COURTLAND—The Franklin-Southampton Concert Association kicks off its 30th season with a performance by one of the most beloved actors of all time—Mickey Rooney.

From his antics as a child actor during the late 1920s to his present-day performances as a motion picture, stage and musical star, he is noted for his energy and charisma. Critics say, “Mickey Rooney still loves an audience.”

The talented actor will join his wife, Jan Chamberlain Rooney, in their version of “Let’s Put on a Show” on stage at the Southampton High School auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

n On Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m., the association brings back the 1940s musical revue, “In the Mood.”

Also held also at the Southampton High School Auditorium, where the entire series will be staged, the musical was written by Bud Forrest of Williamsburg.

The big band sound, with its singers and dancers is reminiscent of the music that moved a nation’s spirit and helped win a war.

This musical is in demand and still draws sell-out crowds.

n The Walter Noona Trio, which includes Noona on piano, Ralph Copely, percussionist and Greg Hanson on electric guitar, will take center stage on Jan. 12 at 8 p.m.

Well known in the Hampton Roads area, Noona is an outstanding pianist, teacher, lecturer and author of piano teaching materials.

n On Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m., Southampton’s own Mo Canada will present an evening of Bluegrass music.

Performers will come from Tennessee, West Virginia and other areas to join Canada with their banjos, mandolins, fiddles and guitars for the one-of-a-kind event.

n At 8 p.m. on March 29, the Virginia Symphony, sponsored by the Camp Foundation and under the direction of Joanne Faletta, returns with a new assistant conductor, Matt Kraemer.

Kraemer comes to the symphony from Akron, where he was the assistant director of the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Akron Youth Orchestra.

Rounding off the series will be the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, scheduled to perform on Friday, at 7:30 p.m.

Founded in 1961 by Allen and Sandra Jaffe, the band derives its name from Preservation Hall, the music venue in the heart of New Orleans in the French Quarter.

With the motto, “There is nothing better than New Orleans Jazz,” this wonderful band has delighted audiences all over the world with their music.

“We believe we’ve come up with one of our best series yet,” said association president, Nancy Rowe.

“We tried to select something that would please everyone.”

Rowe urges all members to renew their memberships soon, “because the first concert is less than a month away.”

She said for non-members, tickets will be $25 for adults and $10 for students at the door.