Topical humor, dance, music fill Ferst Center's 2012-13 lineup

A dash of political and social commentary will spice a 2012-13 season at Georgia Tech's Ferst Center for the Arts otherwise dominated by the hall's time-tested audience favorites of dance, jazz and other musical styles.

It's an election year, sure, but Ferst Center director George Thompson said the inclusion of "Indecision Tour 2012: ‘Daily Show' Live" and "An Evening With Ira Glass" in the 17-show lineup has more to do with its audience's proven preference for smart, topical humor than an attempt to cash in on the foibles of donkeys and elephants. Even the touring New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, also on the Ferst schedule, updates its "The Mikado" script in each city with some political pokes.

The 21st season at the 1,159-seat Ferst will include five Atlanta premieres: "‘Daily Show' Live," drummers Taikoproject, Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company, Seán Curran Company and ODC/Dance's "The Velveteen Rabbit."

The Ferst also will host its third ARTech, a residency program exploring the connection between art and technology. In spring 2013, the string quartet Ethel and choreographer Seán Curran will collaborate to create work for a nontraditional space on the Georgia Tech campus that will be selected by students.

The 2012-13 season for Georgia Tech's Ferst Center for the Arts:

• Dance: Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company (Jan. 13), Momix performing "Botanica" (Feb. 2), Seán Curran Company (March 23), ODC/Dance's "The Velveteen Rabbit" (April 14, 2013)

• Jazz: Keiko Matsui (Oct. 5), Spyro Gyra (Dec. 8), Chick Corea and Gary Burton with the Harlem String Quartet (Jan. 26), Nnenna Freelon (Feb. 23), Acoustic Alchemy (March 16)