The first event in the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series, to be held at the James Hugh Powers Hall at Needham Town Hall, has sold out as of March 12. Two of the three remaining events are also very close to sold out.

“We are thrilled but not surprised by the results," said Michael Niden, president of the Great Hall Performance Foundation. "The combination of quality programming, a magnificent venue and great restaurants is a formula for success. The phone and e-mail inquiries have been pouring in since the sold out signs have been posted."

The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series inaugural event on March 24 with “Broadway, CurtainUp!” a performance featuring selections from great Broadway production. There will be a champagne celebration to commemorate the launch of the series. The series will continue on May 12 with a performance by the Tiger Okoshi Quintet; on Sept. 22. Winding up the season will feature Tom Rush on Nov. 3.

“The Great Hall has been restored to its former glory and with a total of 430 seats and state-of-the-art sound, lighting and projection systems, the historic hall is the perfect setting for musical performances,” Niden said. 

A group of Needham restaurants have come together and organized pre-concert dinner specials. Center Café, Midtown Smokehouse and Grill, New Garden, Not Your Average Joe's and Petit Robert Bistro are all participating. They are all offering 10 percent off the meals. Some are featuring a Prix Fix. Steve Waller, owner of Center Café, already boosts 32 pre-concert reservations.

The goal of the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series is to promote the historical preservation of a cherished Needham landmark, while driving economic growth in Needham Center and elevating the stature and awareness of the Needham High School Music Program. Students are involved in all facets of concert series planning, production and performance; Needham High School musicians will open for the main acts. To learn more about the concert series, visit www.greathallperformance.org.