From the Citizen-Times today: Beer, opera mix in Knoxville Opera’s opener.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Beer and opera seem like an unlikely fit, but the Knoxville Opera is kicking off its 30th anniversary season with them both.

Oktoberfest! features highlights from Sigmund Romberg’s beloved operetta “The Student Prince” at 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Foundry on the Fair Site in Knoxville. Guests will enjoy a German buffet with unlimited beer and wine as they journey back to Old Heidelberg.

Participants will be part of the action, banking steins to the rousing “Drinking Song” and humming along to such timeless classics as “Deep in My Heart,” “Golden Days” and “Overhead the Moon is Beaming.”

The show stars the young tenor Ta’u Pupu’a from Tonga, a former NFL football player with the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. Tickets are $100 per person, and reservations must be made by Oct. 1.

For tickets and more, call 865-524-0795 or visit www.knoxvilleopera..com.