Phantasy of the Arts, a black tie gala showcasing regionally and nationally acclaimed visual, performing, and culinary artists, will take place on Saturday, November 5 from 5:30 p.m. to midnight at the Fairhope Civic Center in Fairhope, Alabama.

The second annual event is being presented by the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) with proceeds going toward construction of the new Fairhope Center for the Arts, a state of the art venue designed for performing, visual, musical, technical and writing arts in Baldwin County. Groundbreaking for this facility will take place in April 2006.

“We are pleased to be bringing more exceptional performers to Fairhope for our second annual Phantasy of the Arts,” said Rebecca Byrne, chairman of Phantasy of the Arts. “Based on the success of last year’s event, we are well on our way to establishing Phantasy as one of the signature arts events in the Gulf Coast region.” Phantasy of the Arts raised more than $50,000 in 2004.

Will Kimbrough, a singer/songwriter who has been championed by critics in America and Europe, will be a featured performer. Kimbrough launched his career in Mobile with his rock band, Will & the Bushmen. Later he formed the band, the BisQuits, and today is an in-demand session player and touring musician. Now based in Nashville, he recently performed with Jimmy Buffet on his top-selling country duet album, “License to Chill,” and also was tapped by Buffet to perform with his band at the Country Music Association awards ceremony. He has toured with Kim Richey, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider and Steve Forbert.

Another performer for the evening will be Todd Eric Allen, who performed in the Broadway hit “Movin’ Out” and is artistic director of the Northwest Florida Ballet. Allen will be accompanied by ballerina Eleanor Carney, also of the Northwest Florida Ballet, as they perform a pas de deux from “Dracula” and other selections. Soprano Lauren Zoghby, who attended Fairhope High School, is another featured artist. She has appeared with the Des Moines Metro Opera, the Mobile Opera, and the Chautauqua Opera. Her concert appearances include performances with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Mobile Symphony, Gulf Coast Opera Theatre, Corpus Christie Chorale and the Pensacola Choral Society. Acclaimed Fairhope author Sonny Brewer will serve as the emcee for the evening.

Following the performances, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the Phantasy gallery in which more than 50 visual artists will have their works on display for bidding in the silent auction. Chef Ron Koetter, formerly of Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and now culinary director at Faulkner State Community College, together with his students and Alec Naman Catering will prepare an array of dinner selections for guests. And finally, the Joe Lewis Band will provide music for an evening of dancing under the stars.

The 45,000 square-foot Center for the Arts, which will be constructed adjacent to Fairhope High School, will include an education wing with eight classrooms for multiple disciplines and a 1,000-seat theater with an orchestra pit. The Center will offer Baldwin County students an invaluable educational experience through an arts-based curriculum, as well as provide a setting for professional and local entertainment.

Tickets for Phantasy of the Arts are available by calling FEEF at 251-990-3333. Tickets for the Saturday, November 5 gala are $150 per person. A preview of all the original art featured in the phantasy gallery will take place as part of a free public art walk in downtown Fairhope on Friday, November 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, log onto www.fairhopecenterforthearts.org and www.feefonline.org.