For the 2013-2014 season, Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre will offer less acts in the main stage series than past seasons. The five main stage acts will be pianist Ronnie Cole and his trio, the Victory Belles, the Unexpected Boys, the Hot 8 Brass Band and the Koresh Dance Company.
“The reason for reducing the number of performances in the main stage series is to reduce the season ticket price in order to give the audience more flexibility and to open up the season to more other kinds of performances such as the recent Les Misérables, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and a number of others,” said Roy Blackwood, director of the Columbia Theatre and professor of visual arts at Southeastern.
Pianist Ronnie Cole and his trio will be performing at the Columbia on Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Last year, the Victory Belles came to Amite for a Fanfare performance, which was well-received by the local community.
“The Victory Belles from the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen will head a Veteran’s Day celebration on Nov. 11,” said Blackwood.
The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on the Monday of Veteran’s Day, despite most Columbia Theatre performances taking place on Thursdays, Fridays and weekends.  
The Unexpected Boys, one of the top Four Seasons Tribute Acts in the world, will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21. They will be featuring the music of Frankie Valle and the Jersey Boys.
According to Blackwood, the Hot 8 Brass Band, “the epitome of New Orleans high energy street music,” will be performing at the Columbia on Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Last but not least, the Koresh Dance Company will grace the stage on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Israeli-born choreographer and artistic director Roni Koresh runs the self-titled company.
“[Koresh Dance Company is] known for engaging and technically superb dancers,” said Blackwood. “[They are] one of the best in America, and [we are] fortunate to get them.”
Tickets for individual performances in the mains stage series became available for purchase on Sept. 9, 2013, and season tickets are available as well. Those who purchase season tickets are always guaranteed the best seats available and have the option of purchasing tickets to lagniappe performances before the general public.
To purchase tickets, visit www.columbiatheatre.org, call the Box Office at 985-543-4371 or visit the Columbia Theatre Box Office in downtown Hammond on Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.