Gala offers preview of Toledo auto show

The floor is full of new cars at the 2011 Greater Toledo Auto Show. THE BLADE Enlarge | Photo Reprints

The 2012 Greater Toledo Auto Show is almost here, but you don't have to wait until opening day to see what Toledo's car world has to offer. A preview gala from 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday will provide a sneak peek of the hundreds of cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles that will fill Seagate Convention Centre for the show. The preview, hosted by the Auto Dealers United for Kids, is a fund-raiser for children's charities. Tickets are $250 each and include valet parking, gourmet food stations, and open bar. They can be purchased through the Toledo Auto Dealers Association. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Autism Research Collaborative, LaPosada Family Emergency Shelter, Imagination Station Science Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Auto Dealers United for Kids Scholarship Fund. The auto show opens Thursday.

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The Sheila Landis Trio, featuring Detroit Music Awards seven-time outstanding jazz vocalist winner Sheila Landis, seven-string guitarist Rick Matle, and drummer Karen Tomalis-Lloyd, will perform Friday and Saturday at the Degage Jazz Cafe, 301 River Rd., in the Historic Commercial Building in Maumee. Shows will be from 7:30 to 11:30 each night.

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The Toledo Symphony Orchestra Classics Series will kick off the New Year this weekend with its Roman Carnival Spectacular. The program will be conducted by resident conductor Jeffrey Pollock and will feature big, splashy works by Hector Berlioz, John Corigliano, Aram Khachaturian, and Ottorino Respighi. Bands from Bowling Green State University and the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps will join the symphony. Show times are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Peristyle. Tickets are $21-$47 and are available at 419-246-8000 or toledosymphony.com.