Music fans will want to save these dates: June 24-26.

The 36th edition of the Batesville Music and Arts Festival at Liberty Park is a repeat of last year’s winning formula of providing listeners with three styles – popular, German and country tunes.

“An American Mosaic” is the theme of the 8 p.m. concert by the stirring Cincinnati Symphony Regional Pops Orchestra, which opens the fest Wednesday, June 24. “We are celebrating American composers and their contributions to music, encompassing Broadway, ballet, music in the concert halls and movie soundtracks,” the sounds that “have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape,” says public relations manager Chris Pinelo.

The “very dynamic and exciting” Vince Lee will conduct the program, which features two soloists, soprano Lauren Ringel, a high school prodigy; and principal trumpeter Robert Sullivan, “a fantastic musician,” according to Pinelo.

Some seating at the outdoor concert next to the pavilion is available; attendees may want to bring folding chairs or blankets. (The concert will be at Batesville High School if weather is poor.)

Pros’t, a Cincinnati-based group that plays German as well as American music, will entertain Thursday, June 25, at 7:30 in the park pavilion. Batesville resident Terry Duncan is one of the four musicians who have played to many crowds, including Oldenburg’s Freudenfest, since 1990.

The Colgate Country Showdown, hosted by Batesville radio station WRBI and sponsored by Jim True Ford, Brookville, is slated for Friday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the pavilion.

The local winner of this 28th round of America’s largest country music talent search advances to the state contest. “Our showdown really has produced quality the last couple of years,” says WRBI general manager Ronald Green. “Several recent winners have gone to the regional in Virginia.” At the fest, contestants arrive “from all over. We’ve had tour buses come in.”

“It’s open to bands and singles,” who each must submit a CD with two songs so judges can select the 10 top acts to perform. CDs plus entry forms, which can be picked up at the station or downloaded from the Web site www.wrbiradio.com, are due June 8.

The Batesville Jaycees will serve food and drinks all three nights. On symphony night only, slices of pies will be offered by the Daughters of Isabella.

Two other fest events highlight the week.

The Rural Alliance for the Arts is organizing its 11th Community Art Show and Art Walk. Artist entry forms, due May 22, are available at the Batesville public library and post office. Bonnie Pratt has details at 934-4295.

The Batesville Music and Arts Festival 5K Run/Walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the park, reports Julie Tekulve, fitness worker at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA, which co-sponsors the event with Hill-Rom Holdings.

The run/walk will offer awards to the top three male and female walkers and the overall male and female runners, with three place awards presented in each of 12 age categories.

Entry fees are $15 for runners and $12 for walkers if registered by June 17. Event day fees are $20 and $17. T-shirts will be distributed while supplies last. Refreshments and a ceremony take place afterwards. Entry forms are available at the YMCA or by calling wellness director Carisa VanSickle at 934-6006.