The action at Centennial Hall is set to begin Sept. 16 with a performance by Harry Belafonte.

Aside from having big-name performers, UA Presents will also add color to its lineup of shows.

Kenneth J. Foster, UA Presents director, said this season will explore the deep roots of family heritage in the ancient cultures of Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America through nine different series, including: "American Rhythms," "America in Motion," " Street Noise," "Family Adventure," "Classic Encounters," "World Stage," "Broadway West," "Arte Latino Americano," and the "Millennium Project."

UA Presents is the campus organization that handles the scheduling of performances in Centennial Hall and also puts on series of shows. More than 100,000 people attend over 50 events each year, according to a UA Presents news release.

This is the second season of the "Millennium Project," a five-year series meant to express the feelings of shared humanity. Foster, in a press release for the upcoming season, said he feels the series scheduled for this season will help people make sense of a troubled world.

He said that for each youngster struggling to make sense of a world filled with gangs and drugs, there is someone offering hope and a compass. He said for each elderly person facing the mystery of numbered tomorrows, there is the promise found in children and time-tempered friendships.

The performances in the series are meant to illustrate life and provide inspiration for the audience, he said.

Prices for the events are either the same or lower than prices last year, said Melinda McCleod, assistant marketing director for UA Presents. The highest ticket price last year was $45 for a prime seat to hear the New York City Opera National Company or t he St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Those are public prices; students receive a $4 discount on average.

This year, the highest ticket price is $45 for a prime seat to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on March 6, or to hear Yo Yo Ma play the cello on March 13. It will also cost $45 to hear the New York City Opera National Company's "La Boheme" on A pril 18 or 19. Students receive a $4.50 discount on these tickets, or can buy tickets 45 minutes before the show for $7 if they are still available.

The lowest ticket price last year was $19 for a prime seat to a performance. This year, the lowest ticket is $20 for a prime seat to the Tibetan Song and Dance Ensemble on Nov. 10, Fiesta Navidad on Dec. 14 and Ballet Hispanico of New York on April 27.

McCleod said the midrange prices of tickets are lower this year, and the tickets are a good buy because the hall is an excellent place to see a performance.

She cited the Sept. 16 performance by Belafonte as an example.

"That's not Harry Belafonte in a stadium; that's Harry Belafonte up close and personal."

UA Presents also features an outreach aspect - a collaboration with community organizations, schools and the university. Last year, nearly 10,000 children from Arizona schools attended special matinees held just for school children. The tickets for the sc hool-time shows are as low as $2 per student, and teachers sign up with UA Presents.

The UA School of Music benefits from performances at Centennial Hall. Students get to work with some of the dance or music professionals during their classes that are close to the performance date of the artist.

And while UA students and the Tucson community are enjoying this year's performances at Centennial Hall, UA Presents is already busy booking next year's shows.

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