The much anticipated, annual Heart 'n' Soul of Jazz weekend is fast approaching. Presented by the Arts Council of Moore County and Pinehurst Resort, the benefit event will take place on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, at the Carolina Hotel.

Friday night will feature jazz guitarist and harmonica player Pat Bergeson and his quartet, with vocalist Annie Sellick. Saturday night will feature trumpeter and vocalist Brian Newman and his quartet.

"We are pleased to announce that when you purchase your tickets by Jan. 15, you can save 15 percent off the regular price," says a spokesman. "The price per person for one evening will be $55 (or $100 for both evenings). Ticket prices after Jan. 15 will be $65 for one evening (or $110 for both)."

The jazz weekend is packed with evenings of the best in international jazz artists performing in the Cardinal Ballroom, with the sights and sounds of New Orleans and New York, and themed with decor and ambience to match.

As always, Pinehurst head chef Thierry Debailleul will offer a special dinner menu for jazz concert-goers, all inclusive, for $40.

"It is suggested to get reservations early, as this frequently sells out," says the spokesman. "Call (910) 235-8434 for reservations. Dinner seating will be offered early, beginning at 5:30 p.m., so that concert-goers can be seated in time for the 8 p.m. performance."

Seating for the concerts is cabaret-style with intimate candlelit tables. Cocktails are available for purchase during the performance and at intermission. A grand dessert reception is included in the ticket price and will be served immediately after the concert in the Grand Ballroom each evening.

During the reception, the artists mingle with concert-goers to chat and sign CDs, while all can enjoy Irish coffees, wines and the amazing -delicacies prepared by Pinehurst pastry chef Matt Avery and his staff.

Heart 'n' Soul of Jazz was established 27 years ago and benefits the Arts Council of Moore County and its numerous community arts programs in the visual, performing and youth arts presented throughout Moore County.

Major sponsors are Pinehurst Resort, Progress Energy, American Airlines and King Fisher Society. Sponsorship of the Meet-the-Artists Dessert Reception is provided by BB&T, Wells Fargo and Lyne's Furniture Gallery.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ShopPinehurst.com.

"If you need personal assistance to purchase tickets or additional information, please call the resort services desk at the hotel at (910) 235-8415," says the spokesman.