NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Tickets are still available for "A Piney Woods Home Companion: The Sequel," a scholarship fund-raiser being held by the Stephen F. Austin State University Music Preparatory Division on Saturday, Oct. 9.

Headliners for the event that is patterned after Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" are pianist John Dickson, SFA alumnus and music composer of the TV series "Burn Notice," and emcee Brad Maule, SFA faculty member who is best known for his role as Dr. Tony Jones of "General Hospital."

"We've got a great evening planned with loads of entertainment, a great silent auction and tons of great barbecue," said Pat Barnett, director of the Music Preparatory Division.

The evening will begin with a wine and cheese "Hob Nob" at the home of Chappell and Mary Elizabeth Jordan, where patrons can visit with Dickson and Maule. Cost for the pre-party is $20.

The main event, held in the Grand Ballroom of SFA's Baker Pattillo Student Center, will begin with a silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by a barbecue dinner at 6:30. The variety show emceed by Maule will begin at 7:30 and include performances by local talent and Dickson's original jingles spoofing Nacogdoches businesses.

Cost of the main event is $50. Special patron tickets to the entire evening are $100.

"We held our first 'Piney Woods Home Companion' five years ago in conjunction with our 25th anniversary celebration and were quite successful in raising funds for scholarships," Barnett said. "We're hoping to be equally successful this year since all of the proceeds are used to help give the gift of music to area children!"

Tickets are available at the SFA Fine Arts Box Office located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, Room 211, or by calling (936) 468-6407. Deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 6.

For more information about the private and group music classes offered by the Music Preparatory Division, go to www.music.sfasu.edu/prep or contact Barnett at pbarnett@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1291.