While Anton Arenesky was a Russian from the Romantic school and Maurice Ravel was a French Impressionist, both are known for chamber pieces of sweeping brilliance. Both are also know for falling under the sway of previous Russian composers, Arensky of Tchaikovsky and Ravel of Rimsky-Korsakov.

Pianist Robert Holm, violinist Gosia Leska, tenor Thomas Rowell and guest cellist Hovhannes Alanakyan will bring their compositions to life in the pitch-perfect confines of Laidlaw’s Recital Hall.

Entrance is $8, $5 for USA faculty, staff and students, youths under 18 and senior citizens.

For more info, call 251-460-6136 or go to www.southalabama.edu/music.

Music of Ravel and Arensky
Where: University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center
When: Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.

The Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed (MOJO) will mark its dozen years of life with a special appearance from local musical luminary John “Jabo” Starks. The legendary drummer famous for backing up James Brown, Bobby “Blue” Bland and B. B. King will trot out his considerable jazz chops for the hometown crowd.

In April, Starks lifted the combo of keyboardist Sean Worrell, saxophonist Rebecca Barry and bassist Joseph “JoJo” Morris, Jr. to magical heights and this month’s show promises to be just as wondrous. The subtle musicality and expressiveness Starks showed during the previous affair – dedicated to highlighting drummer Papa Jo Jones – was enthralling, and this time around, the additional freedom of format holds more promise.

Entrance for the event is $12, $8 for MOJO members with student and military rates available. It includes a light jambalaya dinner. A cash bar will be available as well.

For more info, call 251-459-2298, email mobilejazz@bellsouth.net or go to mojojazz.org.

MOJO Jam XII featuring Jabo Starks
Where: Gulf City Lodge (601 State St.)
When: Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Love wears many faces throughout our lives, making its metamorphosis fraught with peril and delight. It was that universal perspective that made this musical comedy – promising “everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit” – the second-longest running Off Broadway musical in history. It’s also the reason it’s been translated into 14 languages.

Now the drama department at the University of South Alabama will try its hand at interpreting this award-winning work with a couple weeks of shows. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. for Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. for the lone Sunday matinee.

Entrance is $14, $12 for USA faculty/staff and senior citizens and $10 for students.

For more info, call 251-460-6306 or go to www.southalabama.edu/drama.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
Where: University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center
When: Sept. 27 – 29, Oct. 3 – 5

The Mobile Arts Council is highlighting the written word and giving local authors a chance to engage their public. The Gulf Coast Writers Showcase is a series that features a variety of genres and forms, but all with the page being the center of attention.

In early October, Mobile author Ken Robinson will address the gathering about his recent release “Port City Crusader,” a first-ever bio on civil rights champion John LeFlore. A teacher at Murphy High, Robinson will talk about the development of the work, his research, field questions and sign copies of the book.

The next in the series, scheduled for Oct. 21, will feature comics and graphic novels. The showcase is a fundraiser, with 20 percent of sales going to the Mobile Arts Council.

Entrance is $5 and includes light refreshments.

For more info, call 251-432-9796 or go to www.mobilearts.org.

Gulf Coast Writers Showcase
Where: Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St.)
When: Oct. 2, 6 p.m.

Fitting to its subtropical locale, the third annual Dauphin Island Art Trail entails following an Art Trail Map available at any one of the featured 11 locations. The map takes participants to venues where they can see work from over 40 local and regional artists.

And of course, there’s “treasure” to boot. If you get your map stamped at all 11 spots, you’re eligible for prize drawings held at the Welcome Center at 5 p.m. They’ll be giving away cash, gift certificates, kayak trips, condo packages, fishing trips, Estuarium and Fort Gaines admissions, ferry rides and more.

Visitors will also be given a sheet of discount coupons for several island restaurants to enjoy some of the fresh Gulf seafood for which Dauphin Island is famous.

Concurrent events such as the 20th Annual Colonial Isle Dauphine at Fort Gaines and the fall meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will assure there is no shortage of activity.

For more info, call Dena McKee at 228-217-3888 or email dena@denamckee.com.

Third Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail
Where: various locations on Dauphin Island
When: Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.