event planners have focused on “condensing the length” of the season and booking talent that “has more value.” She said the events focus on jazz, world, classical, roots and family.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“That seems to have resonated with the public,” she said. “This way you have a focused season, and we are respectful to our partners. People can go to Banners events and go to other locally scheduled events.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">A single-ticket Banners season membership costs $80 to start. A pass holder membership, including two tickets to all performances and reserved seats, costs $150.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Friday, Feb. 19 is the last day to purchase season tickets.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">For a full list of scheduled Banners events or for information about other memberships, call 475-5123.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyEditors~sep~endnote" style="font-weight: bold;">Online:</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyEditors~sep~endnote">www.banners.org.</span><p>The Paul Taylor Dance Company kicks off the 2016 season of Banners with a performance at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in Rosa Hart Theatre of the Lake Charles Civic Center. (Special to the American Press)</p>