Despite being hosted indoors, music fans should prepare for rain Saturday as the Ironton Council for the Arts kicks off its 22nd season with musical guests The 1937 Flood.

"We are always excited about upcoming shows," Bruce Davis, ICA board member, said. "What makes this particular year a little different is that they are all new performers to the series. The excitement is that this is new talent that many people probably haven't heard."

Billed as West Virginia's most electric string band, The 1937 Flood plays a variety of musical styles including Irish fiddle tunes, Appalachian banjo, jug band music and folk classics.

"They are a real interesting group of guys that obviously enjoy what they do," Davis said.

Saturday's concert is the first of six shows hosted at Ohio University Southern and all begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Bowman Auditorium.

"The goal is to help the community and the Tri-State," he said. " We want to give everyone a chance to experience the arts and their experiences."

The council has worked hard to keep the quality of entertainment high but the costs low. Because of the many volunteers and generous sponsors they have not increased the prices for five years, Davis said.

Individual tickets cost $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students. Season tickets are $25 for adults a $20 for seniors and all students. Family passes are available for $50 and there is no limit on family sizes, he said.

"I don't think pricing is a barrier," he said. "It is hard to find this type of talent available for these prices. If you are interested in entertainment this is the best bargain in the Tri-State."

Upcoming concerts in the series feature pianist Jesse Davis Nov. 9 in the Riffe Center's Mains Rotunda. Davis returns this year after performing internationally in Paris, Vienna and Italy.

River Magic Chorus will sing Dec. 14 in the Mains Rotunda. This Huntington, W.Va. group began performing 25 years ago and have won awards for their four-part barbershop harmonies.

Mad River Theater Works' "Wings of Courage" will be presented Feb. 21, 2003,

in the Bowman Auditorium. This play tells the story of the first African-American pilot to fly combat during World War I.

Harpist Greg Buchanan will perform March 8, 2003, in the the Bowman Auditorium. The California native has played the harp since he was 9-years-old.

The Ohio University Jazz Band will close the season on May 10, 2003 with a variety of music for all ages.