<a href="http://salinasymphony.org">&nbsp;The Salina Symphony </a>will kick off 2025 with “Rocking Tchaikovsky” on Sun., Jan. 12, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre.

Uplifting tunes and exuberant rhythms will abound in this concert of epic proportions. The concert will open with “…the light that breathes…,” a new work by Maestro Segal. “The piece begins with textures and hidden melodies as if searching for the path forward,” said Segal. “[It] ends in a glorious celebration of light and life.”

The principal cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra, Mark Kosower, will then take the stage to perform Friedrich Gulda’s Cello Concerto, a wild and catchy work described by the composer as “jazz, a minuet, rock, a smidgen of polka, and a march.”

On the second half, Tchaikovsky’s monumental and heroic Fifth Symphony paints the ultimate picture of victory over strife. From the lush orchestration to the soaring melodies, you won’t want this concert to end!

Mark Kosower joined The Cleveland Orchestra as principal cello in 2010. Described as “a virtuoso of staggering prowess” by The Plain Dealer, he is a consummate artist, equally known around the world as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician.

Alongside solo appearances with The Cleveland Orchestra, Kosower has performed alongside the symphony orchestras of Detroit, Houston, Minnesota, Oregon, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Seattle as well as orchestras around the world.

Tickets start at $42 and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at www.salinasymphony.org.

Join us for a pre-concert talk with Maestro Segal at 3 p.m. Please enter through the main theatre doors. Doors will open at 2:45 p.m.

The Salina Symphony is dedicated to enriching lives through artistic music performance and education. For more information, contact Adrienne Allen at (785) 823-8309 or visit <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>.

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 </figure>Submitted<a href="http://salinasymphony.org">&nbsp;The Salina Symphony </a>will kick off 2025 with “Rocking Tchaikovsky” on Sun., Jan. 12, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre.Uplifting tunes and exuberant rhythms will abound in this concert of epic proportions. The concert will open with “…the light that breathes…,” a new work by Maestro Segal. “The piece begins with textures and hidden melodies as if searching for the path forward,” said Segal. “[It] ends in a glorious celebration of light and life.”The principal cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra, Mark Kosower, will then take the stage to perform Friedrich Gulda’s Cello Concerto, a wild and catchy work described by the composer as “jazz, a minuet, rock, a smidgen of polka, and a march.”On the second half, Tchaikovsky’s monumental and heroic Fifth Symphony paints the ultimate picture of victory over strife. From the lush orchestration to the soaring melodies, you won’t want this concert to end!<h2>Guest Artist</h2>Mark Kosower joined The Cleveland Orchestra as principal cello in 2010. Described as “a virtuoso of staggering prowess” by The Plain Dealer, he is a consummate artist, equally known around the world as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician.Alongside solo appearances with The Cleveland Orchestra, Kosower has performed alongside the symphony orchestras of Detroit, Houston, Minnesota, Oregon, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Seattle as well as orchestras around the world.<h2>Tickets on Sale Now</h2>Tickets start at $42 and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at www.salinasymphony.org.<h2>Pre-Concert Talk</h2>Join us for a pre-concert talk with Maestro Segal at 3 p.m. Please enter through the main theatre doors. Doors will open at 2:45 p.m.The Salina Symphony is dedicated to enriching lives through artistic music performance and education. For more information, contact Adrienne Allen at (785) 823-8309 or visit <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>.

Salina Symphony to present: 'Rocking Tchaikovsky' Jan. 12 at Stiefel Theatre

Without seeking the reputation of a “chameleon” among actors, Ralph Fiennes has quietly built an awesome range: he made a big impression in Schindler’s List as sociopathic Nazi commandant Amon Goeth; over 30 years later, Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lawrence, a devout, contemplative figure who’s light years away from that breakthrough role. 

Goeth was the embodiment of evil, a man without conscience, while Cardinal Lawrence is all conscience—and conscientiousness, as it’s his task to oversee the vote for a new Pope when the old Pope dies under mysterious circumstances. 

The major pursuers of the job are openly progressive Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), pious power-seeker Trembley (John Lithgow), staunchly conservative Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), and the rather odious Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati)—looking to become the first Black Pope. Based on the page-turner by Robert Harris, Conclave sounds like it would be a dry-as-dust procedural but in fact it’s supremely entertaining: a potent cocktail of political intrigue, mystery, conspiracy thriller, powerhouse acting, sober meditation on the sins of the Catholic Church, and a wry commentary on our current state of polarizing elections and candidates of questionable character. 

Directed by Edward Berger, who helmed the recent All Quiet on the Western Front adaptation, Conclave is precise and masterfully paced, making sure we’re fully invested in the characters (including Isabelle Rossellini as crusading Sister Agnes) before tightening the screws: who will become the new Pope? And more importantly: will that person reveal an evil side? 

Full of twists and turns, including a final revelation that’s legitimately surprising, Berger’s film is a thoughtful, intelligent look at what differentiates faith and religion—perfectly portrayed by Fiennes with rock-steady conviction and quiet charisma.

Conclave is rated PG for mature themes and smoking.

<h2>Conclave</h2>DECEMBER 20-23<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JX9jasdi3ic?si=Rtkb8hZo10DeF23p" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Salina Art Center CinemaWithout seeking the reputation of a “chameleon” among actors, Ralph Fiennes has quietly built an awesome range: he made a big impression in Schindler’s List as sociopathic Nazi commandant Amon Goeth; over 30 years later, Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lawrence, a devout, contemplative figure who’s light years away from that breakthrough role. Goeth was the embodiment of evil, a man without conscience, while Cardinal Lawrence is all conscience—and conscientiousness, as it’s his task to oversee the vote for a new Pope when the old Pope dies under mysterious circumstances. The major pursuers of the job are openly progressive Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), pious power-seeker Trembley (John Lithgow), staunchly conservative Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), and the rather odious Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati)—looking to become the first Black Pope. Based on the page-turner by Robert Harris, Conclave sounds like it would be a dry-as-dust procedural but in fact it’s supremely entertaining: a potent cocktail of political intrigue, mystery, conspiracy thriller, powerhouse acting, sober meditation on the sins of the Catholic Church, and a wry commentary on our current state of polarizing elections and candidates of questionable character. Directed by Edward Berger, who helmed the recent All Quiet on the Western Front adaptation, Conclave is precise and masterfully paced, making sure we’re fully invested in the characters (including Isabelle Rossellini as crusading Sister Agnes) before tightening the screws: who will become the new Pope? And more importantly: will that person reveal an evil side? Full of twists and turns, including a final revelation that’s legitimately surprising, Berger’s film is a thoughtful, intelligent look at what differentiates faith and religion—perfectly portrayed by Fiennes with rock-steady conviction and quiet charisma.Conclave is rated PG for mature themes and smoking.Description and Narration: David Cooper

Salina Art Center Cinema presents: Conclave

The Salina Art Center Cinema is an independent art house cinema in the cultural heart of downtown Salina. It offers a wide variety of programming, including independent films, documentaries, foreign-language films, special screening events, Oscar shorts, film discussions, and Q&amp;A events with filmmakers.

The cinema,&nbsp;150 S Santa Fe Avenue, is open Friday through Wednesday at 6 p.m. each evening. You can catch a film on Saturdays &amp; Sundays at either 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. Tickets at the box office are $8 for SAC Members, $10 for Students &amp; Seniors, and General Admission is $12. Tickets are<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying"> available online</a> or at the box office.

Benji Kaplan could be described as “a real pain.” An irreverent, clownish, bro-tastic man-child, Benji thrives on offending others but somehow gets away with it through sheer charisma and charm. Played by Kieran Culkin of Succession, Benji's sharp wit and disregard for social niceties make him a modern-day Groucho Marx. His cousin David, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, is far more uptight—a perfect foil reminiscent of Zeppo Marx.

Their dynamic is put to the test when they embark on a “Holocaust tour” of Poland to honor their late grandmother. Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed the film, balances biting humor with poignant emotional moments as the cousins navigate personal and historical trauma.

The film also features compelling performances from Jennifer Grey as a recent divorcee, Will Sharpe as an overly intellectual Oxford scholar, and Kurt Egyiawan as a Rwandan genocide survivor who has converted to Judaism. Eisenberg’s nuanced exploration of grief, guilt, and reconciliation elevates A Real Pain beyond typical family dramas. Smartly written and superbly acted, this comedy-drama tackles themes of maturity, forgiveness, and emotional healing.

<a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=441203~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949&amp;epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44&amp;">For ticket information, click here.&nbsp;</a>

Description and Narration by David Cooper Sponsored by Wedel Financial

December 13 | 8:30 p.m. December 14 &amp; 15 | 10 a.m. &amp; 8:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this rare chance to see Tony Todd in his final leading role on the big screen. The Activated Man, a genre-bending supernatural thriller and emotional drama, has earned critical acclaim and over 40 festival awards.

The film features an ensemble cast of genre icons, including Tony Todd (Candyman), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th), Sean Young (Blade Runner), Andrew Keegan (10 Things I Hate About You), and Vladimir Kulich (The 13th Warrior), alongside rising stars Jamie Costa and Ivana Rojas.

On Friday the 13th, the screening honors Kane Hodder’s legendary portrayal of Jason Voorhees while celebrating the film’s unique blend of heartfelt drama and spine-chilling horror.

Additional Screenings: Saturday and Sunday, December 14 &amp; 15, at 10 AM and 8:30 PM.

Plot Synopsis: A grieving man, haunted by the loss of his dog and visions of a shadowy figure, uncovers long-buried secrets that force him to confront his destiny through a series of harrowing events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700662807328.jpeg" alt="Salina Art Center Cinema.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center Cinema.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Art Center CinemaThe Salina Art Center Cinema is an independent art house cinema in the cultural heart of downtown Salina. It offers a wide variety of programming, including independent films, documentaries, foreign-language films, special screening events, Oscar shorts, film discussions, and Q&amp;A events with filmmakers.The cinema,&nbsp;150 S Santa Fe Avenue, is open Friday through Wednesday at 6 p.m. each evening. You can catch a film on Saturdays &amp; Sundays at either 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. Tickets at the box office are $8 for SAC Members, $10 for Students &amp; Seniors, and General Admission is $12. Tickets are<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying"> available online</a> or at the box office.<h2>A Real Pain</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6POhYaLGrnk?si=KWbjJrHfvzNqz4LQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>December 13-18Benji Kaplan could be described as “a real pain.” An irreverent, clownish, bro-tastic man-child, Benji thrives on offending others but somehow gets away with it through sheer charisma and charm. Played by Kieran Culkin of Succession, Benji's sharp wit and disregard for social niceties make him a modern-day Groucho Marx. His cousin David, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, is far more uptight—a perfect foil reminiscent of Zeppo Marx.Their dynamic is put to the test when they embark on a “Holocaust tour” of Poland to honor their late grandmother. Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed the film, balances biting humor with poignant emotional moments as the cousins navigate personal and historical trauma.The film also features compelling performances from Jennifer Grey as a recent divorcee, Will Sharpe as an overly intellectual Oxford scholar, and Kurt Egyiawan as a Rwandan genocide survivor who has converted to Judaism. Eisenberg’s nuanced exploration of grief, guilt, and reconciliation elevates A Real Pain beyond typical family dramas. Smartly written and superbly acted, this comedy-drama tackles themes of maturity, forgiveness, and emotional healing.Rated R for profanity and some drug use.<a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=441203~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949&amp;epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44&amp;">For ticket information, click here.&nbsp;</a>Description and Narration by David Cooper Sponsored by Wedel Financial<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HhpX2F9JC_I?si=ozZu0UPxL0cSQakB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><h2>The Activated Man</h2>December 13 | 8:30 p.m. December 14 &amp; 15 | 10 a.m. &amp; 8:30 p.m.Don’t miss this rare chance to see Tony Todd in his final leading role on the big screen. The Activated Man, a genre-bending supernatural thriller and emotional drama, has earned critical acclaim and over 40 festival awards.The film features an ensemble cast of genre icons, including Tony Todd (Candyman), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th), Sean Young (Blade Runner), Andrew Keegan (10 Things I Hate About You), and Vladimir Kulich (The 13th Warrior), alongside rising stars Jamie Costa and Ivana Rojas.On Friday the 13th, the screening honors Kane Hodder’s legendary portrayal of Jason Voorhees while celebrating the film’s unique blend of heartfelt drama and spine-chilling horror.Additional Screenings: Saturday and Sunday, December 14 &amp; 15, at 10 AM and 8:30 PM.Plot Synopsis: A grieving man, haunted by the loss of his dog and visions of a shadowy figure, uncovers long-buried secrets that force him to confront his destiny through a series of harrowing events.Rated R | 2 hrs<a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=441203~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949&amp;epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44&amp;">For ticket information, click here.&nbsp;</a>

Salina Art Center Cinema presents: A Real Pain and The Activated Man

Get ready for a night of country music nostalgia as The Frontmen, featuring former lead singers Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar), and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas), take the stage at the Stiefel Theatre on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $49 and go on sale Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. Purchase them in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.

They have 30 No.1 hits, have sold 30 million albums and are the soundtrack to every Friday night honkytonk, first kiss and broken heart for the last 30 years. Fans sing the words to every song in every set – and while many people have yet to know their name, just about everybody can sing their songs.

THE FRONTMEN – comprised of three former lead singers, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) – is country music's hottest new supergroup. The men have already mastered the stage, succeeded on radio and nightly take sold-out audiences on a rollercoaster of 90’s nostalgic smash hits then transcend their past hit parade with fresh new and original songs that are unmistakably THE FRONTMEN today! The group recently put their massive catalog of hits to work, including "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," "Amazed” and "God Blessed Texas," on tour with Alabama and kick-started the Harley-Davidson crowd in Deadwood, South Dakota, at the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

"The thing about the three of us is we are better together than each of us was by ourselves," McDonald said. "The beauty of the show is that people can come and just sit there for two hours and go, 'I sang along with every single song. I loved every one of them.'”

“There is a common thread that runs through the songs we have all recorded over the years that just fits like a glove,” Rushlow added. “It is quite powerful and certainly is the soundtrack to all of our lives.”

THE FRONTMEN's magic formula harkens back to some of the biggest Rock groups of the 60’s and 70’s like The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles where multiple lead singers like Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Don Henley have separate careers but join to together to create a sum bigger than its parts. They are a new act with a fresh sound but also an arsenal of hits.

Tony Conway, manager of Alabama, had this comment about the group: “The Frontmen is a group of some of the best voices in the history of Country Music. Larry, Tim, Richie have each been responsible for some of the greatest songs ever released. When you take their stellar vocals on hits from Restless Heart, Little Texas and Lonestar and put them together on one stage, you have the originals along with being the best of the best, and a new supergroup in the world of country music.”

"We have a great time," Larry Stewart says. "There's no egos. We just enjoy doing it. It's easy for us to work together. We know what to expect. It must've been meant to be.”

Stewart's Restless Heart launched in 1984 with their self-titled debut album and went on to collect eight No. 1 hits and sing-along favorites, including "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," "I'll Still Be Loving You," "Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right)," "Wheels," "Fast Movin' Train" and "A Tender Lie." They were named Top Vocal Group by the Academy of Country Music in 1989.

Rushlow's Little Texas kicked off in 1991 with Top 10 hits "Some Guys Have All the Love” and "First Time for

Everything," then followed up with its debut album of the same name. Subsequent hits include "God Blessed Texas," "Kick a Little," "My Love," "What Might Have Been" and "Amy's Back in Austin." Little Texas won the Academy of Country Music's Top Vocal Group in 1993. 

McDonald joined Lonestar in 1992, and the group achieved nine No. 1 songs, including: "No News,” "Come Cryin' to Me," "What About Now," "I'm Already There," "My Front Porch Looking In," "Mr. Mom” and "Amazed" -- an eight-week No. 1 song and the most popular country song of 1999. "Amazed" was the Academy of Country Music's Single and Song of the Year in 1999, and Lonestar was the Top Vocal Group for the ACM and the Country Music Association in 2001. 

During periods of downtime over the years, and THE FRONTMEN organically built a concept they've been working toward for more than a decade. McDonald and Stewart first connected when they played a radio show in Louisiana. McDonald broached the idea with Stewart: three lead singers, one band and nothing but hits. Rushlow joined soon after, and the trio went on an extended international tour of military bases. The soldiers’ reaction affirmed what they already thought – people want to hear their songs.” It's these iconic songs that have been a part of people's lives over the past 20 or 30 years, and we saw the effect that it had on these men and women fighting for our freedom," McDonald said. "We knew we had to do it.”

THE FRONTMEN played sporadic shows together over the years while each continued with their various bands. When the pandemic struck, McDonald reevaluated how he wanted to spend his time. Stewart had recently stepped away from Restless Heart, and Rushlow shifted focus to THE FRONTMEN. With that, their side project became their main gig. "We jumped in with both feet," McDonald said. "I always tease Larry during the show and tell him, 'I grew up listening to your music.' He'll laugh and say, 'Man, you make me feel really old.'

Larry and Restless Heart really opened the door for Lonestar and Little Texas. We really respect one another. It's just a blast to be on stage every night to sing our hits and, and to harmonize with one another.”

Each man has a turn in the spotlight splitting vocal duties but all three sing non-stop throughout the entire set showcasing harmonies that only this combination of talent could achieve.

"Splitting the lead singing up keeps our vocal chords in tip top shape for all the harmonies in the set," Stewart said. Audiences receive a night of boot-scootin,' heart-popping nostalgia.

In 2023, THE FRONTMEN signed a major record deal with BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville. Stewart, McDonald and Rushlow, all major hit songwriters, released their debut album, THE FRONTMEN, in early 2024 with multi-genre musical heavyweight producer Mickey Jack Cones helming the project. The Frontmen’s debut self-titled album features nine original songs, as well as three Lonestar, Little Texas and Restless Heart No. 1 hits, re-recorded Frontmen-style. The trio tag team lead vocals throughout.

GRAMMY-nominated Cones had this to say about the group: “Larry, Richie and Tim are icons in the industry whose voices helped shape country music we know it. Not only are they three of the most phenomenal vocalists in the genre, they are even better humans. I couldn’t be more honored and enamored to be working with them. ”With brand new fresh music and a combined massive catalog of hits, and THE FRONTMEN are off to the races… again!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733856356224.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Stiefel TheatreGet ready for a night of country music nostalgia as The Frontmen, featuring former lead singers Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar), and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas), take the stage at the Stiefel Theatre on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets start at $49 and go on sale Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. Purchase them in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.<h2>LONGER BIO</h2>They have 30 No.1 hits, have sold 30 million albums and are the soundtrack to every Friday night honkytonk, first kiss and broken heart for the last 30 years. Fans sing the words to every song in every set – and while many people have yet to know their name, just about everybody can sing their songs.THE FRONTMEN – comprised of three former lead singers, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) – is country music's hottest new supergroup. The men have already mastered the stage, succeeded on radio and nightly take sold-out audiences on a rollercoaster of 90’s nostalgic smash hits then transcend their past hit parade with fresh new and original songs that are unmistakably THE FRONTMEN today! The group recently put their massive catalog of hits to work, including "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," "Amazed” and "God Blessed Texas," on tour with Alabama and kick-started the Harley-Davidson crowd in Deadwood, South Dakota, at the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally."The thing about the three of us is we are better together than each of us was by ourselves," McDonald said. "The beauty of the show is that people can come and just sit there for two hours and go, 'I sang along with every single song. I loved every one of them.'”“There is a common thread that runs through the songs we have all recorded over the years that just fits like a glove,” Rushlow added. “It is quite powerful and certainly is the soundtrack to all of our lives.”THE FRONTMEN's magic formula harkens back to some of the biggest Rock groups of the 60’s and 70’s like The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles where multiple lead singers like Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Don Henley have separate careers but join to together to create a sum bigger than its parts. They are a new act with a fresh sound but also an arsenal of hits.Tony Conway, manager of Alabama, had this comment about the group: “The Frontmen is a group of some of the best voices in the history of Country Music. Larry, Tim, Richie have each been responsible for some of the greatest songs ever released. When you take their stellar vocals on hits from Restless Heart, Little Texas and Lonestar and put them together on one stage, you have the originals along with being the best of the best, and a new supergroup in the world of country music.”"We have a great time," Larry Stewart says. "There's no egos. We just enjoy doing it. It's easy for us to work together. We know what to expect. It must've been meant to be.”Stewart's Restless Heart launched in 1984 with their self-titled debut album and went on to collect eight No. 1 hits and sing-along favorites, including "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," "I'll Still Be Loving You," "Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right)," "Wheels," "Fast Movin' Train" and "A Tender Lie." They were named Top Vocal Group by the Academy of Country Music in 1989.Rushlow's Little Texas kicked off in 1991 with Top 10 hits "Some Guys Have All the Love” and "First Time forEverything," then followed up with its debut album of the same name. Subsequent hits include "God Blessed Texas," "Kick a Little," "My Love," "What Might Have Been" and "Amy's Back in Austin." Little Texas won the Academy of Country Music's Top Vocal Group in 1993. McDonald joined Lonestar in 1992, and the group achieved nine No. 1 songs, including: "No News,” "Come Cryin' to Me," "What About Now," "I'm Already There," "My Front Porch Looking In," "Mr. Mom” and "Amazed" -- an eight-week No. 1 song and the most popular country song of 1999. "Amazed" was the Academy of Country Music's Single and Song of the Year in 1999, and Lonestar was the Top Vocal Group for the ACM and the Country Music Association in 2001. During periods of downtime over the years, and THE FRONTMEN organically built a concept they've been working toward for more than a decade. McDonald and Stewart first connected when they played a radio show in Louisiana. McDonald broached the idea with Stewart: three lead singers, one band and nothing but hits. Rushlow joined soon after, and the trio went on an extended international tour of military bases. The soldiers’ reaction affirmed what they already thought – people want to hear their songs.” It's these iconic songs that have been a part of people's lives over the past 20 or 30 years, and we saw the effect that it had on these men and women fighting for our freedom," McDonald said. "We knew we had to do it.”THE FRONTMEN played sporadic shows together over the years while each continued with their various bands. When the pandemic struck, McDonald reevaluated how he wanted to spend his time. Stewart had recently stepped away from Restless Heart, and Rushlow shifted focus to THE FRONTMEN. With that, their side project became their main gig. "We jumped in with both feet," McDonald said. "I always tease Larry during the show and tell him, 'I grew up listening to your music.' He'll laugh and say, 'Man, you make me feel really old.'Larry and Restless Heart really opened the door for Lonestar and Little Texas. We really respect one another. It's just a blast to be on stage every night to sing our hits and, and to harmonize with one another.”Each man has a turn in the spotlight splitting vocal duties but all three sing non-stop throughout the entire set showcasing harmonies that only this combination of talent could achieve."Splitting the lead singing up keeps our vocal chords in tip top shape for all the harmonies in the set," Stewart said. Audiences receive a night of boot-scootin,' heart-popping nostalgia.In 2023, THE FRONTMEN signed a major record deal with BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville. Stewart, McDonald and Rushlow, all major hit songwriters, released their debut album, THE FRONTMEN, in early 2024 with multi-genre musical heavyweight producer Mickey Jack Cones helming the project. The Frontmen’s debut self-titled album features nine original songs, as well as three Lonestar, Little Texas and Restless Heart No. 1 hits, re-recorded Frontmen-style. The trio tag team lead vocals throughout.GRAMMY-nominated Cones had this to say about the group: “Larry, Richie and Tim are icons in the industry whose voices helped shape country music we know it. Not only are they three of the most phenomenal vocalists in the genre, they are even better humans. I couldn’t be more honored and enamored to be working with them. ”With brand new fresh music and a combined massive catalog of hits, and THE FRONTMEN are off to the races… again!

The Frontmen bringing country music hits to Salina in March

The Salina Public Library is pleased to announce&nbsp;Hidden Figures, an art exhibit by local artist Cary Brinegar, on display from&nbsp;December 6, 2024, to January 17, 2025. A public reception will be held on&nbsp;January 3, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;in the library gallery to celebrate the artist and their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cary Brinegar, a retired special educator and long-time Salina resident, is a member of the Kansas Figure Drawing Group and an experienced creator of abstract pen and ink “doodles.” Over the years, Brinegar has expanded their artistic range, incorporating figures and forms into his work while exploring diverse media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hidden Figures&nbsp;exhibit features a collection of figurative oil paintings created using pentimento—a technique where original elements of a painting reappear through overpainting—paired with found objects that evoke figurative forms. As Brinegar explains, “I approached this work as an exercise in reuse, color experimentation, and new techniques, in addition to my quest for a pleasing figurative abstraction.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Visitors will experience a unique blend of traditional and abstract art that challenges perception and celebrates creative evolution.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This event and exhibit are free and open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Located at the Salina Public Library’s south entrance, Gallery 708 is a space dedicated to showcasing the diverse talents of local and regional artists. The gallery hosts rotating exhibits, providing a platform for both seasoned and emerging creators to share their work with the community. Exhibitions typically span six weeks and feature a wide range of artistic styles and media.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634353835637.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Salina Public Library is pleased to announce&nbsp;Hidden Figures, an art exhibit by local artist Cary Brinegar, on display from&nbsp;December 6, 2024, to January 17, 2025. A public reception will be held on&nbsp;January 3, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;in the library gallery to celebrate the artist and their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cary Brinegar, a retired special educator and long-time Salina resident, is a member of the Kansas Figure Drawing Group and an experienced creator of abstract pen and ink “doodles.” Over the years, Brinegar has expanded their artistic range, incorporating figures and forms into his work while exploring diverse media.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733408452860.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Hidden Figures&nbsp;exhibit features a collection of figurative oil paintings created using pentimento—a technique where original elements of a painting reappear through overpainting—paired with found objects that evoke figurative forms. As Brinegar explains, “I approached this work as an exercise in reuse, color experimentation, and new techniques, in addition to my quest for a pleasing figurative abstraction.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors will experience a unique blend of traditional and abstract art that challenges perception and celebrates creative evolution.&nbsp;&nbsp;This event and exhibit are free and open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733408385964.jpeg" alt="Cary Brinegar" />
 <figcaption>Cary Brinegar</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>About Gallery 708&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>Located at the Salina Public Library’s south entrance, Gallery 708 is a space dedicated to showcasing the diverse talents of local and regional artists. The gallery hosts rotating exhibits, providing a platform for both seasoned and emerging creators to share their work with the community. Exhibitions typically span six weeks and feature a wide range of artistic styles and media.

Salina Public Library hosts Cary Brinegar’s exhibit, 'Hidden Figures'

By GARY DEMUTH Salina Symphony

The holiday classic “The Nutcracker” has become a family tradition for many Salina residents.

This year’s Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina collaboration will involve more than 80 dancers from multiple studios in the region.

“Some of the dancers have participated in several productions of ‘The Nutcracker,’” said Tamara Howe, owner and operator of Ballet Salina, a division of Tamara Howe School of Dance. “Once they have performed one role, they’re excited to see what the next role up can be. Children grow up with it, and you see them positively influenced by the older dancers.”

The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina will present two performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.

Participants in this year’s production include dancers from Salina’s Tamara Howe School of Dance, Theatre Salina’s Center for Theatre Arts, and Della’s Dance Studio as well as ArtisTree (Hutchinson), Dancing Bird Studio (Minneapolis), and Activated Arts (Junction City).

The production also will feature select members from the Salina Symphony Youth Choir performing the “Snow Chorus”. Before each show, vocal music students from Kansas Wesleyan University will sing Christmas carols in the Stiefel Theatre lobby.

The student dancers have been rehearsing for the production every Saturday morning since the beginning of the school year, said Howe, who is choreographing the ballet with Ballet Salina artistic director Mara Klenda, based on original choreography created by Marius Petipa.

“Every time we present it, we change it a little bit to keep it fresh and exciting,” Howe said.

This is the second Salina production of “The Nutcracker” to be conducted by Salina Symphony music director Yaniv Segal, who said the ballet has “become synonymous with the holiday season” because of the holiday setting, lavish costumes and most importantly, the timeless music.

“Tchaikovsky has a gift for melody, and this particular score is remarkable, moving the story along and capturing characters in an amazing way,” he said. “The story is also fun and something everyone can understand.”

As a conductor, Segal said he has to keep a close eye on the dancers and how they move during each performance.

“I need to pay attention to whether they’re comfortable and able to move with grace,” he said. “I shouldn’t even be looking at the orchestra.”

Performing “The Nutcracker” with a live symphony orchestra is “how the show should be done,” Segal said.

“The dancers are so happy that we’re doing it with live music,” he said. “This is the kind of holiday show that brings people together. Concerts like this help create special memories.”

Guest artists for this year’s production will be Lucas Segovia, who will dance the role of the Cavalier, and Molly Groeschl, who dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Lucas is a former principal with the Joffrey Ballet and Molly performed principal roles with the Madison Ballet.

Professional dancers are contracted to portray the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy because of the physical and technical challenges of the roles, Howe said.

This year will feature two “beautiful” performers, she said, who also happen to be “wonderful teachers.”

“Kids will have an opportunity to take a master class from them during their stay,” she said.

Howe said it’s been a thrill to watch the show come together during the last several months.

“It’s fun to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” she said. “It’ll be great for the community to see such a collaborative show, to see so many people on stage, so many faces of the community.”

“The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker soldier as a Christmas present during a festive holiday gathering. When she falls asleep later in the evening, she enters a dream world where toys come to life and wage battle against an army of mice, headed by the fearsome Mouse King.

Clara and her nutcracker, who has been transformed into a prince, travel into the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, before she awakens and finds it has all been a dream.

“The Nutcracker” ballet was inspired by the book “The Story of the Nutcracker” by French author Alexandre Dumas, which itself was an adaptation of the dark fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman.

The original ballet adaptation was created by Marius Petipa and Len Ivanov, with original music by the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, and since its premiere has become a perennial holiday classic staged in theaters and concert halls throughout the world.

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s production of “The Nutcracker,” which is being sponsored by Bennington State Bank, JRI Hospitality and Salina Regional Health Center.

Tickets for each performance are $42 and $45 for adults and $25 for children and students. This concert is recommended for children ages 3 and above.

Adult tickets may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling (785) 827-1998 or online at www.salinasymphony.org. Student tickets must be purchased through the Stiefel Theatre box office.

Attending “The Nutcracker,” Howe said, is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

“By the time you leave, you’ll be ready for Christmas,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733245021307.jpeg" alt="Eden Ward plays the role of Clara in The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe. Photo Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Eden Ward plays the role of Clara in The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe. Photo Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY DEMUTH Salina SymphonyThe holiday classic “The Nutcracker” has become a family tradition for many Salina residents.This year’s Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina collaboration will involve more than 80 dancers from multiple studios in the region.“Some of the dancers have participated in several productions of ‘The Nutcracker,’” said Tamara Howe, owner and operator of Ballet Salina, a division of Tamara Howe School of Dance. “Once they have performed one role, they’re excited to see what the next role up can be. Children grow up with it, and you see them positively influenced by the older dancers.”The Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina will present two performances of “The Nutcracker”: Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.Participants in this year’s production include dancers from Salina’s Tamara Howe School of Dance, Theatre Salina’s Center for Theatre Arts, and Della’s Dance Studio as well as ArtisTree (Hutchinson), Dancing Bird Studio (Minneapolis), and Activated Arts (Junction City).The production also will feature select members from the Salina Symphony Youth Choir performing the “Snow Chorus”. Before each show, vocal music students from Kansas Wesleyan University will sing Christmas carols in the Stiefel Theatre lobby.The student dancers have been rehearsing for the production every Saturday morning since the beginning of the school year, said Howe, who is choreographing the ballet with Ballet Salina artistic director Mara Klenda, based on original choreography created by Marius Petipa.“Every time we present it, we change it a little bit to keep it fresh and exciting,” Howe said.<h2>Live orchestra</h2>This is the second Salina production of “The Nutcracker” to be conducted by Salina Symphony music director Yaniv Segal, who said the ballet has “become synonymous with the holiday season” because of the holiday setting, lavish costumes and most importantly, the timeless music.“Tchaikovsky has a gift for melody, and this particular score is remarkable, moving the story along and capturing characters in an amazing way,” he said. “The story is also fun and something everyone can understand.”As a conductor, Segal said he has to keep a close eye on the dancers and how they move during each performance.“I need to pay attention to whether they’re comfortable and able to move with grace,” he said. “I shouldn’t even be looking at the orchestra.”Performing “The Nutcracker” with a live symphony orchestra is “how the show should be done,” Segal said.“The dancers are so happy that we’re doing it with live music,” he said. “This is the kind of holiday show that brings people together. Concerts like this help create special memories.”<h2>Guest artists involved</h2>Guest artists for this year’s production will be Lucas Segovia, who will dance the role of the Cavalier, and Molly Groeschl, who dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Lucas is a former principal with the Joffrey Ballet and Molly performed principal roles with the Madison Ballet.Professional dancers are contracted to portray the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy because of the physical and technical challenges of the roles, Howe said.This year will feature two “beautiful” performers, she said, who also happen to be “wonderful teachers.”“Kids will have an opportunity to take a master class from them during their stay,” she said.Howe said it’s been a thrill to watch the show come together during the last several months.“It’s fun to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” she said. “It’ll be great for the community to see such a collaborative show, to see so many people on stage, so many faces of the community.”<h2>Story of the Nutcracker</h2>“The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker soldier as a Christmas present during a festive holiday gathering. When she falls asleep later in the evening, she enters a dream world where toys come to life and wage battle against an army of mice, headed by the fearsome Mouse King.Clara and her nutcracker, who has been transformed into a prince, travel into the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, before she awakens and finds it has all been a dream.“The Nutcracker” ballet was inspired by the book “The Story of the Nutcracker” by French author Alexandre Dumas, which itself was an adaptation of the dark fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman.The original ballet adaptation was created by Marius Petipa and Len Ivanov, with original music by the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, and since its premiere has become a perennial holiday classic staged in theaters and concert halls throughout the world.<h2>Tickets selling fast</h2>Tickets are selling fast for this year’s production of “The Nutcracker,” which is being sponsored by Bennington State Bank, JRI Hospitality and Salina Regional Health Center.Tickets for each performance are $42 and $45 for adults and $25 for children and students. This concert is recommended for children ages 3 and above.Adult tickets may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling (785) 827-1998 or online at www.salinasymphony.org. Student tickets must be purchased through the Stiefel Theatre box office.Attending “The Nutcracker,” Howe said, is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.“By the time you leave, you’ll be ready for Christmas,” she said.

Tickets going fast — Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina presents, 'The Nutcracker' 

The 11th Annual Rockin’ the Fe, a fundraiser for the Stiefel Theatre, is set for Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m. This year’s event features performances by The Sunset Sinners, Lazy Wayne Band, and Emmitt DeWater.

Tickets are $15 and $30 and go on sale Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office or online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.

For 11 years, the Stiefel Theatre has partnered with Blake Blackim and the Sunset Sinners to bring Rockin’ the Fe to Salina—its annual fundraiser. This tradition has grown into a significant event that the Stiefel Theatre anticipates each year. The Stiefel Theatre encourages local businesses to join as sponsors for this exciting night.

Sponsors are invited to a fabulous pre-party held before the show in the Watson Room. As an independent, nonprofit venue that receives no outside subsidy, Rockin’ the Fe has become a crucial event for the Stiefel Theatre. The theatre is tremendously grateful to Blake and proud of the Sunset Sinners and their impressive trajectory. The Stiefel Theatre also looks forward to the opening bands that Blake brings each year.

Based in Salina, Kansas, The Sunset Sinners bring their unique “Whiskey Barrel Rock” style to the stage, blending influences from The Black Crowes, ZZ Top, Zac Brown Band, and Blackberry Smoke.

The Sinners have two albums out, with a third titled CHAOS set for release in 2025. Their recording sessions at the famed Yellow Dog Studios in Austin, Texas, with Grammy Award-winning producers Casey Johns and Dave Perceful, have yielded hits such as Two Beers and Chaos. Their music is available on all streaming platforms.

When performing live, the Sinners deliver a mix of their hits and “Sinnerized” classics, creating an unforgettable concert party experience.

Led by Dallas Pryor, the Lazy Wayne Band is a Red Dirt Country sensation known for its high-energy performances at honky-tonks across the region. Their latest single, Didn’t Matter Anyway, is available on all streaming platforms.

Twelve-year-old blues prodigy Emmitt DeWater, from Omaha, Nebraska, channels the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan with his electric blues performances. A rising star in the genre, DeWater is working on his first EP and will perform with his full band for an electrifying set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699384815089.png" alt="Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 11th Annual Rockin’ the Fe, a fundraiser for the Stiefel Theatre, is set for Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m. This year’s event features performances by The Sunset Sinners, Lazy Wayne Band, and Emmitt DeWater.Tickets are $15 and $30 and go on sale Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office or online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.For 11 years, the Stiefel Theatre has partnered with Blake Blackim and the Sunset Sinners to bring Rockin’ the Fe to Salina—its annual fundraiser. This tradition has grown into a significant event that the Stiefel Theatre anticipates each year. The Stiefel Theatre encourages local businesses to join as sponsors for this exciting night.Sponsors are invited to a fabulous pre-party held before the show in the Watson Room. As an independent, nonprofit venue that receives no outside subsidy, Rockin’ the Fe has become a crucial event for the Stiefel Theatre. The theatre is tremendously grateful to Blake and proud of the Sunset Sinners and their impressive trajectory. The Stiefel Theatre also looks forward to the opening bands that Blake brings each year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134565275.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners, a local Salina "whiskey-barrel rock" group. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners, a local Salina "whiskey-barrel rock" group. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Sunset Sinners</h2>Based in Salina, Kansas, The Sunset Sinners bring their unique “Whiskey Barrel Rock” style to the stage, blending influences from The Black Crowes, ZZ Top, Zac Brown Band, and Blackberry Smoke.The Sinners have two albums out, with a third titled CHAOS set for release in 2025. Their recording sessions at the famed Yellow Dog Studios in Austin, Texas, with Grammy Award-winning producers Casey Johns and Dave Perceful, have yielded hits such as Two Beers and Chaos. Their music is available on all streaming platforms.When performing live, the Sinners deliver a mix of their hits and “Sinnerized” classics, creating an unforgettable concert party experience.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732214369854.jpeg" alt="Lazy Wayne Band" />
 <figcaption>Lazy Wayne Band</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lazy Wayne Band</h2>Led by Dallas Pryor, the Lazy Wayne Band is a Red Dirt Country sensation known for its high-energy performances at honky-tonks across the region. Their latest single, Didn’t Matter Anyway, is available on all streaming platforms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732214390014.jpeg" alt="Emmitt DeWater" />
 <figcaption>Emmitt DeWater</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Emmitt DeWater</h2>Twelve-year-old blues prodigy Emmitt DeWater, from Omaha, Nebraska, channels the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan with his electric blues performances. A rising star in the genre, DeWater is working on his first EP and will perform with his full band for an electrifying set.

Rockin’ the Fe returns to Salina's Stiefel Theatre for its 11th annual fundraiser

The Salina Art Center Cinema has an exciting lineup of films for the end of November, offering compelling dramas and family-friendly classics.

Blitz, directed by Steve McQueen, combines epic spectacle, suspenseful drama, and social commentary. The film follows Rita (Saoirse Ronan), a single mother navigating life in wartime London while searching for her missing son, George (Elliott Heffernan), during the German air raids of World War II. The film explores themes of resilience, racial tensions, and the civilian experience during the Blitz, offering a unique perspective rarely seen in World War II films. Rated PG-13, this cinematic masterpiece has been likened to classic Oscar-winning epics.

They Call Her Death, a Kansas-made feature shot entirely on 16mm film, will debut with a Q&amp;A session following the screening. This gripping tale of revenge set on the American frontier has received accolades, including "Best Feature Film" at the 2024 Austin Horror Film Festival and "Outstanding Art Direction" at the 2024 Tallgrass Film Festival. Don’t miss this unique cinematic experience exploring themes of identity and justice.

The Polar ExpressNovember 23 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. November 24 at 10 a.m.

Perfect for families, The Polar Express will be shown for free on&nbsp; This holiday favorite tells the magical story of a boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. In celebration of the Salina Downtown Holiday Festival, attendees are invited to join a holiday card-making session at the Warehouse Education Studio following the screenings.

They Call Her Death: November 22 at 9 p.m. (Includes Q&amp;A).

 The Polar Express: November 23-24 (Free showings, followed by holiday card-making activities).

For more information and tickets, visit the<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema"> Salina Art Center Cinema website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700662807328.jpeg" alt="Salina Art Center Cinema.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center Cinema.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Salina Art Center Cinema has an exciting lineup of films for the end of November, offering compelling dramas and family-friendly classics.<h2>BlitzShowing November 22-27</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZwykQK9aZo?si=tmQ-z_L25oxwfCQi" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Blitz, directed by Steve McQueen, combines epic spectacle, suspenseful drama, and social commentary. The film follows Rita (Saoirse Ronan), a single mother navigating life in wartime London while searching for her missing son, George (Elliott Heffernan), during the German air raids of World War II. The film explores themes of resilience, racial tensions, and the civilian experience during the Blitz, offering a unique perspective rarely seen in World War II films. Rated PG-13, this cinematic masterpiece has been likened to classic Oscar-winning epics.<h2>They Call Her DeathNovember 22 at 9 p.m.</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gtp05nQLWA8?si=HcsgA9BGbRt7i16q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>They Call Her Death, a Kansas-made feature shot entirely on 16mm film, will debut with a Q&amp;A session following the screening. This gripping tale of revenge set on the American frontier has received accolades, including "Best Feature Film" at the 2024 Austin Horror Film Festival and "Outstanding Art Direction" at the 2024 Tallgrass Film Festival. Don’t miss this unique cinematic experience exploring themes of identity and justice.<h2>The Polar ExpressNovember 23 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. November 24 at 10 a.m.</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f0oyHtZiJJs?si=C9IKqM2dB1O-tYpF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Perfect for families, The Polar Express will be shown for free on&nbsp; This holiday favorite tells the magical story of a boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. In celebration of the Salina Downtown Holiday Festival, attendees are invited to join a holiday card-making session at the Warehouse Education Studio following the screenings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732300455364.png" alt="showtimes-7.png" />
 <figcaption>showtimes-7.png</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Special Events:</h2>They Call Her Death: November 22 at 9 p.m. (Includes Q&amp;A). The Polar Express: November 23-24 (Free showings, followed by holiday card-making activities).For more information and tickets, visit the<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/cinema"> Salina Art Center Cinema website.</a>

Upcoming film showtimes at Salina Art Center Cinema

The Stiefel Theatre in Salina is thrilled to announce that legendary comedian Bill Bellamy will perform live on February 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $39 and will go on sale Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.

Bill Bellamy’s career in comedy began during his college days at Rutgers University, where he honed his craft performing in comedy clubs across the country. In less than two years, Bellamy gained national recognition with an appearance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, where he coined the term “Booty Call,” which later became the title of his top-rated Showtime comedy special.

Bellamy’s charisma and comedic talent made him a staple on MTV in the 1990s, where he hosted popular shows such as MTV Jams, MTV Top 20 Countdown, and MTV Beach House. He also landed his own late-night series, The Bill Bellamy Show, and became a regular on the big screen in films like Love Jones, How to Be a Player, and The Brothers.

In addition to his acting credits on shows like Castle, Royal Pains, and Insecure, Bellamy has hosted and produced popular television programs, including NBC’s Last Comic Standing and TV One’s Who’s Got Jokes?. Bellamy has also toured extensively with his stand-up specials, including the nation-wide Ladies Night Out tour and Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam.

Bellamy remains a dynamic force in comedy, acting, and entertainment, recently starring in the BET+ holiday film A Rich Christmas and the upcoming comedy Back to the Strip.

The Stiefel Theatre is excited to welcome this comedy icon for a night of unforgettable laughs. As a non-profit, independent venue, the Stiefel Theatre relies on community support to continue bringing incredible performances to Salina. Don’t miss your chance to see Bill Bellamy live!

For tickets and more information, visit <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a> or call 785-827-1998.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732039212850.jpeg" alt="Bill-Bellamy" />
 <figcaption>Bill-Bellamy</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Stiefel Theatre in Salina is thrilled to announce that legendary comedian Bill Bellamy will perform live on February 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.Tickets start at $39 and will go on sale Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.Bill Bellamy’s career in comedy began during his college days at Rutgers University, where he honed his craft performing in comedy clubs across the country. In less than two years, Bellamy gained national recognition with an appearance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, where he coined the term “Booty Call,” which later became the title of his top-rated Showtime comedy special.Bellamy’s charisma and comedic talent made him a staple on MTV in the 1990s, where he hosted popular shows such as MTV Jams, MTV Top 20 Countdown, and MTV Beach House. He also landed his own late-night series, The Bill Bellamy Show, and became a regular on the big screen in films like Love Jones, How to Be a Player, and The Brothers.In addition to his acting credits on shows like Castle, Royal Pains, and Insecure, Bellamy has hosted and produced popular television programs, including NBC’s Last Comic Standing and TV One’s Who’s Got Jokes?. Bellamy has also toured extensively with his stand-up specials, including the nation-wide Ladies Night Out tour and Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam.Bellamy remains a dynamic force in comedy, acting, and entertainment, recently starring in the BET+ holiday film A Rich Christmas and the upcoming comedy Back to the Strip.The Stiefel Theatre is excited to welcome this comedy icon for a night of unforgettable laughs. As a non-profit, independent venue, the Stiefel Theatre relies on community support to continue bringing incredible performances to Salina. Don’t miss your chance to see Bill Bellamy live!For tickets and more information, visit <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a> or call 785-827-1998.

Comedian Bill Bellamy at Salina's Stiefel Theatre in February

Submitted by Salina Art Center Cinema

The award-winning world of Raquel Jaramillo Palacio's Wonder returns in White Bird, a powerful WWII drama directed by Marc Forster and starring Helen Mirren as Grandmère Sara Blum. This poignant tale, playing at the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Salina Art Center Cinema</a>, 150 South Santa Fe Avenue in Salina from November 15-20, explores themes of compassion, resilience, and history lessons.

White Bird follows Sara Blum, Julian’s Grandmère from Wonder, as she recounts her harrowing experiences during the Holocaust. Through her story, Sara seeks to teach her intolerant grandson, Julian, a critical lesson about kindness and humanity.

The film’s narrative alternates between present-day scenes with Julian (Bryce Gheisar) and Grandmère and flashbacks to Sara's teenage years in a small French village. Teenage Sara (Ariella Glaser) lives a carefree life until the Nazi invasion changes everything. She is forced into hiding with the help of Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), an ostracized classmate who overcomes his own hardships to become a hero.

Forster, known for emotionally resonant films like The Kite Runner, brings the same sensitivity to this adaptation. The blossoming romance between Sara and Julien is handled with care, balancing sweetness with the sobering realities of war. Mirren delivers a compelling performance as Grandmère, anchoring the film's emotional core.

While suitable for younger audiences, White Bird doesn’t shy away from the darker truths of the Holocaust, making it a meaningful experience for all viewers.

The film is sponsored by Wedel Financial, Sydney, and Morrie Soderberg, and it is rated PG-13 for violence, profanity, and mature themes.

<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Showtimes and tickets are available now.</a>

Upcoming Films at Salina Art Center Cinema

A Kansas-made film shot entirely on 16mm, They Call Her Death tells the story of Molly Pray, a woman on a bloody quest for justice on the American prairie. Praised for its art direction and compelling narrative, the film has garnered multiple awards, including “Best Feature Film” at the Austin Horror Film Festival 2024.

Rated R for its intense themes, They Call Her Death will screen at 9 p.m. on November 22, followed by a Q&amp;A with the filmmakers.

For more details, visit the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Salina Art Center Cinema website</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aTTPea6gHh4?si=eNuNwDP6I_vNh5zo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Submitted by Salina Art Center CinemaThe award-winning world of Raquel Jaramillo Palacio's Wonder returns in White Bird, a powerful WWII drama directed by Marc Forster and starring Helen Mirren as Grandmère Sara Blum. This poignant tale, playing at the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Salina Art Center Cinema</a>, 150 South Santa Fe Avenue in Salina from November 15-20, explores themes of compassion, resilience, and history lessons.White Bird follows Sara Blum, Julian’s Grandmère from Wonder, as she recounts her harrowing experiences during the Holocaust. Through her story, Sara seeks to teach her intolerant grandson, Julian, a critical lesson about kindness and humanity.The film’s narrative alternates between present-day scenes with Julian (Bryce Gheisar) and Grandmère and flashbacks to Sara's teenage years in a small French village. Teenage Sara (Ariella Glaser) lives a carefree life until the Nazi invasion changes everything. She is forced into hiding with the help of Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), an ostracized classmate who overcomes his own hardships to become a hero.Forster, known for emotionally resonant films like The Kite Runner, brings the same sensitivity to this adaptation. The blossoming romance between Sara and Julien is handled with care, balancing sweetness with the sobering realities of war. Mirren delivers a compelling performance as Grandmère, anchoring the film's emotional core.While suitable for younger audiences, White Bird doesn’t shy away from the darker truths of the Holocaust, making it a meaningful experience for all viewers.The film is sponsored by Wedel Financial, Sydney, and Morrie Soderberg, and it is rated PG-13 for violence, profanity, and mature themes.<a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Showtimes and tickets are available now.</a><h2>Upcoming Films at Salina Art Center Cinema</h2><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gtp05nQLWA8?si=rj_G-28Zj8a427dU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>November 22 | They Call Her DeathA Kansas-made film shot entirely on 16mm, They Call Her Death tells the story of Molly Pray, a woman on a bloody quest for justice on the American prairie. Praised for its art direction and compelling narrative, the film has garnered multiple awards, including “Best Feature Film” at the Austin Horror Film Festival 2024.Rated R for its intense themes, They Call Her Death will screen at 9 p.m. on November 22, followed by a Q&amp;A with the filmmakers.For more details, visit the <a href="https://www.salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying">Salina Art Center Cinema website</a>.

WWII drama 'White Bird' coming to Salina Art Center Cinema Nov. 15-20

Celebrate the holiday season with the Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina production of The Nutcracker Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre.

Enjoy a magical experience watching Clara and the Nutcracker grace the stage as the Salina Symphony and more than 80 dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s masterful score to life. This beloved story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart and is sure to create a lasting memory for the whole family.

Guest artists Lucas Segovia and Molly Groeschl, former principals with Joffrey Ballet and Madison Ballet, will dance the roles of Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy.

“We’re honored to be partnering with the Salina Symphony for ‘The Nutcracker,’ which will feature local dancers as well as two very talented professional dancers,” said Tamara Howe of Ballet Salina, a division of Tamara Howe School of dance. “We couldn’t be more excited to share this magical holiday production with the Salina community.”

Tickets start at $42 ($25 for students) and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office by calling 785-827-1998 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org" target="_blank">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;The concert is recommended for children ages 3 and older.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731595883274.png" alt="The Salina Symphony &amp; Ballet presents the Nutcracker Dec. 14 &amp; 15. Images Courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Symphony &amp; Ballet presents the Nutcracker Dec. 14 &amp; 15. Images Courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina SymphonyCelebrate the holiday season with the Salina Symphony and Ballet Salina production of The Nutcracker Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre.Enjoy a magical experience watching Clara and the Nutcracker grace the stage as the Salina Symphony and more than 80 dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s masterful score to life. This beloved story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart and is sure to create a lasting memory for the whole family.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731595649939.png" alt="The Salina Symphony &amp; Ballet presents the Nutcracker Dec. 14 &amp; 15.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Symphony &amp; Ballet presents the Nutcracker Dec. 14 &amp; 15.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>Guest artists Lucas Segovia and Molly Groeschl, former principals with Joffrey Ballet and Madison Ballet, will dance the roles of Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy.“We’re honored to be partnering with the Salina Symphony for ‘The Nutcracker,’ which will feature local dancers as well as two very talented professional dancers,” said Tamara Howe of Ballet Salina, a division of Tamara Howe School of dance. “We couldn’t be more excited to share this magical holiday production with the Salina community.”<h2>Tickets on Sale Now</h2>Tickets start at $42 ($25 for students) and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office by calling 785-827-1998 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org" target="_blank">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;The concert is recommended for children ages 3 and older.

Salina Symphony & Ballet Salina presents 'The Nutcracker' Dec. 14 & 15

GRAMMY-nominated duo Black Violin, known for their electrifying fusion of classical and hip-hop, will bring their Full Circle Tour to the Stiefel Theatre in Salina on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event range from $38 to $58 and go on sale starting Friday, November 15, at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets in person at the Stiefel Theatre box office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.

Black Violin, comprised of Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus, invites audiences to experience their groundbreaking blend of genres in a performance that celebrates growth, transformation, and the return to their roots. The tour reflects their journey from high school orchestra classmates to internationally acclaimed artists.  

Black Violin has performed with icons like Alicia Keys, Wu-Tang Clan, and 2 Chainz while breaking barriers with their unique sound. Their music also extends beyond the stage, reaching over 100,000 students annually through their Black Violin Foundation and community outreach programs.  

Salina marks one of the stops on their 2025 tour, which includes performances across the U.S., from the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.  

What: Black Violin – Full Circle Tour

When: Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $38–$58, available starting November 15

For more information about the tour, visit <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a> or explore Black Violin’s work on their website, <a href="http://blackviolin.net">http://blackviolin.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731513986998.jpeg" alt="Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin will perform at the Stiefel Theatre in March. Tickets go on sale Friday. Image Courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin will perform at the Stiefel Theatre in March. Tickets go on sale Friday. Image Courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTGRAMMY-nominated duo Black Violin, known for their electrifying fusion of classical and hip-hop, will bring their Full Circle Tour to the Stiefel Theatre in Salina on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.Tickets for the event range from $38 to $58 and go on sale starting Friday, November 15, at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets in person at the Stiefel Theatre box office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.<h2>About the Full Circle Tour </h2>Black Violin, comprised of Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus, invites audiences to experience their groundbreaking blend of genres in a performance that celebrates growth, transformation, and the return to their roots. The tour reflects their journey from high school orchestra classmates to internationally acclaimed artists. Black Violin has performed with icons like Alicia Keys, Wu-Tang Clan, and 2 Chainz while breaking barriers with their unique sound. Their music also extends beyond the stage, reaching over 100,000 students annually through their Black Violin Foundation and community outreach programs. Salina marks one of the stops on their 2025 tour, which includes performances across the U.S., from the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. <h2>Event Details: </h2>What: Black Violin – Full Circle Tour When: Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Where: Stiefel Theatre, Salina Tickets: $38–$58, available starting November 15 For more information about the tour, visit <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a> or explore Black Violin’s work on their website, <a href="http://blackviolin.net">http://blackviolin.net</a>.

Black Violin brings Full Circle Tour to Salina in March

Get ready for a night of laughter and unforgettable fun as the Bored Teachers “The Struggle is Real!” Comedy Tour hits the Stiefel Theatre on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this highly anticipated show start at $38 and go on sale to the public on Friday, November 15 at 4 p.m.

Fans can purchase tickets in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.

The Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, known for its relatable and hilarious take on life in the classroom, has been a comedy phenomenon since it began in 2022. With over 200,000 seats filled and more than 100 sold-out shows across the United States and Canada, Bored Teachers has become a must-see event for educators and comedy lovers alike.

Described as “the night out we needed to make it through the school year,” this comedy tour is filled with laughs that resonate with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of teaching. The new show, featuring all fresh material, is guaranteed to challenge even the toughest “teacher bladder” with non-stop humor.

Teachers have raved about the show’s ability to bring laughter and camaraderie. One teacher, interviewed by EdWeek after a performance, joked, “I only wish it could be 8 hours long like a real PD session!” The tour’s comedians emphasize the importance of providing teachers with a chance to unwind and laugh together, noting that the positive response is a testament to how much educators need moments of joy.

The 2025 tour includes 23 new dates, with a presale starting on Wednesday, November 13. The presale ends one hour before the public sale on November 15. For the full list of tour stops and to purchase tickets, visit the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour page at <a href="http://www.boredteachers.com/comedy-tour">boredteachers.com/comedy-tour</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731432281974.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTGet ready for a night of laughter and unforgettable fun as the Bored Teachers “The Struggle is Real!” Comedy Tour hits the Stiefel Theatre on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this highly anticipated show start at $38 and go on sale to the public on Friday, November 15 at 4 p.m.Fans can purchase tickets in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, or by calling 785-827-1998.The Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, known for its relatable and hilarious take on life in the classroom, has been a comedy phenomenon since it began in 2022. With over 200,000 seats filled and more than 100 sold-out shows across the United States and Canada, Bored Teachers has become a must-see event for educators and comedy lovers alike.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731432305995.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Described as “the night out we needed to make it through the school year,” this comedy tour is filled with laughs that resonate with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of teaching. The new show, featuring all fresh material, is guaranteed to challenge even the toughest “teacher bladder” with non-stop humor.Teachers have raved about the show’s ability to bring laughter and camaraderie. One teacher, interviewed by EdWeek after a performance, joked, “I only wish it could be 8 hours long like a real PD session!” The tour’s comedians emphasize the importance of providing teachers with a chance to unwind and laugh together, noting that the positive response is a testament to how much educators need moments of joy.The 2025 tour includes 23 new dates, with a presale starting on Wednesday, November 13. The presale ends one hour before the public sale on November 15. For the full list of tour stops and to purchase tickets, visit the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour page at <a href="http://www.boredteachers.com/comedy-tour">boredteachers.com/comedy-tour</a>.

'Bored Teachers' comedy tour bring laughs to Salina on May 9

Growing up in Salina as a student of dance instructor Peggy Simms, Alison Hiatt participated in several of the <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">Salina Symphony’s</a> annual Christmas Festival concerts, where she performed in ensemble numbers such as “March of the Wooden Soldiers.”

After graduating from Salina Central High School in 2001, Hiatt minored in dance at the University of Kansas. In the years since, she has continued to dance, becoming involved with <a href="http://Www.salinatheatre.com">Theatre Salina</a> and its education program, Center for Theatre Arts, as a performer, choreographer, and dance instructor.

Now Hiatt is returning to her dance roots with the Salina Symphony by performing as a solo dancer featuring her own original choreography.

Hiatt will be the featured dancer in “The Seven Deadly Sins,” the centerpiece presentation of the Salina Symphony’s November concert, “Lights, Camera, Cabaret!”

The concert will be at 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the <a href="https://stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts</a>, 151 S. Santa Fe.

“The Seven Deadly Sins” is a satirical ballet with a score by German composer Kurt Weill and a book by the legendary German playwright Bertolt Brecht. The work combines Brecht’s caustic wit, Weill’s cabaret music, and creative dance to explore the complexities of human nature and society.

“It’s an honor to be given this opportunity to work on a piece this brilliant,” said Hiatt, who also is a wife and mother of two and a nurse practitioner in medical oncology at the <a href="https://www.srhc.com/medical_services/tammy_walker_cancer_center.php">Tammy Walker Cancer Center</a> in Salina. “I was given free rein to create whatever movement I wanted, so it’s been an incredible challenge.”

The piece also includes numerous vocal sections, featuring soprano Janie Brokenicky and a Greek Chorus of vocal students from <a href="https://www.kwu.edu">Kansas Wesleyan University</a>.

The Symphony concert will open with dancers from Theatre Salina’s Center for Theatre Arts. The ensemble will perform “Willkommen,” the opening number to the classic musical “Cabaret,” directed by and featuring Maggie Spicer Brown, the theatre’s education director.

The concert also will feature two classic jazz numbers by American composer Leroy Anderson and two new works by Kyle Saulnier, a Vermont-based multi-instrumentalist and composer who fuses American music, modern jazz, and industrial rock.

“It’s kind of a hodgepodge of mixed music, from jazz to cabaret music,” said Salina Symphony conductor and music director Yaniv Segal. “I’ve been dying to do ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ for a long time, and I’m excited to be doing it in a place where these kinds of collaborations are possible.”

“The Seven Deadly Sins” tells the tale of two sisters, Anna I and Anna II, who may actually be the same person. Anna I, the singer, is the principal vocal role. Anna II, the dancer, is heard only infrequently. Anna I is portrayed as a cynical impresario with a practical sense, while Anna II is full of emotion and expressive artistic beauty with an all too human heart. The woman’s “family” is portrayed by a Greek chorus.

The “sisters” set out from the banks of the Mississippi River to seek their fortunes in the big cities of the U.S., intending to send their family enough money to build a house on the river.

“One actress just sings and tells the story, while the other just dances,” Segal said. “(Weill) wrote the part of the family as a barbershop quartet, but we’re using more singers from KWU as a Greek chorus.”

Each of the main seven scenes (which also includes a prologue and epilogue) focuses on one of the seven deadly sins, each encountered in a different American city. These include Sloth (city unnamed), Pride (Memphis), Wrath (Los Angeles), Gluttony (Philadelphia), Lust (Boston), Greed (Baltimore), and Envy (San Francisco).

In the satirical libretto, when Anna II tries to behave morally, she is scolded by Anna I and her family for committing one of the seven deadly sins.

“In each city Anna visits, she has another sin to deal with, but it’s never in a way you expect,” Segal said. “There’s nuance to it. It’s a comment on artists struggling to do things for themselves.”

“The Seven Deadly Sins” premiered in 1933 in Paris in a production produced, directed, and choreographed by the legendary George Balanchine and featuring Weill’s wife, world-renowned actress and cabaret singer Lotte Lenya, as Anna I.

Segal said Brokenicky, who is the vocal music director at Rock Creek High School, co-founder and executive director of the Flint Hills Children’s Choir and an operatic soprano and clinician, is a perfect choice for Anna I.

“She’s performed with the Salina Symphony before, and she’s comfortable in multiple musical genres,” he said. “She’s very thoughtful and has great insight into the text.”

Segal also worked with Hiatt in outlining her dance moves throughout the piece but let her have free rein in choreographing movement that she felt complemented her own style.

“I’m trained in modern and contemporary dance with a little bit of jazz and lyrical,” Hiatt said. “At times I’m reacting directly to Janie as she’s telling the story through voice, and I’m telling the story through movement. We’re putting both parts together the week of the show. It’ll be an exciting experience.”

Other jazz and cabaret-flavored pieces the Salina Symphony will perform during the concert are two short works by Leroy Anderson, “Jazz Legato” and “Jazz Pizzicato.” Anderson was an American composer of short, light concert pieces, many of which were introduced by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler. Anderson was probably best known for composing “The Syncopated Clock” and the holiday classic “Sleigh Ride.”

“We’ve had requests to do more Leroy Anderson, and this was a great time to do it,” Segal said.

Saulnier is a multi-instrumentalist who performs on acoustic and electric basses and baritone saxophone, specializing in creative, composer-driven projects that blur the lines of traditional genres. He is artistic director of the Vermont Jazz Ensemble and director of the Vermont Youth Orchestra’s Jazz program. He also composes and arranges for his own flagship ensemble, the Awakening Orchestra.

The Salina Symphony will perform two of Saulnier’s pieces: “a foundation of sand.” and “the Sun upon a hill.” Segal said he has known Saulnier for nearly 20 years, but this will be his first opportunity to perform Saulnier’s original music.

“Kyle is a jazz musician but began writing symphonic music, using jazz harmonics and chords,” Segal said. “He will also be playing a baritone sax solo during the concert, improvising onstage like he would with his own jazz band.”

The combination of this “hodgepodge” of classic and contemporary works will make this concert “a very special afternoon,” Segal said.

Tickets for &nbsp;the concert are $45 and $42 for adults and $25 for students and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling 785-823-1998, or at <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>. Student tickets must be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office.

A pre-concert talk with Segal and Saulnier will begin at 3 p.m. Patrons may enter through the main Stiefel Theatre doors, which will open at 2:45 p.m.

Season tickets for the “Kaleidescope” Salina Symphony season can still be purchased by calling 785-823-8309 or at the Symphony office located on the second floor of the Stiefel Theatre.

For more information, contact Adrienne Allen at 785-823-8309 or visit <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730755033811.jpeg" alt="Alison Hiatt" />
 <figcaption>Alison Hiatt</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY DEMUTHGrowing up in Salina as a student of dance instructor Peggy Simms, Alison Hiatt participated in several of the <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">Salina Symphony’s</a> annual Christmas Festival concerts, where she performed in ensemble numbers such as “March of the Wooden Soldiers.”After graduating from Salina Central High School in 2001, Hiatt minored in dance at the University of Kansas. In the years since, she has continued to dance, becoming involved with <a href="http://Www.salinatheatre.com">Theatre Salina</a> and its education program, Center for Theatre Arts, as a performer, choreographer, and dance instructor.Now Hiatt is returning to her dance roots with the Salina Symphony by performing as a solo dancer featuring her own original choreography.Hiatt will be the featured dancer in “The Seven Deadly Sins,” the centerpiece presentation of the Salina Symphony’s November concert, “Lights, Camera, Cabaret!”The concert will be at 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the <a href="https://stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts</a>, 151 S. Santa Fe.“The Seven Deadly Sins” is a satirical ballet with a score by German composer Kurt Weill and a book by the legendary German playwright Bertolt Brecht. The work combines Brecht’s caustic wit, Weill’s cabaret music, and creative dance to explore the complexities of human nature and society.“It’s an honor to be given this opportunity to work on a piece this brilliant,” said Hiatt, who also is a wife and mother of two and a nurse practitioner in medical oncology at the <a href="https://www.srhc.com/medical_services/tammy_walker_cancer_center.php">Tammy Walker Cancer Center</a> in Salina. “I was given free rein to create whatever movement I wanted, so it’s been an incredible challenge.”The piece also includes numerous vocal sections, featuring soprano Janie Brokenicky and a Greek Chorus of vocal students from <a href="https://www.kwu.edu">Kansas Wesleyan University</a>.The Symphony concert will open with dancers from Theatre Salina’s Center for Theatre Arts. The ensemble will perform “Willkommen,” the opening number to the classic musical “Cabaret,” directed by and featuring Maggie Spicer Brown, the theatre’s education director.The concert also will feature two classic jazz numbers by American composer Leroy Anderson and two new works by Kyle Saulnier, a Vermont-based multi-instrumentalist and composer who fuses American music, modern jazz, and industrial rock.“It’s kind of a hodgepodge of mixed music, from jazz to cabaret music,” said Salina Symphony conductor and music director Yaniv Segal. “I’ve been dying to do ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ for a long time, and I’m excited to be doing it in a place where these kinds of collaborations are possible.”<h2>A tale of two sisters</h2>“The Seven Deadly Sins” tells the tale of two sisters, Anna I and Anna II, who may actually be the same person. Anna I, the singer, is the principal vocal role. Anna II, the dancer, is heard only infrequently. Anna I is portrayed as a cynical impresario with a practical sense, while Anna II is full of emotion and expressive artistic beauty with an all too human heart. The woman’s “family” is portrayed by a Greek chorus.The “sisters” set out from the banks of the Mississippi River to seek their fortunes in the big cities of the U.S., intending to send their family enough money to build a house on the river.“One actress just sings and tells the story, while the other just dances,” Segal said. “(Weill) wrote the part of the family as a barbershop quartet, but we’re using more singers from KWU as a Greek chorus.”Each of the main seven scenes (which also includes a prologue and epilogue) focuses on one of the seven deadly sins, each encountered in a different American city. These include Sloth (city unnamed), Pride (Memphis), Wrath (Los Angeles), Gluttony (Philadelphia), Lust (Boston), Greed (Baltimore), and Envy (San Francisco).In the satirical libretto, when Anna II tries to behave morally, she is scolded by Anna I and her family for committing one of the seven deadly sins.“In each city Anna visits, she has another sin to deal with, but it’s never in a way you expect,” Segal said. “There’s nuance to it. It’s a comment on artists struggling to do things for themselves.”“The Seven Deadly Sins” premiered in 1933 in Paris in a production produced, directed, and choreographed by the legendary George Balanchine and featuring Weill’s wife, world-renowned actress and cabaret singer Lotte Lenya, as Anna I.Segal said Brokenicky, who is the vocal music director at Rock Creek High School, co-founder and executive director of the Flint Hills Children’s Choir and an operatic soprano and clinician, is a perfect choice for Anna I.“She’s performed with the Salina Symphony before, and she’s comfortable in multiple musical genres,” he said. “She’s very thoughtful and has great insight into the text.”Segal also worked with Hiatt in outlining her dance moves throughout the piece but let her have free rein in choreographing movement that she felt complemented her own style.“I’m trained in modern and contemporary dance with a little bit of jazz and lyrical,” Hiatt said. “At times I’m reacting directly to Janie as she’s telling the story through voice, and I’m telling the story through movement. We’re putting both parts together the week of the show. It’ll be an exciting experience.”Also on the programOther jazz and cabaret-flavored pieces the Salina Symphony will perform during the concert are two short works by Leroy Anderson, “Jazz Legato” and “Jazz Pizzicato.” Anderson was an American composer of short, light concert pieces, many of which were introduced by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler. Anderson was probably best known for composing “The Syncopated Clock” and the holiday classic “Sleigh Ride.”“We’ve had requests to do more Leroy Anderson, and this was a great time to do it,” Segal said.Saulnier is a multi-instrumentalist who performs on acoustic and electric basses and baritone saxophone, specializing in creative, composer-driven projects that blur the lines of traditional genres. He is artistic director of the Vermont Jazz Ensemble and director of the Vermont Youth Orchestra’s Jazz program. He also composes and arranges for his own flagship ensemble, the Awakening Orchestra.The Salina Symphony will perform two of Saulnier’s pieces: “a foundation of sand.” and “the Sun upon a hill.” Segal said he has known Saulnier for nearly 20 years, but this will be his first opportunity to perform Saulnier’s original music.“Kyle is a jazz musician but began writing symphonic music, using jazz harmonics and chords,” Segal said. “He will also be playing a baritone sax solo during the concert, improvising onstage like he would with his own jazz band.”The combination of this “hodgepodge” of classic and contemporary works will make this concert “a very special afternoon,” Segal said.<h2>Tickets </h2>Tickets for &nbsp;the concert are $45 and $42 for adults and $25 for students and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office, by calling 785-823-1998, or at <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>. Student tickets must be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre box office.A pre-concert talk with Segal and Saulnier will begin at 3 p.m. Patrons may enter through the main Stiefel Theatre doors, which will open at 2:45 p.m.Season tickets for the “Kaleidescope” Salina Symphony season can still be purchased by calling 785-823-8309 or at the Symphony office located on the second floor of the Stiefel Theatre.For more information, contact Adrienne Allen at 785-823-8309 or visit <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>.