Not only did they come, they stayed around.

Long after The Studio doors opened for the Troy Arts Council Kickoff Reception Tuesday night, the crowd was still there enjoying all that jazz and the fellowship of fellow patrons of the arts.

Dr. William Denison, TAC president, said he was more than pleased with the number of patrons who attended and their obvious enjoyment of the evening and also their enthusiasm for the calendar of events for the 2010-2011 season.

“We have literally gone around the world to find the entertainment for our calendar of events this year,” Denison said. “The calendar includes performers from China and Russia as well as outstanding local talent, Shelia Jackson and Dr. Johnny Long and the Southeast Alabama Community band and wonderful entertainers in between.”

The Kickoff Reception was an opportunity for the people of the community to become patrons of the arts and, in so doing, support the TAC’s year around programming as well as arts programs for area schools.

“TAC Patrons support programs for Troy area schools in visual arts, music, drama and dance,” said Elaine Blair, Patrons drive chair. “Patrons also help provide student scholarships and support the annual TroyFest and Film Festival. Patrons support is very important to the continuation of all that we do in the support and promotion of the arts in Troy and Pike County.”

The Patrons Drive will continue for several weeks but it’s never too late to become a patron.

Blair said Patron’s tickets are the best tickets in two. Tickets, beginning at $75, include from one to six season tickets depending on the contribution level.

A “Patron” contribution of $101 includes two season tickets.

With that level of contribution, a couple can attend the TAC’s nine headline events for only $50.50 each. That’s less than six dollars a performance.

“Patrons tickets are the best tickets in town,” Blair said.

The TAC calendar for 2010-2011 includes the Billy Jonas Concert, “Yesterday and Today” Beatles Tribute, Lily Kai Chinese Dance Company, Shelia Jackson and Company, Kremlin Orchestra, “Life is So Good,” Barrage, Amadeus Trio, Southeast Alabama Community Band concert and Chris Beck art exhibition.

To become a TAC Patron or for more information, call 334-670-2288.