Purdue Glee Club Director Bill Griffel returns to the vocal spotlight at the Purdue Jazz Band's "Evening of Romance" for the second year in a row.

Tickets are now on sale for this annual cabaret-style event set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at Four Points by Sheraton in West Lafayette. Designed to celebrate Valentine's Day, the"Evening of Romance" recreates the atmosphere of big band dance clubs of the 1940s where couples came to enjoy music, dancing, food and each other's company. It offers seating at candlelit tables surrounding the dance floor.

The Purdue Jazz Band starts playing at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in the hotel's grand ballroom. The event runs to approximately 10:30 p.m. At intermission a dessert buffet will be offered and a jazz combo will perform on the hotel mezzanine. Gourmet coffees and a cash bar complete the romantic experience.

Directed by M.T. "Mo" Trout, the Purdue Jazz Band will set the mood for the evening by performing a selection of romantic jazz tunes for listening and dancing. Griffel will be featured on many of the tunes.

"As a performer, Griffel has sung with many of the world's finest concert and operatic programs including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Civic Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Opera. He is also an avid member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. His voice can be heard on many commercial and professional recordings by some of the most recognizable publishing companies in the United States such as Warner Brothers, GIA Publications, Hal Leonard Publications, G. Shirmer and Hinshaw Press.

All seats for the "Evening of Romance" are reserved. Tables accommodate either four or eight. Couples and individuals wishing to sit together as a group need to make reservations at the same time. Guests can select their table location at the time of purchase. Tickets are $20 per person which includes the dessert buffet. Reserve tickets through the Purdue box office; call (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. A sell-out is anticipated so make reservations early. For more information call Kathy Matter at (765) 496-6785.