The 2012-2013 Ashland University Spectrum Series continues with the nationally-acclaimed vocal ensemble Five by Design and their 8-piece big band performing their “Club Swing” show on Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. at Hugo Young Theatre.

Produced by the College of Arts and Sciences, Ashland University’s premiere Spectrum Series presents internationally recognized figures in the arts to enhance cultural experiences for the University community and surrounding areas. The Spectrum Series is made possible with support from The Ohio Arts Council with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans, and the Ashland University Activities Budget and Chartering Committee.

Five by Design’s production of “Club Swing” celebrates the songs, events and personalities that defined American popular culture during the Swing era. Enchanting audiences by deftly blending music and theatrics effortlessly, the show follows the rise and fall of the big band era from 1937-1955 at the fictional Hotel Crosby, “where the music’s hot, the drinks are cool, and the legend lives forever.” A long forgotten neon sign flares to life illuminating palm trees and the art deco bar magically restoring Club Swing to her former splendor. So check your coat and grab a seat for a night of unparalleled delight at the fabulous Club Swing from the frenetic-paced opening of Benny Goodman’s “Bugle Call Rag” to the show’s blockbuster finale of Louis Prima’s “Sing, Sing, Sing.”

In addition to their evening performance, Five by Design will present a vocal fundamentals and singing as a business workshop on Monday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., in room 242 of the Center for the Arts (formerly Arts and Humanities Building). The workshop is free and open to the public. Based on their 15 years of touring experience with not a single missed performance, the vocal ensemble will speak to the importance of vocal health and developing vocal fundamentals including topics of diet, vocal exercises, breath support and vowel formation. They will also share some of the resources for developing the business side of a career and talk about the importance of a balanced education.

Tickets for the evening performance are $15 for adults; $12 for senior citizens, students, Ashland University faculty and staff; $10 for groups of 10 or more; and $2 for Ashland University students with identification. All tickets can be purchased through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125, noon to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online (additional fees apply) by clicking this link.