Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Community Concerts Return Sept. 29
Terry Barber, who has performed with Madonna and Jewel, visits Feb. 14 for a Community Concert Association show. This is his 2017 album, "Around the World in 80 Minutes."
The artists have been selected and the shows will go on – that is, the four Community Concert Association shows.
In 1975, Kimballites decided they needed entertainment and so the long standing tradition of community concerts began in the Kimball area.
The concert artists have gradually changed and evolved over the years to be interactive with the audience and more entertaining for the entire family. The artists today play contemporary and popular music and include sing-a-longs.
Publicity chairwoman Jean Barrett and family have been concert goers since the mid-1980s.
"I made my kids attend the concerts," she said. "Harry McNees (band teacher) gave them credit for band if they were at the concert."
She laughed and said, "I cultured them."
Over the years, Barrett's favorite concert was a group known as Home Free Vocal Band. That group has since hit the big time, winning NBC's "The Sing Off," and they are touring now throughout the country.
Kimball is lucky to have the support of local businesses to help offset the costs for the community concert tickets. In addition, Keno funds are used, and The Community Concert Association has received a grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.
The 2019-20 schedule includes Harps & Chords on Sept. 29. This duo focuses on popular music from various decades, which includes songs from the Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan and George Gershwin.
Nov. 23 will feature the Prime Time Trio. This trio performs familiar tunes and engages the audience.
Terry Barber is scheduled for Feb. 14 and has an impressive work history with performers such as Madonna, Jewel and Steve Smith.
Completing the series will be the Presidio Brass on April 27. Presidio Brass includes a brass quintet, piano and percussion. Their performance includes a variety of show tunes. This group has performed throughout the Unites States, Canada and China and has been featured on National Public Radio.
Season tickets for the Community Concert Association will be on sale soon. The transit bus will pick up people at Vista Villa and the community of Dix.
For ticket information, contact: co-chairs Susie Abramson (308-235-6927) or Karen Morrison (308-235-5683) or publicity chair Jean Barrett (308-235-5683).
The concerts are held at Kimball High School in the Harry McNees Auditorium.