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Artists who will star in Minot's International Artists Series range from a men's a capella troupe and a brilliant guitar-and-flute pair to the "singing cop" who captured America's heart after the Sept. 11 tragedy.

David and Ellin Lindee of Minot, co-presidents for Minot's 62-year-old International Artists Series concert event, said Lithuanian prodigy Rudolf Budginas and the dynamic Presidio Brass group that concludes this year's program round out diverse five concerts.

David Lindee said he especially enjoyed Budginas's humor which flows seamlessly with his explanations of his selections music everyone knows, he said, adding that Budginas balances accessible classical sounds with pop and jazz.

"It will be a great treat to hear this personable young musician playing Evelyn Sampson's Steinway on Oct. 9," Ellin Lindee said, adding that all concerts are in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at Minot State University. With the exception of the Presidio Brass performance at 3 p.m., all performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

"The Singing Cop," Daniel Rodriguez, who performs Nov. 17, had the signal honor of being recruited as a student by Placido Domingo after the great tenor heard the police officer performed a capella versions of "God Bless America" and the National Anthem after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Rodriguez' program, which traces the course of his life, ranges from childhood memories to Carnegie Hall appearances, including a tribute to Mario Lanza, opera selections and the touching "Bring Him Home," dedicated to American military personnel.

"At the showcases -- which are strictly limited on time -- the crowd yelled and demanded an encore from him," David Lindee said.

Chapter 6, a seven-member troupe developing out of Milliken University, was the youngest ever to qualify for the Chicago-area National Harmony Sweepstakes, which they won three straight years before winning the national title in 2004. Their tours across North America and Asia involved intricate harmonies with first-class stage wit.

"Chapter 6 did a seven-minute version of the 'Wizard of Oz' that was delightful," David Lindee said. "It's easy to understand their growing prominence." Their Minot performance is Feb. 8.

A husband-and-wife team, billed as the Cavatina Duo, performs March 9. David Lindee said they play off one other musically as well as personally in their charming show.

"Their selections range from European folk music to classical," he said. "She Eugenia Molinar produces sounds I didn't know a flute could make and her husband, Denis Azabagic, is a wonderful guitarist."

The Presidio Brass, with a performance set for April 11, is a dynamic force in American brass chamber music. The San Diego-based quintet, with much of their repertoire written just for them, is committed to promoting musical education.

Ensemble members have performed with major symphony orchestras including those in London and Los Angeles, and their musical training comes from the finest U.S. schools including Juilliard, the Boston Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music.

"Presidio Brass is more than a nod to brass lovers in our audience," David Lindee said. "They are one of the top groups in the country in their field."

Music education is a significant focus for Minot's International Artists Series, Ellin Lindee said. Four of the five groups on this season's program will also perform as part of school outreach programs.

"If we don't expose kids to good music we can't expect growth," she said. "These kids are both our future performers and future audiences."

Season tickets are $50 for adults or $25 for full-time students. A family package at $125 admits two adults and all children, and a grandparents' package admits two grandparents and up to four grandchildren for $125. A school package for $125 admits six students and a teacher.

For more information, call the Lindees at 858-0863, or the Minot Area Council of the Arts at 852-2787.