Clayton — The Clayton Center’s 2008-09 entertainment lineup brings back fan favorites and new faces designed to make audiences smile, laugh and, maybe, even cry.

Executive director Heidi Stump unveiled the new Palladian Series and Sunday concerts last week. Last year, more than 150,000 people visited The Clayton Center to enjoy a show in the 600-seat auditorium or use the conference facilities.

“Last year’s fifth-anniversary season was a huge success,” Stump said. “More people than ever before took advantage of the series, and our numbers keep growing. Each year we try to present a blend of some of the most legendary artists of our time and also showcase up-and-coming performers that represent the very best in the performing arts. We’ve done it again with the 2008-09 schedule.”

- The season kicks off at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, with Shawn Colvin, a Grammy-winning songwriter and singer. Tickets are $30 apiece.

- Capitol Steps, a comedy troupe known for poking fun at politicians and national figures, will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Tickets are $29.

- The Blues Brothers Revival, a Blues Brothers tribute show endorsed by Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi estate, will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. Tickets are $22.

- CherryHolmes, a bluegrass family group, will hit the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. Tickets are $25.

- Southern Fried Chicks, an all-female comedy group from the South, will take the stage at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Tickets are $25.

- Mark Nizer, a juggler, will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children under age 12, or $35 for two adults and two children.

- Hormonal Imbalance, a “mood-swinging musical revue,” will hit the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. Tickets are $25.

- Blues Bash IV: Guitar Heroes with John Dee Holeman and Johnny Winter is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Tickets are $22.

- Jesse Cook, a rumba-flamenco guitarist, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, March 27. Tickets are $25. n Kathy Mattea, an award-winning folk and bluegrass singer and songwriter, will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Tickets are $29.

The Clayton Center is at 111 E. 2nd St. Box office hours are 10 a.m. till noon and 1 till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before show time. For more information, call 553-1737 or go to www.theclaytoncenter.com.