The Columbia Valley Arts Council leads off its 2011-12 fall-winter concert series with two exciting presentations in October.

Thursday, October 6 will see the return of the Marc Atkinson Quartet with a concert at Christ Church Trinity at 8 p.m.

Jurgen Goethe of CBC radio ranks this dynamic group in the world’s top 10.

These four accomplished musicians have garnered many awards while performing around the world, from Glasgow to California, and were featured at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

You can get a taste of their music at marcatkinson.com.

Later in October, on Saturday the 29th, the Pynelogs Cultural Centre will feature an “Irish Isle” evening with Mary Murphy.

Along with guitarist Paul Keim, she’ll present an evening of music guaranteed to keep your feet tapping and your eyes smiling.

For a preview, visit her website at marymurphy.ca.

More concerts — some featuring local artists — are being planned for November and December. CV Arts will also bring back the Cheesecake Burlesque team in the spring.

As always, tickets for these two concerts are available in Invermere at The Book Bar, Essentials, One Hour Photo and Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

In Fairmont, get tickets at the Village Gift Shop, or pick them up in Radium at Radium Video/Furry Companions.

If you have any questions, please contact Pynelogs at 250-342-4423 or visit coulmbiavalleyarts.com.

You can be added to the council’s contact list and receive reminders of all concerts, shows, films and other events presented by CV Arts by talking to Jami at Pynelogs.