THF Realty and Contemporary Productions are presenting ENCORE! Stars Shine at the J, a series of popular music shows that will mostly be performed in a cabaret-like setting at the new Arts & Education Building.

“We have a beautiful, new performing arts center at the J and I want to offer a variety of great entertainment for the St. Louis community so everyone can come and enjoy the facility,” said Michael Staenberg, President of THF Realty and JCC Board Chair.

The shows planned include:

• Friday, May 21: The Sinatra Songbook featuring Tom Heitman and the Steve Schankman Orchestra. Reserved table seats: $30; general admission: $25

• Saturday, May 22: Fabulous Motown Revue. Reserved table seats: $30; general admission: $25

• Friday, June 11: Dean Christopher Rat Pack & More. Reserved table seats: $25; general admission: $20

• Friday, June 18: Arvell & Co. Tribute to “Earth Wind & Fire.” Reserved table seats: $25; general admission: $20

• Saturday, July 17: St. Louis’ Queen of Soul Kim Massie. Reserved table seats: $25; general admission: $20

• Saturday, July 24: Jazz vocalist Erin Bode. Reserved table seats: $40; general admission: $35

There are a limited number of general admission seats available for each show. Show time is 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at these events.

“Since closing Finale Music in Clayton in December 2007, I have looked for a place to showcase great entertainment from jazz to popular music, featuring St. Louis’ finest performers,” said Steve Schankman, president of Contemporary Productions.

“Mike and I plan to also book several national touring artists throughout the year in this great facility. We want all of St. Louis to embrace this fabulous new complex, so we are offering tickets at modest ticket prices.”

Added Lynn Wittels, President and CEO of the J: “This ENCORE! series is only one of many programs we offer that we hope will bring people to the J. We think everyone will be amazed by our new facility and the vibrancy of programs that happen here.”

Tickets for the ENCORE! Series are on sale at Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

For more information and for upcoming dates, visit the J’s website at www.jccstl.com or Contemporary Productions website at www.contemporaryproductions.com.