The Johnson Center’s First Thursday Night in The Studio series will close out the 2011 season in a big way on Oct. 6.

The final First Thursday the year will get underway at 5:30 p.m. with meet and greet opportunities and the entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the fun and fellowship that is the trademark of the First Thursday events.

“We have a great evening of entertainment planned, with classical music from The Reed Trio and tunes from the singer/songwriter/guitarist Allan Wood, who is a native of Troy,” said Richard Metzger, Johnson Center executive director. “The chamber music of The Reed Trio covers territory ranging from deeply emotive depths to cheeky and irreverent shallows. It’s fun music to hear and you can tell the musicians have fun playing it.”

The Reed Trio features Rebecca Mindock on oboe, John Craig Baker on clarinet and Elaine Peterson on bassoon.

“Allan Wood has been entertaining crowds for a long time,” Metzger said. “He is a man of man talents. He has written songs for the Gatlin Brothers Music Publishing Company in Nashville. He will entertain with some of his original songs as well as contemporary ones.”

First Thursday Nights are indoor tailgate parties with a flair, so everyone is invited to bring a cooler and a picnic basket filled with their favorite tailgate foods or stop by their favorite eatery and pickup a to-go box and join the fun.

“Our First Thursday Night events have been very successful,” Metzger said. “They are unique opportunities to enjoy a night on the town with friends and neighbors and be entertained by some tremendously talented musicians and singers.

“Tables may be reserved for those who would like ‘tailgate together,’ but tables are limited, so call early to be guaranteed a place for your group.”

“There’s plenty of space for everyone and you certainly don’t have to reserve a table to join the fun.”

Tickets for the final First Thursday Night at the Studio are $12.50 per person. For tickets or to reserve a table, call 334-670-2287.

The First Thursday events will resume after the ringing in of the New Year. Until then, Metzger said the Johnson Center will host “The Roots Exhibit: Artists of Pike County in November and the Christmas at the Center holiday event in December.