Ailey II, the company universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country's best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today's outstanding emerging choreographers, performs two shows at the Napa Valley Opera House, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.

Ailey II's repertory includes a diverse array of ballets ranging from Alvin Ailey's masterpiece "Revelations" to the inventive choreography in Scott Rink's world premiere "Bitter Suite."

In addition to the world premiere, artistic director Sylvia Waters will also present company premieres by the innovative choreographers Camille A. Brown and Doug Varone alongside repertory favorites such as Talley Beaty's emotional solo "Mourner's Bench" and Darrell Grand Moultrie's jazzy "Aspects of a Vibe."

Interviewed from Las Vegas where the dancers were performing prior to their second visit to Napa, Waters said many of the dancers will be new to the Napa audience.

"We had wonderful audience (on our last visit), and that is always encouraging," she said.

Waters noted that the dancers selected to train with Ailey II make a one to two year commitment.

Malik Le Nost, is one of the new dancers the audience will see during this visit. A native of France, Le Nost said he grew up in the south of France, but studied classical ballet and jazz in Paris before deciding to try his luck in New York. Le Nost said he has greatly enjoyed the experience of touring with Ailey II.

"I have really been able to discover this country," he said.

With more than 30 years of rich history under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people using the beauty and humanity of the African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages, and backgrounds.

Considered among the most talented of their generation, these young dancers repeatedly amaze audiences with their grace and flexibility, creating a stunning and entertaining program of classic and original works.

Tickets are $35/$30. For more information or reservations, call 226-7372, or visit www.nvoh.org

Melissa Manchester

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter-musician Melissa Manchester will mix songs from her current album "When I Look Down that Road" with classic hits like "Midnight Blue" and "Come in From the Rain" during her performance at the Napa Valley Opera House on March 3 at 8 p.m.

"When I look Down That Road," Manchester's first album of all-new material in 10 years, was described by Performing Songwriter magazine (May 2004) as "a brilliantly understated intimately soulful 12-track collection of tunes." The album's personal quality inspired her to go on tour in October of 2005 through June 2006.

The Napa Valley Opera House set list will include highlights from "When I Look Down that Road" including the top 10 radio hit "After all this Time" and Melissa's current iTunes exclusive "It's the Light."

Fans can expect to hear a new arrangement of "Don't Cry Out Loud," recently covered by American Idol finalist Diana DeGarmo. Manchester will perform her classic Grammy-nominated song "The way I originally wanted to do it Š the way I've always heard it." She will also revisit some greats she hasn't performed in years, such as "Easy" (from her 1973 debut "Home To Myself," "So's My Old Man" (from 1976's "Help is on the Way") and "I Got Eyes" (from 1975's "Melissa").

Tickets are $40, $45 and $50. Call the Box Off ice at 226-7372 or visit nvoh.org for tickets.