After a year of virtual performances, Salina Symphony to play for live audience
By Gary Demuth Special to the Salina Journal
WHAT: “Music Together,” Salina Symphony Outdoor Chamber Concert Series featuring the Salina Symphony Chamber String Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Jazz Combo.
WHEN: Chamber String Orchestra: 7 p.m. April 18; Brass Ensemble and Jazz Combo: 7 p.m. May 16 and 7 p.m. May 20.
WHERE: Homewood Suites by Hilton, 115 E. Mulberry
TICKETS: $30 per concert, advance tickets only.
INFO: 823-8309 or salinasymphony.org
When the Salina Symphony performed the Farewell Symphony - Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 - in February 2020, the musicians had no idea they were about to say farewell to performing live for more than a year.
$56,000 awarded in 13 community grants
The Salina Journal
The Greater Salina Community Foundation recently awarded $56,378.90 to 13 charitable projects and organizations in Saline County. This round of grants was made possible by four funds at the community foundation: the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, which supports projects and programs that improve the community’s quality of life; the Fund for Early Childhood Care, Education and Development, established by Mark and Jane Berkley to better prepare children in Ottawa and Saline Counties for kindergarten; the Kansas Health Foundation Fund, which supports the public health of Saline County; and the L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund, which supports hands-on learning opportunities for youth in the areas of arts and humanities and science, technology and invention.
Salina Symphony s Listen Together Virtual Chamber Concert Series set for Sunday
By Gary Demuth
Losing the opportunity to conduct the Salina Symphony for the 2020-2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic was a huge disappointment for symphony interim music director David Littrell.
So, he decided to pull out his cello and perform in a virtual chamber concert along with several other symphony musicians.
“We had planned a regular season because we thought this would be all over by fall,” he said. “But in November we said forget it, we can’t do it. That’s why we’re doing virtual concerts.”
Holm Auto Good News: Restored Historic Stiefel Theatre tower brings life to the Salina downtown skyline
By Gary Demuth
As a series of multi-colored lights illuminated a newly restored tower atop the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, Stiefel executive director Jane Gates hoped it would serve as a “beacon of hope” for the Salina community.
“We put on the marquee ‘Rise Again,’ to be a beacon of hope for everyone coming back from the (COVID-19) pandemic, and for all the beautiful, amazing work that has been done downtown,” said Gates, who has been director of the historic nonprofit theater for 14 years.
Joe McKenzie: New year, new opportunities
Joe McKenzie
Hello in there: I was reminded of the John Prine song Hello in There as I drove past Brookdale Senior Living and saw a family visiting with an elderly relative through the front window on E. Crawford. Prine’s heartfelt lyrics ask us to please don’t just pass by and stare, but say hello in there. Anytime is a good time to think of neighbors, relatives, and co-workers who might be cheered by your smile and might have something to share with you. Take an interest. Say hello and see what happens.