CEDAR FALLS - There are 10 candles on the cake and the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center plans a season-long birthday bash to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

The $23 million facility opened to considerable fanfare in April 2000. With 115,000 square feet and an acoustically perfect Great Hall, the GBPAC is the largest facility of its kind in the area and has enjoyed a decade of successful seasons. Audiences can expect the same - and more - during the 10th anniversary season.

It is the home of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, an adjunct facility for the University of Northern Iowa School of Music, a venue for groups like Metro Community Concert series, and offers a popular performing artist series that regularly sells out performances.

"We wanted to look back at fan favorites over the past 10 seasons and bring some of those memories back, and we've programmed the season more broadly than we have in years past. We listened pretty hard to the ideas that people had to offer and many of the events on the schedule are a result of listening to comments and suggestions," said Steve Carignan, GBPAC executive director.

The result is an eclectic season that includes returning favorites like Second City, RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles, Itzhak Perlman and Soweto Gospel Choir, and such new shows as Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Jack Hanna and his live animal demonstrations, Winter Dance Party, Broadway hits "Mamma Mia" and "Avenue Q," Mannheim Steamroller and Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre's performance of "Salome."

Several birthday celebrations are planned throughout the season, including a birthday bash on April 17, 2010.

It's been exciting to see how GBPAC has evolved in 10 years, said Carignan.

"We've become a community resource, and that's part of our mission. In 10 years, we've become a destination for the public for culture, fun and great performances."

Friends of GBPAC members can begin purchasing season tickets on July 6. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1. For more information, 273-4849 or 877-549-7469, visit the box office at the GBPAC, 8392 University Ave., or visit www.uni.edu/gpbac.

The Second City 50th Anniversary Tour

7:30 p.m. Sept. 11

Celebrating 50 years of turning out America's great improv and sketch comedians, The Second City returns for one night.

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

7:30 p.m., Sept. 18

Grammy Award-winnning Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers have performed together since childhood. The brothers have produced more than a dozen Top 40 hits, including "One Day Closer," "She Used To Be Somebody's Baby," "The Lady Takes The Cowboy Every Time," and the award-winning single, "All The Gold In California."

Jungle Jack Hanna

3 p.m. Sept. 20

A BUCK A KID!

Animal expert Jack Hanna invites audiences to experience his live animal demonstrations, hear his stories and see footage of his worldwide adventures.

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles

7:30 p.m., Sept. 29

The acclaimed Beatles concert returns by popular demand, described as "the next best thing to seeing the Beatles." RAIN covers the Beatles from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late '60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days.

Hanka Paldum

7:30 p.m., Oct. 16

Regarded as one of the best female sevdah performers of all time, the singer is been a major star in Bosnia- Herzegovina and countries that made up the former Yugoslavia.

"Mamma Mia"

8 p.m. Oct. 30; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1

More than 30 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters in Catherine Johnson's tale that unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

Itzhak Perlman

7:30 p.m., Nov. 8

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Perlman has earned four Emmy awards, 15 Grammys, a Medal of Liberty and the National Medal of the Arts.

"The Nutcracker" by Minnesota Ballet

7:30 p.m., Nov. 20 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21. A BUCK A KID!

In 10 years at GBPAC, this performance has become a family tradition. Joined by local dancers, the Minnesota Ballet brings the Tchaikovsky score to life for the holiday season.

Mannheim Steamroller

7:30 p.m. Dec. 18

Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller brings their signature sound and Christmas tour to GPBAC for the first time.

"Salome," Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre

7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 and 2 p.m. Jan. 17

Richard Strauss' adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play has not lost its ability to shock. Set in Biblical times, this erotically charged opera centers on a tangled triangle: the persecuted John the Baptist, a lecherous King Herod and the monarch's pathologically seductive stepdaughter, Salome.

Faure Piano Quartet

7:30 p.m. Jan. 29

Founded in 1995, the quartet took the composer Faure's name in appreciation and has won top prizes and awards for their interpretations.

Pilobolus

3 p.m. Jan. 31

A BUCK A KID!

For nearly four decades, the Pilobolus dance troupe has been acclaimed for a non-traditional but powerful set of skills with which to make modern dances.

Winter Dance Party

7:30 p.m. Feb. 19

John Mueller's Winter Dance Party is an authentic re-creation of the final tour by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Each live concert performance features many '50s era hit.

Soweto Gospel Choir

7:30 p.m. March 5

Winner of two Grammy Awards, the 26-person Soweto Gospel Choir was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music.

"Romeo & Juliet," The Acting Company

7:30 p.m., March 7

A BUCK A KID!

Shakespeare's iconic romantic tragedy of innocent young lovers falling victim to family hatred and cruel destiny comes to live on stage.

"In the Mood"

7:30 p.m. March 11

In the Mood presents a retro 1940's musical featuring singers, dancers and the String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra. The music and the arrangements are as authentic as it gets.

"Avenue Q"

7:30 p.m. March 31, April 1 and April 2.

Broadway's smash-hit 2004 Tony Award winner features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risqué and entertaining way. Adult humor, comic vulgarities and language. For mature audiences only.

San Jose Taiko Drummers

7 p.m. April 16

7 p.m.

A BUCK A KID!

San Jose Taiko has mesmerized audiences for three decades with the powerful and propulsive sounds of the taiko drum.

Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist

3 p.m. April 18

Once every four years, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition invites select young pianists to compete. The Cliburn Competition Silver Medal winner, selected on June 7, 2009, will perform on the Great Hall stage.

10th anniversary events

10th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration

5:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Maucker Union

The Friends of the Gallagher-Bluedorn have set the stage for a colorful Greek island wedding reception of Sophie & Sky, characters of the musical "Mamma Mia." Enjoy a traditional Greek wedding feast, entertainment all at the Maucker Union before attending the show on opening night. After the show stay and sing along with Friends. Cost is $65 per person, show tickets are not included in the pre-show celebration price.

Third Annual Beers to You and Gourmet Too, Feb. 28, Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center

The Friends of the Gallagher-Bluedorn will host the third annual "Beers to You and Gourmet Too," gourmet food and beer tasting. Sample more than 40 Import, Craft and Specialty beers paired with gourmet small-plate offerings from the area's fine food purveyors. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and hear from a special brewmaster. Event proceeds help fund general programming and the Kaleidoscope Series. Cost is $35 for Friends and $45 for general public

Birthday Bash

Saturday, April 17, 2010, GBPAC

Featuring music for every taste, foods , surprises - and a unique birthday cake!

Crème de la Crème 10

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Gallagher-Bluedorn's 10th anniversary year concludes with the 10th Crème de la Crème concert. Scheduled performers include: Bonnie Koloc, singer/songwriter; Jeff Brich and John Hagen, tenors; Kui-Im Lee, organ; UNI Faulty String Soloists; Brass Ensemble; David Lang, euphonium; A Slice of Jazz from Cedar Rapids Washington High School; and The Five Grands.