For 100 years a group of men and women in Demopolis have been devoted to the study and appreciation of music and those who create it.

The Demopolis Music Study Club will celebrate its centennial with a musical gala Thursday, October 2, at 7 p.m. in the Demopolis High School auditorium.

Promising something for everyone, the program will offer music of and about the year 1914, featuring such composers as Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Joplin and Sousa.

Members of the club, guests and friends will perform. A special appearance by the St. Paul Baptist Church Choir will highlight gospel music of the time.

The Demopolis Music Study Club met for the first time on November 16, 1914. Early programs featured the talent of club members. In recent years the club has enjoyed artistry from guests in and around Demopolis.

History buffs will be treated to a display of the club’s past set up in the foyer of the auditorium. It will include photos, programs and yearbooks from past seasons and information on the scholarships awarded by the club to those continuing their study of music.

There is no admission charge to the celebration, but contributions to help defray the cost of the production are welcome.

The program is made possible in part through a grant from the Black Belt Community Foundation and contributions from the Two Rivers Arts Council, Dr. Judy Travis, Trustmark Bank, Robertson Banking Company and club members themselves.

The Demopolis Music Study Club meet monthly at the Demopolis First Presbyterian Church. An information booth will be set up at the celebration for those interested in joining the group.