One area venue to try is Long Island University's Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, which is bursting with activity this fall .Big surprises are in store for ticketholders to the Tilles Center's 2003-04 season, opening next weekend. At the big opening night pops concert, the man at the baton of the a 60-piece orchestra is also a man of the cloth! Another evening, a highly respected actor will be singing tracks from his albums-albums that most people don't even know exist. Still another night, a famed Tony Award-winning tap dancer performs with his new jazz quartet. Luminaries of the Broadway stage alsotake turns at the concert stage. Audiences will get a first-hand glimpse at how performing artists strive to keep the arts alive and fresh through creative innovations.Elliott Sroka, Tilles Center Executive Director, promised that audiences "can expect some great chemistry on our stages this season." Explaining why, he said. "We've deliberately chosen artists who welcome the chance to explore new collaborations and new media for expression. By opening up these opportunities, we look to stimulate creative energy and excitement on both sides of the footlights."That spirit is reflected on opening night, Saturday, Sept. 20 when Marvin Hamlisch performs with a big pops orchestra. The zinger that night is the orchestra's conductor-Father Alphonse Stephenson, the founder and music director of the Orchestra of St. Peter's by the Sea. Father Stephenson also conducted more than 2,000 performances of Hamlisch's musical, A Chorus Line. The Music at Hillwood chamber music series continues its program of distinguished theatrical commentary at its concerts with Lynn Redgrave, Tony Randall and Jake Roberts. In what promises to be a unique evening, Bob Newhart, who before becoming a television star created an art form out of talking on the telephone, makes his Tilles Center debut in a rare stage appearance that also features the Manhattan Rhythm Kings. Actor Kevin Bacon comes to the Tilles Center's Off Center Series in October with his Emmy Award-winning bother Michael, a singer and composer. As The Bacon Brothers, the duo has recorded three albums and presents a musical program that has sold out venues across the country. Reckson Jazz offers two October programs: the pairing of Chuck Mangione and Gato Barbieri in The Cats In The Hats, followed by Tony Award-winning tapper Savion Glover, creator of Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk,with his jazz group, and TiDii, his new tap ensemble.That's just the beginning. There will be plenty of holiday entertainment, family programs, opera, theater, and ballet throughout the season, finishing up in May.

Schedule At A Glance

SeptemberFriday, Sept. 19, 8 p.m. - Long Island Philharmonic, David Wiley, music director and conductorLynn Harrell, cello; program includes Berlioz, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, DvorakSaturday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. - Marvin HamlischSunday, Sept. 21, 3 p.m. - Music at Hillwood, "Beethoven: Genuis, Revolutionary Hero, Symbol of Freedom"Lynn Redgrave, Narrator, and The Shanghai String Quartet with Terry Cook, bass baritoneOctoberFriday, Oct. 3, 8 and 10 p.m. - The Bacon BrothersSunday, Oct. 4, 8 p.m. - Kirov Orchestra, Valery Gergiev, conductorProkofiev: Romeo and JulietFriday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. - Gato Barbieri and Chuck MangioneFriday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m. - Bob Newhart, The Manhattan Rhythm Kings, Vince Giordano's NighthawksSaturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - Family Performance, Little Kartofler Puppet Theater's Snow White8 and 10 p.m. - Cabaret at "Club T", Faith PrinceSunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. - The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, Louis Panacciulli, music director15h Annual Gala Benefit for Long Island Special OlympicsMichael Armante, guestSaturday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. - Gala XXIII with Michael Feinstein and Jane MonheitFriday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. - Savion Glover

Tilles Center For The Performing Arts

Long Island University
C.W. Post Campus, Brookville
Box Office: TillesCharge (516) 299-3100
www.tillescenter.org
Box office opens for non-subscription sales, Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m.
Internet pre-sale, Friday Sept. 12, 6 p.m.