For the City Times

September 13, 2016

As we settle into our autumn routine and acclimate to cooler temperatures, things are heating up at the Arts Council.

Ticket sales are well underway for the 2016-2017 performances. This season is particularly exciting for the Arts Council, as it marks their 40th anniversary year. If you’re wondering what was happening 40 years ago…well, gas was $.57/gallon. Two popular songs “back then” were “Love Will Keep Us Together,” by Captain & Tennille, and “Rhinestone Cowboy,” by Glen Campbell.

Since the Arts Council is celebrating a special year, the programming committee attempted to address the performance preferences expressed on a recent survey.

Here is the lineup of entertainment for the 2016-2017 season:

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives – Friday, Oct. 28, 2016: This group will melt your heart with four-part harmonies, rock your bones with honky-tonk, and dazzle you with picking worthy of their name.

Orbison and the Everly Bros. Reimagined – Friday, Nov. 18, 2016: The Everly Brothers’ 1958 #1 hit, “All I Have to Do is Dream” had a song written by Roy Orbison, “Claudette,” as its B-side! Roy wrote the lyrics and chords on the lid of a shoebox for the Everlys, and soon Roy’s song was heard on every jukebox in America.

Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas – Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016: And out of the basement shall come a Church Basement program of good tidings, great humor, and joy! Away in the Basement takes us back to 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program.

The Wonder Bread Years – Friday, Jan. 20, 2017: A fresh, funny salute to Americana starring John McGivern, as seen on PBS, this is a fast-paced, hilarious production that gracefully walks the line between standup and theater. This show restores a much-needed sense of wonder and leaves audiences laughing and savoring the past like never before.

DrumLine Live – Friday, Feb.17, 2017: This international tour is based on the Historically Black College and University marching band tradition. With riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear-grabbing energy, the staged show is a synchronized musical showcase of the HBCU experience. Incorporating original compositions and soul-infused interpretations of top-40 hits, group performances range from colorful, choreographed routines to heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences.

Del McCoury Band – Friday, Apr. 7, 2017: A Grammy Award-winning American bluegrass musician, Del plays guitar and sings lead vocals along with his two sons, Ronnie and Rob, who play mandolin and banjo, respectively. Del has received a National Heritage Fellowship lifetime achievement award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and was elected into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

None of these performances would be possible were it not for the excellent support that we continue to receive, from businesses to individual patrons to ticket sales. Thank you for supporting the arts.

For more information please call Sally Kissner at 715-424-2787 or visit savorthearts.org.