WHAT: Taste of the Town

WHEN: 4-7 p.m., Sept. 7

WHERE: Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St., Temple

Tickets: $35 presale and $40 at the door. Tickets are available at the CAC, Von Music, Johnnie’s Cleaners, Compass Bank Belton and Salado Civic Center.

NOTE: For ticket information on the orchestra’s 2008-09 season, call 254-778-6683

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It’s the gourmet event of the season, brimming with exquisite wines, tastes of a variety of epicurean nibbles and a wide range of live music.

“Taste of the Town” is Temple Symphony Alliance’s annual fete to raise funds for the Temple Symphony Orchestra. The Alliance, TSO’s service and fundraising organization, is composed of men and women who support live, local classical music in Central Texas. TSO includes about 65 professional musicians from throughout Central Texas.

The corks will pop from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St. Tickets are $35 presale and $40 at the door. Tickets are available at Cultural Activities Center, Von Music, Johnnie’s Cleaners, Compass Bank Belton and Salado Civic Center.

“Taste” is the symphony’s largest fundraiser of the year. TSO is supported by corporate sponsors, grants, fund drives, patrons, fundraising activities, program advertising, season memberships and ticket sales.

Now in its sixth year, this year’s “Taste” will also include new features, including a beergarten tasting with a big-screen television so diehard Cowboys fans can monitor the game while enjoying the gala. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will provide beers.

Other restaurants and caterers providing tastes will be Cactus Jack’s Steakhouse, Casa Ole Restaurant & Cantina, Cheeves Bros. Steak House, Crab Daddy’s, El Chico Mexican Restaurant, H-E-B Bakery & Deli, Hilton Garden Inn, Jason’s Deli, Nifty’s 50’s & 60’s Cafe, Sam’s Club Bakery & Deli, Shilo Inn, Simply Sweet, Sorge’s Italian Restaurant, Starbuck’s Coffee Shop, Subway Sandwiches & Salads and Wildflower Country Club.

Also new this year will be a “bottle” auction, a silent auction featuring five different leisure and arts packages – golf, Salado excursion, evening of dancing, Ryno art glass and upscale dining.

The TSO Alliance will also honor Mary Alice Marshall, longtime Temple College music faculty and TSO board member, who will celebrate her 100th birthday in December. She will be honored at a special presentation during the afternoon gala.

The event is open to anyone who likes to sample delicious foods and beverages while listening to live music – jazz, pop, classical and everything in between.

Musical ensembles will include Jazz Works, Damian Green Band, Sheryl Goodnight and Pam Bland, Temple College Faculty Duo, Chisolm Brass, Ritmo & Mas Percussion Group, James Flowers Quartet, Elision Saxophone Quartet, John and Mary Evelyn Pinno.

“Taste” was voted “outstanding fund-raising event” at the Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras. Mary Locke is Alliance president; Cynthia Lee is “Taste” chairman.