Professor James Dapogny to Present A Musical Lecture of Fats Waller

This holiday season, as thousands file into Performance Network Theatre's production of "Ain't Misbehavin'," a whole new generation of arts-goers will become fans of the music made famous by Thomas "Fats" Waller over eighty years ago. But just who IS Fats Waller -- and what made him stand out in the sea of ragtime musicians in early 20th Century Manhattan? To answer these questions, and many others, Performance Network Theatre and the Ann Arbor District Library are presenting an evening with James Dapogny on Monday, December 5th, 7-8:30pm.

A U of M Professor Emeritus, Dapogny is a heralded pianist, recording artist and jazz musicologist who will lecture on Fats Waller's famous musical stylings, as well as perform examples of his works. Following the hour and a half event at Performance Network, all attendees are invited to join Professor Dapogny for an afterglow at The Ravens Club, located at 207 S. Main St., just three blocks from the theatre. Complimentary appetizers will be served.

Those interested in the event are encouraged to arrive early to guarantee a seat.

Performance Network Theatre's production of "Ain't Misbehavin' - The Fats Waller Musical Show" runs through January 1, 2012. Tickets are available through the theatre's box office at 734-663-0681, online at www.performancenetwork.org or in person at 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48103.