SEWE unveiling concert event featuring Casey Thompson, Robbi Kenney

Image by Provided Casey Thompson finished in the top three in “Today’s Next Superstar” on NBC’s Today show and has also toured with “American Idol” stars Clay Aiken and Rueben Studdard.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is pleased to present “Taking Flight,” a concert event at the Charleston Music Hall. Set for Thursday, October 20th, this unique show will incorporate live music and birds in flight.

The evening will celebrate the unveiling of the poster for SEWE 2012 by Featured Painter Dustin Van Wechel. Van Wechel, of Gilbert, Arizona, will be in attendance, meeting guests and signing posters.

“Taking Flight” will feature Nashville vocalist Casey Thompson and violinist Robbi Kenney performing a variety of country/pop and bluegrass stylings. Born and raised in small-town Marion, Ohio, she is a crossover artist who has been singing, acting and dancing since age 9. Thompson finished in the top three in “Today’s Next Superstar” on NBC’s Today show, after which she began a working relationship with music director Jim Brickman. She has also toured with “American Idol” stars Clay Aiken and Rueben Studdard.

Georgia native Robbi Kenney is recognized for her dynamic performance style in genres that range from classical to Celtic fiddling and from bluegrass to hard rock. She has enchanted audiences across the Southeast with her talent, most recently at Savannah’s “Picnic in the Park” where she gave a solo during a performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” for an audience estimated at more than 20,000.

In addition, Jim Elliott and Stephen Schabel with the Center for Birds of Prey will give a brief presentation and conduct a flight demonstration with breathtaking raptors. Located in Awendaw, the Center for Birds of Prey provides medical care to injured birds and is involved in educational, research and conservation initiatives, including demonstrations at SEWE each year.

Doors open for the event at 7 p.m., and the concert will begin at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, and may be purchased in advance. To order tickets, call 888-71-TICKETS or visit sewe.com.