Bowling Green, Ky. - A benefit concert to support the Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble's upcoming trip to Russia will be held Sunday, April 10.

The concert, featuring the Lost River Cave Big Band, the WKU faculty jazz quintet, the Capitol Swing Quartet and the BG Blues Brothers, will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Arts Center.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the Capitol box office. Proceeds will support the ensemble's travel expenses to Russia. The group will travel to Russia May 6-16.

Dr. John Carmichael and the WKU Wind Ensemble have been invited by the Russia Ministry of Culture to perform in Moscow for the 60th Victory Anniversary Celebration (Victory Day).

The WKU Wind Ensemble will be the only civilian group representing the United States at this event.

The Wind Ensemble will perform at several of Moscow's finest concert venues, including the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. In addition, ensemble members will don Big Red Marching Band uniforms and march in the Victory Parade in Red Square. Other performances include a reception at the U.S. Embassy for President Bush and a reception for the International Olympic Committee.

Sunday's benefit concert is sponsored by Integra Bank, Royal Music and the Capitol Arts Alliance.

The WKU Wind Ensemble also will perform a pre-trip concert at 7:30 p.m. April 28 at Van Meter Auditorium. The concert will feature the program to be presented in Russia. Tickets for that concert will be $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens; all proceeds will help cover travel expenses.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact John Carmichael at (270) 745-5893.