SOMERS - An additional, free show is being offered in conjunction with the Arts Alive! series at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, prior to the season opener. The Pennsylvania duo of Scott McKenna and Nyke Van Wyk will bring their unique blend of guitar, violin and vocals to the university's Student Center Cinema at 7 p.m. on Sept. 9.

This duo, which performs original material written by McKenna, wowed the audience at last spring's preview event for the Arts Alive! series and offered to return to the university to kick-off the series in September.

"This show is kind of our gift to the community," said Dwight Vaught, who was the series' director when the 2009/2010 season was put together. "People loved these guys so much when they played at the preview. And, they just love to perform."

McKenna and Van Wyk have been performing together since their high school days. McKenna, who has been playing since age 13, decided to make music his full-time profession upon graduation from high school and since then has performed more than 1,000 shows at a variety of venues around the country. "Writing songs and performing are my passion," McKenna says on his Web site: http://www.scottmckenna.com "It's what I love to do."

Among the artists who have influenced the singer/songwriter's style are the Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, Howie Day, Ari Hest, Jeremy Camp, MercyMe and John Mayer.

There is no charge for McKenna and Van Wyk's

Sept. 9 show, but tickets are required. They can be reserved by calling the UW-Parkside information desk at (262) 595-2307. A maximum of four tickets per household may be reserved.