UNA’s Distinguished Events Series brings speakers, artists and entertainers to campus to expose the university and community to events of arts and culture that they might not otherwise get to experience. Events are free of charge, with the exception of a small fee for the Storytelling Festival.

The first program in the Distinguished Events Series for the 2011-12 season will be the Barter Theatre National Tour production of “Civil War Voices: Songs and Memoirs of Five Extraordinary People.”

The musical will be presented Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium. Admission is free.

“It’s appropriate that we’re kicking off our season with ‘Civil War Voices: Songs and Memoirs of Five Extraordinary People,’ because there’s a local connection-the playwright’s brother lives in Killen,” said Debbie Chaffin, director of Educational Technology Services and chair of the Distinguished Events Series committee.

“Then there’s the global connection of this year being the 150th anniversary of the conflict,” Chaffin said. “The musical tells the stories of real people who lived during that time-the playwright used diaries, letters, and other writings to learn their stories.”

Chaffin said The Barter Theatre has trained such stars as Patricia Neal, Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine.

The play was written by James R. Harris, and the music was arranged by Mark Hayes. The music features patriotic songs, marching hymns and spirituals that are very much of that time.

“We’re hoping that everyone on campus will be able to attend this musical, which promises to be a great evening,” Chaffin said. “We’re also hoping that local schools-especially high school history students-will attend. It will be an invaluable resource for American History classes-and it is absolutely free.”

Chaffin added that other events in the series promise to be just as exciting.

Chaffin said this year’s Distinguished Events calendar has been announced. It includes:

Civil War Voices: Songs and Memoirs of 5 Extraordinary People

–Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium

A musical telling the true stories of five real people who lived during the conflict. Playwright Jim Harris will be present for a post-show discussion and question-and-answer session.

Hey Boo: Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird

–Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium

A showing of the documentary on the beloved bestseller “To Kill a Mockingbird” and its enigmatic author Harper Lee will begin the program, and director Mary Murphy will be present for a post-show discussion.

Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble

–Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Norton Auditorium

The world-renowned ballet company will be in Florence as part of UNA’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

University of North Alabama Front Porch Storytelling Festival

–Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the UNA Memorial Amphitheatre

Nationally recognized tellers will return for the second UNA storytelling festival, including Donald Davis, Syd Lieberman, Carmen Deedy, Dolores Hydock, Bil Lepp, Andy Irwin and UNA’s own Dr. Bill Foster.

“We’re so proud to be able to offer bring these events of this quality to our area,” Chaffin said.

The Distinguished Events Series was started in 2005. It is sponsored by the university and by interested people on campus and in the community.

The Distinguished Events Series relies on donations from patrons to continue to bring programs to UNA. Donations may be sent to Distinguished Events Series, UNA Box 5041. Call 256-765-4208 for more information.