GULF SHORES, Ala. — The City of Gulf Shores has officially announced its lineup for the 2013 Entertainment Series. The Entertainment Series, now in its 26th year at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, has become an annual tradition for residents and visitors alike.

The 2013 Entertainment Series will feature 11 shows from six different acts. Whether you like comedy and jazz or choreography and big bands, this year’s lineup has what you’re looking for.

Beginning this year, season tickets holders will receive an added benefit for purchasing their season ticket packages. Anyone who purchases season tickets will receive first-right-of-refusal for their exact seats next year, prior to tickets going on sale to the general public.

“We wanted to find a way to thank our loyal season ticket holders,” said Programs and Events Manager Brigette Reynolds. “This new added benefit will give them a stress-free, no hassle way of securing their same seats each year.”

Tickets will go on sale Monday, October 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and fans can order their tickets online at www.gulfshoresal.gov., by phone Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., by calling 251-968-1174 or in person Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., by stopping by the Activity Center Box Office located at 260 Clubhouse Drive, Gulf Shores.

“We hope that these improvements will help make the ticket buying experience more efficient and enjoyable for all of our fans,” said Reynolds.

On Jan. 14-15, Five By Design’s Radio Days kicks off the Entertainment Series with their unforgettable melodies, lush harmonies and swinging rhythms that evoke the names of Miller, Mancini and Mercer. Five By Design’s signature talents have withstood the test of time in a career that spans more than fifteen years. The shows start at 7 p.m. each night and tickets will be $28.

Jan. 22 brings the critically acclaimed international dance production, Ballroom With a Twist. This ground-breaking show is choreographed by ABC-TV’s Dancing With The Stars, Emmy nominated, Louis van Amstel and stars Dancing With The Stars celebrity pros and finalists from So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol. Ballroom With a Twist is an evening of entertainment for the entire family, highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music and breathtaking performances. This one-night-only show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets will be $39.

Jan. 28-29 offers The Swing Dolls as they present “A Tribute to the USO”. This dynamic female vocal trio has been thrilling audiences nationwide for over ten years with their stunning close harmonies, dazzling costumes and stylish choreography. The Swing Dolls have garnered appearances on television’s Gilmore Girls and Your Big Break, while performing at The Kennedy Center and Bob Hope’s 100th Birthday celebration, to name a few. The shows will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets will be $36.

On Feb. 4-5, Gurl and Girl Productions, who brought you Laughing with the Legends, is back with the rip-roaring, acoustic fun arts foursome Three Men and a Maestro. Four dynamic performers charm and dazzle the audience with a highly energized fusion of pop, jazz, ethnic, classical, bluegrass and Broadway. Get ready for an evening of hot licks, poignant melodies, sizzling arrangements and a sprinkling of comedy as pianist and maestro, Brian Gurl, guides this fabulous foursome on a journey that creates an exciting and playful tension. Each of these shows will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets will be $25.

Feb. 18-19 we welcome The Four Freshmen back to the Erie Meyer Civic Center. To many music enthusiasts, The Four Freshmen need no introduction. Starting as college students in 1948, the young group won fame with their renditions of “Graduation Day”, “Poinciana”, “Day by Day” and “Blue World”. Today’s Four Freshmen ensemble is considered by many to be the greatest jazz vocal group of all time. Each show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets will be $28.

On Feb. 25 and 26, we welcome the music of perennial favorites, Dallas Brass. Since their founding in 1983, the group has become one of America’s foremost musical ensembles by establishing a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion creating a performing entity of extraordinary range. The shows will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets will be $33.

For more information about the 2013 Entertainment Series, contact the City of Gulf Shores Special Events Division at 251-968-1172 or visit our website at www.gulfshoresal.gov.