By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Many people connect through shared media, literature and activities to build community, and at the Salina Public Library, staff aim to continue bringing Salina residents closer together.

The Salina Public Library will kick off its month-long&nbsp;<a href="https://calendar.salinapubliclibrary.org/event/salina-reads-kickoff-event-34482">Salina Reads</a>&nbsp;event this weekend with multiple presentations and bee-themed children's programs in the library.

"Our whole goal with this is to bring our community together," said Katie Zey, the head of marketing at Salina Public Library. "We want to do that through literature and reading, but also all the programs and opportunities we're trying to give the public for free."

"We want people to come together and learn some really cool stuff and have fun with it."

Presentations and coinciding children's programming will begin at 10:15 a.m. and conclude at noon throughout the library.

"Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren has set this year's theme around science, technology, engineering, math, nature and mental health. Each event will feature a different aspect of the book, a memoir of Jahren's life as a woman in the STEM industry.

The kick-off event will feature multiple keynote speakers, including Esther Kency from the Central Kansas Mental Health Center, Laura van der Pol from The Land Institute, and Sabrina Rosario from the Kansas Wesleyan University Community Resilience HUB.

While adults listen in on the conversations upstairs, local beekeepers from AJ's Honey Farms will entertain the children with a new coinciding program.

"The first one is just a general program on beekeeping and how that works and why we do it," Zey said. "We also have one following that, called 'DIY Bee Hotels,' and it talks about what the colony looks like and some of the different biological processes involved."

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ba00e635-d63b-4ef2-9c19-fb781417120a">North Ottawa County Schools hires USD 305 director of secondary education</a>

Local artists will join the stage between presentations and perform music by Ann Zimmerman and poetry by Aubrey Streit Krug.

The library will also hand out free copies of "Lab Girl" to attendees to join in on the literature that centered this year's Salina Reads.

Throughout the rest of the month, the library's local partners will host various events covering more aspects of science, nature and mental health.

The next event to continue Salina Reads is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Salina Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe Ave., where attendees will watch the film "Picture a Scientist" directed by Sharon Shattuck and Ian Cheney.

Kansas Wesleyan University Biology Professor Elizabeth Tharman will lead a discussion following the documentary.

Multiple community partners, including Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffeehouse, Red Fern Booksellers, and KWU, will host book discussions over "Lab Girl" throughout the month.

The only paid event throughout the series is a Mental Health First Aid class with a ticket price of only $5.

"We don't want anything to cost any money if we can," Zey said. "We received two grants that helped us fund most of this month."

The two grants that supplied the funding for these events include one from Humanities Kansas and another through the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Horizons Grant program.

The month-long endeavor will conclude with a presentation from the Up Guys covering mental health for children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706826002944.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostMany people connect through shared media, literature and activities to build community, and at the Salina Public Library, staff aim to continue bringing Salina residents closer together.The Salina Public Library will kick off its month-long&nbsp;<a href="https://calendar.salinapubliclibrary.org/event/salina-reads-kickoff-event-34482">Salina Reads</a>&nbsp;event this weekend with multiple presentations and bee-themed children's programs in the library.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706826077862.png" alt="Image Courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>"Our whole goal with this is to bring our community together," said Katie Zey, the head of marketing at Salina Public Library. "We want to do that through literature and reading, but also all the programs and opportunities we're trying to give the public for free.""We want people to come together and learn some really cool stuff and have fun with it."Presentations and coinciding children's programming will begin at 10:15 a.m. and conclude at noon throughout the library.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706825089760.png" alt="Various book discussions over "Lab Girl" across town. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Various book discussions over "Lab Girl" across town. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>"Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren has set this year's theme around science, technology, engineering, math, nature and mental health. Each event will feature a different aspect of the book, a memoir of Jahren's life as a woman in the STEM industry.The kick-off event will feature multiple keynote speakers, including Esther Kency from the Central Kansas Mental Health Center, Laura van der Pol from The Land Institute, and Sabrina Rosario from the Kansas Wesleyan University Community Resilience HUB.While adults listen in on the conversations upstairs, local beekeepers from AJ's Honey Farms will entertain the children with a new coinciding program."The first one is just a general program on beekeeping and how that works and why we do it," Zey said. "We also have one following that, called 'DIY Bee Hotels,' and it talks about what the colony looks like and some of the different biological processes involved."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706825158776.png" alt="A 'Lunch and Learn' event at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>A 'Lunch and Learn' event at Kansas Wesleyan University Peters Science Hall. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ba00e635-d63b-4ef2-9c19-fb781417120a">North Ottawa County Schools hires USD 305 director of secondary education</a>Local artists will join the stage between presentations and perform music by Ann Zimmerman and poetry by Aubrey Streit Krug.The library will also hand out free copies of "Lab Girl" to attendees to join in on the literature that centered this year's Salina Reads.Throughout the rest of the month, the library's local partners will host various events covering more aspects of science, nature and mental health.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706825265994.png" alt=""Picture a Scientist" film screening and discussion Salina Reads event. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>"Picture a Scientist" film screening and discussion Salina Reads event. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>The next event to continue Salina Reads is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Salina Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe Ave., where attendees will watch the film "Picture a Scientist" directed by Sharon Shattuck and Ian Cheney.Kansas Wesleyan University Biology Professor Elizabeth Tharman will lead a discussion following the documentary.Multiple community partners, including Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffeehouse, Red Fern Booksellers, and KWU, will host book discussions over "Lab Girl" throughout the month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706825315745.png" alt="Mental Health First Aid Salina Reads event. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Mental Health First Aid Salina Reads event. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>The only paid event throughout the series is a Mental Health First Aid class with a ticket price of only $5."We don't want anything to cost any money if we can," Zey said. "We received two grants that helped us fund most of this month."The two grants that supplied the funding for these events include one from Humanities Kansas and another through the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Horizons Grant program.The month-long endeavor will conclude with a presentation from the Up Guys covering mental health for children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706825578546.png" alt="The Up Guys presentation in the Salina Reads Finale. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>The Up Guys presentation in the Salina Reads Finale. Graphic courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>

Salina Public Library brings community together with literature

The Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation has approved Horizons Grants for local non-profit organizations and opens Enrichment Grant application for funding in 2024.  

Horizons Grants support initiatives demonstrating a commitment to artistic excellence and community involvement by engaging audience members as active participants. Applicants also are encouraged to develop strategic partnerships to strengthen the reach of their local activities. Organizational Project grants funded for 2024 are:  

Awarded amount: $6,000&nbsp;“An Authentic Lens: Phase 2 SAC Guest Curator Project.”

Salina Art Center received funding to implement phase 2 of its guest curator framework, building a 4-year exhibition schedule relevant to our community and incorporating a collaborative mindset to expand meaningful experiences with viewing contemporary art. This grant funds the creation of a CaFE portal for a broader reach for artist and curator calls. Three calls will support exhibitions related to identity in figurative representation, plains indigenous culture, and agriculture.&nbsp;

Awarded amount: $6,000 for “Salina Reads 2024.”

The Salina Public Library received funding to support new programming for the Salina Reads 2024 community reading program. During February 2024, the program will center on a discussion of the book “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren. Horizons funds will directly support a performance by a visiting educational entertainer, UPGuys, the theater rental for the performance at Theater Salina, and a local musician to perform at the kick-off event.  

Awarded amount: $6,000 for “Cabaret Reimagined.”

The Symphony received funding to present a multi-disciplinary concert titled “Cabaret Reimagined” in November 2024. The playfully provocative program will incorporate multiple art forms, including symphonic music, opera, dance, and visual projections. Featured pieces will include Kurt Weill’s “The Seven Deadly Sins” as well as contemporary jazz composer and musician Kyle Saulnier’s “Sun Upon a Hill.” In addition to the November 10 Symphony Concert, Saulnier will clinic with several local/area high school and college jazz bands.  

Enrichment Grants available for application – February 1 through November 15

The Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation approved funding for Enrichment Grants for artists and organizations in Saline County Kansas in 2024. Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff reviews Enrichment Grant applications on a rolling basis from February 1 through November 15 each year.

For 2024, artist applicants may apply for up to $1,000 to support the presentation of work, study, training, artistic promotion, purchase of equipment, or travel. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for up to $500. Enrichment Grant guidelines and applications are available online, <a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/horizonsgrants-program/">https://www.salinaarts.com/horizonsgrants-program/</a>.

The agency will again accept Organizational Project and Developing Artists Grant applications in November 2024. All grant guidelines and applications are available at salinaarts.org. Horizons Grants are made possible by private contributions

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615777235356.jpeg" alt="Salina Arts &amp; Humanities logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Arts &amp; Humanities logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation has approved Horizons Grants for local non-profit organizations and opens Enrichment Grant application for funding in 2024. Horizons Grants support initiatives demonstrating a commitment to artistic excellence and community involvement by engaging audience members as active participants. Applicants also are encouraged to develop strategic partnerships to strengthen the reach of their local activities. Organizational Project grants funded for 2024 are: <h2>Salina Art Center</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675181242657.png" alt="Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Awarded amount: $6,000&nbsp;“An Authentic Lens: Phase 2 SAC Guest Curator Project.” Salina Art Center received funding to implement phase 2 of its guest curator framework, building a 4-year exhibition schedule relevant to our community and incorporating a collaborative mindset to expand meaningful experiences with viewing contemporary art. This grant funds the creation of a CaFE portal for a broader reach for artist and curator calls. Three calls will support exhibitions related to identity in figurative representation, plains indigenous culture, and agriculture.&nbsp;<h2>Salina Public Library</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634353835637.jpeg" alt="SPL Salina Public Library front building.jpg" />
 <figcaption>SPL Salina Public Library front building.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Awarded amount: $6,000 for “Salina Reads 2024.” The Salina Public Library received funding to support new programming for the Salina Reads 2024 community reading program. During February 2024, the program will center on a discussion of the book “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren. Horizons funds will directly support a performance by a visiting educational entertainer, UPGuys, the theater rental for the performance at Theater Salina, and a local musician to perform at the kick-off event. <h2>Salina Symphony</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961815913.png" alt="Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>Awarded amount: $6,000 for “Cabaret Reimagined.” The Symphony received funding to present a multi-disciplinary concert titled “Cabaret Reimagined” in November 2024. The playfully provocative program will incorporate multiple art forms, including symphonic music, opera, dance, and visual projections. Featured pieces will include Kurt Weill’s “The Seven Deadly Sins” as well as contemporary jazz composer and musician Kyle Saulnier’s “Sun Upon a Hill.” In addition to the November 10 Symphony Concert, Saulnier will clinic with several local/area high school and college jazz bands. Enrichment Grants available for application – February 1 through November 15The Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Foundation approved funding for Enrichment Grants for artists and organizations in Saline County Kansas in 2024. Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff reviews Enrichment Grant applications on a rolling basis from February 1 through November 15 each year. For 2024, artist applicants may apply for up to $1,000 to support the presentation of work, study, training, artistic promotion, purchase of equipment, or travel. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for up to $500. Enrichment Grant guidelines and applications are available online, <a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/horizonsgrants-program/">https://www.salinaarts.com/horizonsgrants-program/</a>. The agency will again accept Organizational Project and Developing Artists Grant applications in November 2024. All grant guidelines and applications are available at salinaarts.org. Horizons Grants are made possible by private contributions

Salina Arts and Humanities announces 2024 Horizon Grant recipients

Cirque de la Symphonie returns to the Stiefel Theatre stage Saturday, March 2, at 7 p.m. with an all-new program of awe-inspiring physical feats of power and beauty! 

Paired with music from blockbuster movie classics, this visual thrill ride will feature acrobats, strongmen, and a touch of magic as well as aerial flyers soaring high above the orchestra. Experience film music like never before!

Cirque de la Symphonie brings the magic of cirque to the music hall. It is an elegant adaptation of some of the most amazing cirque acts performed on a stage shared with the full symphony orchestra. The production showcases veterans of exceptional cirque programs throughout the world as well as world record holders and gold-medal winners of international competitions.

Tickets start at $45 and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

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 s<a href="http://salinasymphony.org">alinasymphony.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706641581442.jpeg" alt="Cirque Feature.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Cirque Feature.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCirque de la Symphonie returns to the Stiefel Theatre stage Saturday, March 2, at 7 p.m. with an all-new program of awe-inspiring physical feats of power and beauty! Paired with music from blockbuster movie classics, this visual thrill ride will feature acrobats, strongmen, and a touch of magic as well as aerial flyers soaring high above the orchestra. Experience film music like never before!<h2>Guest Artists</h2>Cirque de la Symphonie brings the magic of cirque to the music hall. It is an elegant adaptation of some of the most amazing cirque acts performed on a stage shared with the full symphony orchestra. The production showcases veterans of exceptional cirque programs throughout the world as well as world record holders and gold-medal winners of international competitions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706641604252.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tickets on Sale Now!</h2>Tickets start at $45 and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.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 s<a href="http://salinasymphony.org">alinasymphony.org</a>.

Salina Symphony presents “Cirque Goes to the Movies” at Stiefel Theatre March 2

&nbsp;The Kansas Wesleyan Music Department may be counting the days, as it has just one more semester before moving into a glistening, freshly renovated Sams Chapel. The department released its spring schedule Wednesday, a slate that will be just as varied and full as usual, with several local concerts, as KWU takes its music to the community.

“It’s a great opportunity to take our music to venues throughout north-central Kansas,” said Dr. Bill Backlin, interim chair of the Music Department. “This past semester, we made innumerable friends while presenting concerts at and with area high schools. Now, we look forward to a semester that includes some of our trademark events, like the Salina Choral Festival and Salina Strings Day.”

The majority of the concerts this semester will be in Salina, except for a combined concert with the orchestra and Junction City High School in May. The slate gets underway Friday, Jan. 26, when guest artist Tony Lu visits University United Methodist Church (UUMC) at 7 p.m.

The KWU choirs have concerts scheduled at UUMC and Trinity United Methodist Church, while the Philharmonic Choir will participate in the campus’ spring musical, “Working,” based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers. The Salina Choral Festival, featuring choirs from across the region, is slated for March 4 at the Stiefel Theatre in downtown Salina.

The orchestra will be equally busy. Its marquee event, Salina Strings Day, will be Feb. 15 at Kansas Highway Patrol Academy’s Gov. Joan Finney Auditorium, site of the former Marymount College. Concerts also are set for the orchestra, wind ensemble, and jazz ensemble throughout the semester at UUMC.

The choirs, orchestra and ensembles will be well-prepared for their performances. This past October, the Music Department moved into the Applequist Family Music Center on the first floor of Pioneer Hall. The space was completely renovated with updated studio spaces, practice rooms and faculty offices.

To see the full Spring 2024 Fine Arts schedule, please visit <a href="http://www.kwu.edu/finearts">www.kwu.edu/finearts</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706197427451.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;The Kansas Wesleyan Music Department may be counting the days, as it has just one more semester before moving into a glistening, freshly renovated Sams Chapel. The department released its spring schedule Wednesday, a slate that will be just as varied and full as usual, with several local concerts, as KWU takes its music to the community.“It’s a great opportunity to take our music to venues throughout north-central Kansas,” said Dr. Bill Backlin, interim chair of the Music Department. “This past semester, we made innumerable friends while presenting concerts at and with area high schools. Now, we look forward to a semester that includes some of our trademark events, like the Salina Choral Festival and Salina Strings Day.”The majority of the concerts this semester will be in Salina, except for a combined concert with the orchestra and Junction City High School in May. The slate gets underway Friday, Jan. 26, when guest artist Tony Lu visits University United Methodist Church (UUMC) at 7 p.m.The KWU choirs have concerts scheduled at UUMC and Trinity United Methodist Church, while the Philharmonic Choir will participate in the campus’ spring musical, “Working,” based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers. The Salina Choral Festival, featuring choirs from across the region, is slated for March 4 at the Stiefel Theatre in downtown Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706197491657.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>The orchestra will be equally busy. Its marquee event, Salina Strings Day, will be Feb. 15 at Kansas Highway Patrol Academy’s Gov. Joan Finney Auditorium, site of the former Marymount College. Concerts also are set for the orchestra, wind ensemble, and jazz ensemble throughout the semester at UUMC.The choirs, orchestra and ensembles will be well-prepared for their performances. This past October, the Music Department moved into the Applequist Family Music Center on the first floor of Pioneer Hall. The space was completely renovated with updated studio spaces, practice rooms and faculty offices.To see the full Spring 2024 Fine Arts schedule, please visit <a href="http://www.kwu.edu/finearts">www.kwu.edu/finearts</a>.

KWU announces spring music schedule

Local Salina band, The Sunset Sinners, took to the road this year, with multiple live music festivals on the roster and a few new opportunities.

The four-piece music group also recently remastered two of their most popular songs, "Always Time For One More Beer" and "Friday Night," which were released last Friday.

"2024 has started off with a bang for us," said drummer Blake Blackim.

Outside of remastering a few of their hit songs, the band plans to develop new music this year at a well-known production site — Yellow Dog Studios.

The Sunset Sinners music is what the members call "whiskey barrel rock," a fusion of 70s and Southern Rock and Roll, with a mix of "Red Dirt Country."

Group members include Blackim on the drums, Tony Bowell as a guitarist and vocalist, Sean Herrington as a bass guitarist and vocalist, and Nick Schyler on lead guitar.

Two festivals they will perform at include the <a href="https://sunsetsolarbration.online/">Sunset Solarbration Festival</a> in Texarkana, Texas, in April and the Wild West Festival in Hays in July. Blackim said they also agreed to headline another unnamed festival later in the year.

Outside those live music settings, the band traveled to Texas this week to record new music at the well-known studio.

"We just got to Austin, where we'll be recording new Sinner tunes for upcoming singles and album at the famed Yellow Dog Studios that sits on a ranch in Wimberley, just outside of Austin," Blackim said. "We're excited as it's really the first time we've worked with a Grammy-winning producer to give us a fifth set of ears."

The group has worked with Grammy winners on their past music, but this will be the first time they work in-studio on new music.

Yellow Dog Studios has worked with famous, nationally-known artists like Garth Brooks and the rock group Green Day, among many others.

"We'll primarily work with Casey Johns and David Pearceful," Blackim said. "We're going in with at least four solid songs, and we'll see what happens. I'm sure the juices will flow, and we'll end up with more."

The Sunset Sinners will begin recording early Thursday morning and work until Saturday on their new material. 

"Some of our songs are written about people from back home — therefore, we thought it was best to get out of town to record them [the new songs]," Bowell said.

<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>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostLocal Salina band, The Sunset Sinners, took to the road this year, with multiple live music festivals on the roster and a few new opportunities.The four-piece music group also recently remastered two of their most popular songs, "Always Time For One More Beer" and "Friday Night," which were released last Friday."2024 has started off with a bang for us," said drummer Blake Blackim.Outside of remastering a few of their hit songs, the band plans to develop new music this year at a well-known production site — Yellow Dog Studios.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134606797.jpeg" alt="Sunset Solarbration festival poster. Courtesy The Sunset Sinners" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Solarbration festival poster. Courtesy The Sunset Sinners</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sunset Sinners music is what the members call "whiskey barrel rock," a fusion of 70s and Southern Rock and Roll, with a mix of "Red Dirt Country."Group members include Blackim on the drums, Tony Bowell as a guitarist and vocalist, Sean Herrington as a bass guitarist and vocalist, and Nick Schyler on lead guitar.Two festivals they will perform at include the <a href="https://sunsetsolarbration.online/">Sunset Solarbration Festival</a> in Texarkana, Texas, in April and the Wild West Festival in Hays in July. Blackim said they also agreed to headline another unnamed festival later in the year.Outside those live music settings, the band traveled to Texas this week to record new music at the well-known studio."We just got to Austin, where we'll be recording new Sinner tunes for upcoming singles and album at the famed Yellow Dog Studios that sits on a ranch in Wimberley, just outside of Austin," Blackim said. "We're excited as it's really the first time we've worked with a Grammy-winning producer to give us a fifth set of ears."The group has worked with Grammy winners on their past music, but this will be the first time they work in-studio on new music.Yellow Dog Studios has worked with famous, nationally-known artists like Garth Brooks and the rock group Green Day, among many others.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134668965.jpeg" alt="David Pearceful, a producer at Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, views the soundboard during a recording session. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners " />
 <figcaption>David Pearceful, a producer at Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, views the soundboard during a recording session. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners </figcaption>
 </figure>"We'll primarily work with Casey Johns and David Pearceful," Blackim said. "We're going in with at least four solid songs, and we'll see what happens. I'm sure the juices will flow, and we'll end up with more."The Sunset Sinners will begin recording early Thursday morning and work until Saturday on their new material. "Some of our songs are written about people from back home — therefore, we thought it was best to get out of town to record them [the new songs]," Bowell said.

The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'

On Jan. 25 to Jan. 27, Salina Central High School Theatre will present the musical "Newsies!" by Alen Menken and Jack Feldman, based on Harvey Fierstein's book.

<a href="https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/salina-central-high-school/64ebbf70a6bf620e3f2c3848">Tickets are on sale online</a>&nbsp;and will also be available at performances. Ticket prices for the production are $7 for adults, $5 for students with ZERO credit service charges added to this price if using a credit card online to pre-purchase tickets. Running time is approximately 2 hours, which includes one 15-minute intermission between each act.

This production is being submitted to the Jester Awards at the Music Theatre of Wichita for adjudication.

The production&nbsp;is&nbsp;directed by Barbara Hilt, Central High School Theatre teacher and program director, who is&nbsp;assisted by Bill Weaver, Central High School Technical Director,&nbsp;Music Direction by Ryan Holmquist, Central High School Vocal Music Director and Pit Conduction by Lindsay Modin, Central High School Orchestra Director,&nbsp;and Choreography by&nbsp;Maggie Spicer-Brown&nbsp;of Theatre Salina Center for the Arts&nbsp;Education Instructor. Guillermo Rodriguez, Central High School Band Director, will serve as Sound Designer.

Based on the 1992 Disney film Newsies is the tale of newsboy Jack Kelly, who dreams of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. When Joseph Pulitzer and William&nbsp;Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies his army of newsies to strike.

“Newsies!&nbsp;is one of my favorite musicals because it inspires such hope&nbsp;in what is possible when the underdogs of a story work together to achieve justice for everyone. Students at Salina Central have been putting their best efforts forward for the four years that I have been the theatre instructor and this show is no exception to the excellence that the community has come to expect from our productions. The music score by Alan Menken (who has written music for many Disney films) is all exciting and catchy tunes that you will be singing on your way out of the theater. When I started at Central four years ago, this was the last musical that I directed at my previous school and it created such a spirit of teamwork that I was excited to direct this production again. All of the staff have worked diligently to produce amazing dances, vocal work, scenery, costumes, and a truly outstanding orchestra. You won’t want to miss&nbsp;Newsies!” said Director Barbara Hilt.

JACK: Donovan Johnson KATHERINE: Grace Corman DAVEY: Wyatt Angell CRUTCHIE: Zander Flener LES: Sam Reynolds PULITZER: Gage Gibson MEDDA LARKIN: Michelle Simmons RACETRACK: Andrew Graber FINCH: Kaiden Comeau MUSH: Alyssa Maas JOJO: Mari Brown-Mereles ALBERT: Bishop Talbott SPECS: Gabriel Freeland HENRY: Kort Comeau ROMEO: Mac Sheforgen ELMER: Addilyn Jagodzinske BUTTONS: Katie Morgan SPLASHER: Brynn Shaft TOMMY BOY: Ellie Riekhof MIKE: Mackenzie Martinez IKE: Rocelyn Show HANNAH: Anna Kraft BUNSEN: Marcos Lira SEITZ: Kaiden Christmann DARCY: Seth Lepping BILL: Avery Jeakins OSCAR DELANCEY: Ben Campbell MORRIS DELANCEY: Avery Jeakins WIESEL: Hudson Duff SNYDER: Will Ebel NUNZIO: Joseph Zepeda GUARD: Ben Campbell SPOT CONLON: Kaiden Comeau SCABS: Lillie Crow, Anna Kraft, Madison Berndt NUNS: Lillie Crow, Sarah Day, Madison Berndt BOWERY BEAUTIES: Brynn Shaft, Mari Brown-Mereles, Katie Morgan, Rocelyn Show, Mackenzie Martinez, Addilyn Jagodzinske STAGE MANAGER: Alyx Parker MR. JACOBI: Bill Weaver WOMAN: Lillie Crow MAYOR: Joseph Zepeda GOVERNOR TEDDY ROOSEVELT: Ben Campbell NEWSIES:&nbsp;Alyxandria Aldrich, Tru Lawson, Lillian LaMarca, Angelica Dao, Daisey McWhorter, Lillian Crow, Ava Weaverling, Aerith Cox, Lexi Foos, Dayzie Frank, Alyx Parker, Avery Jeakins, Sarah Day, Anna Kraft, Seth Lepping, Madison Berndt

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705630310081.jpeg" alt="Salina Central High School Theatre students rehearse the musical "Newsies!" while preparing for opening night on Jan. 25. Photo courtesy Salina Central High School." />
 <figcaption>Salina Central High School Theatre students rehearse the musical "Newsies!" while preparing for opening night on Jan. 25. Photo courtesy Salina Central High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTOn Jan. 25 to Jan. 27, Salina Central High School Theatre will present the musical "Newsies!" by Alen Menken and Jack Feldman, based on Harvey Fierstein's book.<a href="https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/salina-central-high-school/64ebbf70a6bf620e3f2c3848">Tickets are on sale online</a>&nbsp;and will also be available at performances. Ticket prices for the production are $7 for adults, $5 for students with ZERO credit service charges added to this price if using a credit card online to pre-purchase tickets. Running time is approximately 2 hours, which includes one 15-minute intermission between each act.This production is being submitted to the Jester Awards at the Music Theatre of Wichita for adjudication.The production&nbsp;is&nbsp;directed by Barbara Hilt, Central High School Theatre teacher and program director, who is&nbsp;assisted by Bill Weaver, Central High School Technical Director,&nbsp;Music Direction by Ryan Holmquist, Central High School Vocal Music Director and Pit Conduction by Lindsay Modin, Central High School Orchestra Director,&nbsp;and Choreography by&nbsp;Maggie Spicer-Brown&nbsp;of Theatre Salina Center for the Arts&nbsp;Education Instructor. Guillermo Rodriguez, Central High School Band Director, will serve as Sound Designer.<h2>Synopsis of the&nbsp;Musical</h2>Based on the 1992 Disney film Newsies is the tale of newsboy Jack Kelly, who dreams of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. When Joseph Pulitzer and William&nbsp;Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies his army of newsies to strike.“Newsies!&nbsp;is one of my favorite musicals because it inspires such hope&nbsp;in what is possible when the underdogs of a story work together to achieve justice for everyone. Students at Salina Central have been putting their best efforts forward for the four years that I have been the theatre instructor and this show is no exception to the excellence that the community has come to expect from our productions. The music score by Alan Menken (who has written music for many Disney films) is all exciting and catchy tunes that you will be singing on your way out of the theater. When I started at Central four years ago, this was the last musical that I directed at my previous school and it created such a spirit of teamwork that I was excited to direct this production again. All of the staff have worked diligently to produce amazing dances, vocal work, scenery, costumes, and a truly outstanding orchestra. You won’t want to miss&nbsp;Newsies!” said Director Barbara Hilt.<h2>Cast</h2>JACK: Donovan Johnson KATHERINE: Grace Corman DAVEY: Wyatt Angell CRUTCHIE: Zander Flener LES: Sam Reynolds PULITZER: Gage Gibson MEDDA LARKIN: Michelle Simmons RACETRACK: Andrew Graber FINCH: Kaiden Comeau MUSH: Alyssa Maas JOJO: Mari Brown-Mereles ALBERT: Bishop Talbott SPECS: Gabriel Freeland HENRY: Kort Comeau ROMEO: Mac Sheforgen ELMER: Addilyn Jagodzinske BUTTONS: Katie Morgan SPLASHER: Brynn Shaft TOMMY BOY: Ellie Riekhof MIKE: Mackenzie Martinez IKE: Rocelyn Show HANNAH: Anna Kraft BUNSEN: Marcos Lira SEITZ: Kaiden Christmann DARCY: Seth Lepping BILL: Avery Jeakins OSCAR DELANCEY: Ben Campbell MORRIS DELANCEY: Avery Jeakins WIESEL: Hudson Duff SNYDER: Will Ebel NUNZIO: Joseph Zepeda GUARD: Ben Campbell SPOT CONLON: Kaiden Comeau SCABS: Lillie Crow, Anna Kraft, Madison Berndt NUNS: Lillie Crow, Sarah Day, Madison Berndt BOWERY BEAUTIES: Brynn Shaft, Mari Brown-Mereles, Katie Morgan, Rocelyn Show, Mackenzie Martinez, Addilyn Jagodzinske STAGE MANAGER: Alyx Parker MR. JACOBI: Bill Weaver WOMAN: Lillie Crow MAYOR: Joseph Zepeda GOVERNOR TEDDY ROOSEVELT: Ben Campbell NEWSIES:&nbsp;Alyxandria Aldrich, Tru Lawson, Lillian LaMarca, Angelica Dao, Daisey McWhorter, Lillian Crow, Ava Weaverling, Aerith Cox, Lexi Foos, Dayzie Frank, Alyx Parker, Avery Jeakins, Sarah Day, Anna Kraft, Seth Lepping, Madison Berndt

Salina Central Theatre presents, 'Newsies!' Jan. 25-27

A performance featuring rock guitar and a classical string quartet will open a diverse three-concert series presented by the Salina Symphony in collaboration with Theatre Salian and the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts.

“Rock ‘n Roll Meets the String Quartet,” will feature guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Lipke, best known as the lead guitarist for the Led Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out. Lipke will collaborate with a string quartet of Salina Symphony musicians to perform an eclectic mix of rock and classical music ranging from Beethoven to The Beatles.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe. Tickets start at $39.

The second featured concert, “American Patriots,” is a theatrical song cycle conceived by singer and arts activist Samantha Rose Williams, who recently was featured as guest soprano for the Salina Symphony’s March 2023 concert “All You Need is Love.”

Williams, performing with soprano Annie Sherman, bass/baritone Robert Wesley Mason and eight instrumentalists from the Salina Symphony, will explore what it means to be American from the perspectives of Black Americans, Indigenous Americans, New Americans and White Working Class Americans.

The show includes newly commissioned songs that reflect the diversity of the nation with elements of classical, jazz, rock, opera and Broadway.

“American Patriots” will be performed at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Sunflower Financial Theatre at Theatre Salina, 303 E. Iron. Tickets are $35.

The third featured show, “The Harmony Games,” is a concert for children conceived and composed by Salina Symphony conductor and music director Yaniv Segal and narrated by Maggie Spicer Brown, education director at Theatre Salina.

The show tells the story of four families who, after fighting for as long as anyone can remember, come together through the power of music. Young concertgoers will be introduced to the instruments that comprise the orchestra while also learning how music and math are connected.

“The Harmony Games” will be presented at 4 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Stiefel Theatre. Beginning at 3 p.m., those attending are welcome to participate in children’s activities and an instrument “petting zoo.” Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children/students.

Segal not only composed “The Harmony Games,” but wrote songs and arranged the orchestral accompaniment for the “American Patriots” show and will play violin in the string quartet for the “Rock ‘n Roll Meets the String Quartet” concert.

“I get to wear all my hats for this,” he said. “It’s going to be an awesome experience.”

Segal said he was introduced to musician Andrew Lipke by Stiefel Theatre executive director Jane Gates, who has booked Get the Led Out concerts at the facility multiple times.

“Andrew was here doing educational workshops, and Jane thought we’d hit it off,” Segal said. “I wanted to increase the spectrum of the things we’re performing, so that’s how this collaboration came about.”

Segal said Lipke has developed and worked with chamber orchestras in Philadelphia that have highlighted the influence of classical music and how string quartets specifically have influenced rock music.

Lipke will play electric and acoustic guitar with a string quartet composed of Segal and Salina Symphony concertmaster Denise Blehm on violin, Melanie Mann on viola and Dena Berquist on cello. They will perform music by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, as well as classical selections by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Philip Glass and original music by Lipke.

“Some things we’ll do on our own, and some things we’ll do with Andrew,” Segal said. “We’ll demonstrate how many similarities there are in the different genres and styles of classical and rock, from Haydn, considered the father of the string quartet, to The Beatles, who used a string quartet in songs like ‘Eleanor Rigby.’

“We’re hoping our selections will be both eye opening and ear opening.”

Samantha Rose Williams began writing “American Patriots” in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic and protests surrounding the racial-based George Floyd murder.

“I was taking in all that was happening – the protests, the tanks in the street – looking at everybody there from the police to the military to protesters, who all believed they were there for patriotic reasons,” she said. “I thought about where our country was, how divided we were, and I started asking people about themselves and why they were there.”

Expanding the scope of her interviews, Williams spoke to 50 people from throughout the nation (“all done by Zoom, since I couldn’t go anywhere during the pandemic,” she said), which she then wove into 19 people representing four specific “identities”: Black Americans, Indigenous Americans, New Americans and White Working Class Americans.

“Many of these were people who don’t often get interviewed,” she said. “I asked them how they defined the American dream and if their family has been able to achieve it; how they defined a patriot and if they considered themselves one; and what they thought about the state of our country now.”

Williams transcribed the interviews and began turning them into “conversations in song,” working with five diverse composers who composed music that reflected the diversity of her subjects and their unique perspectives in a methodology she called “intentional storytelling."

“I collaborated with marginalized communities, allowing them to present themselves in ways that felt authentic to them,” Williams said. “I told them we wouldn’t use anything from their interviews unless

they approved it. If I used portions of their interview, I didn’t change anything they said. I wanted them to feel they were part of this.”

Williams created a system of checks and balances that ensured interviewees were paid for their time, approved the final song selections and decided on their own level of credit or anonymity in the project. She also made certain to recruit ethnically diverse composers to create music that accurately reflected the interviewees’ unique experiences as Americans.

The result, she said, “asks us to entertain perspectives other than (our) own and to practice the crucial skill of listening across difference.”

“As the actors traverse race, ethnicity, gender and class to embody 19 Americans in their exploration of fundamental questions of American identity, we ask (audiences) to enter with curiosity, hold your judgments lightly and, just for an hour or so, listen to understand,” Williams said. “I hope audiences will be able to see the humanity in someone who sees differently than them.”

Segal, who wrote songs and did orchestral arrangements for the show, said reactions to previous performances have been “incredible and thought provoking.”

“We hope we’ve created a space where people can listen and think without judging,” he said.

Segal wrote “The Harmony Games” as a commissioned piece to introduce young students to the instruments in a string orchestra in a fun and interactive way.

“I conceived of four families on an island, who have been fighting for a long, long time,” he said. “Each family has to complete a piece of music, based on a theme, using string instruments and doing different layers at different speeds. I’m trying to show that the orchestra can be very versatile.”

In the end, the winning family realizes how unproductive it is to continue fighting and decides to bring all the families together “to create an orchestra,” Segal said.

“I’m really happy how the piece captures the attention and imagination of children of all ages,” he said.

Additionally, the concert will feature music from Disney’s popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, as well as pre-concert activities that include games and an interactive “petting zoo” of instruments of the orchestra.

“We intend this to be a real hands-on experience,” Segal said.

Tickets for “Rock ‘n Roll Meets the String Quartet” and “The Harmony Games” are available at the Stiefel Theatre box office or by calling (785) 827-1998. Tickets for “American Patriots” are available through the Salina Symphony office on the second floor of the Stiefel Theatre or by calling (785) 823-8309. Tickets for all shows will be available at the door. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705510325249.jpeg" alt="Yaniv Segal" />
 <figcaption>Yaniv Segal</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY DEMUTH A performance featuring rock guitar and a classical string quartet will open a diverse three-concert series presented by the Salina Symphony in collaboration with Theatre Salian and the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts.“Rock ‘n Roll Meets the String Quartet,” will feature guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Lipke, best known as the lead guitarist for the Led Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out. Lipke will collaborate with a string quartet of Salina Symphony musicians to perform an eclectic mix of rock and classical music ranging from Beethoven to The Beatles.The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe. Tickets start at $39.The second featured concert, “American Patriots,” is a theatrical song cycle conceived by singer and arts activist Samantha Rose Williams, who recently was featured as guest soprano for the Salina Symphony’s March 2023 concert “All You Need is Love.”Williams, performing with soprano Annie Sherman, bass/baritone Robert Wesley Mason and eight instrumentalists from the Salina Symphony, will explore what it means to be American from the perspectives of Black Americans, Indigenous Americans, New Americans and White Working Class Americans.The show includes newly commissioned songs that reflect the diversity of the nation with elements of classical, jazz, rock, opera and Broadway.“American Patriots” will be performed at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Sunflower Financial Theatre at Theatre Salina, 303 E. Iron. Tickets are $35.The third featured show, “The Harmony Games,” is a concert for children conceived and composed by Salina Symphony conductor and music director Yaniv Segal and narrated by Maggie Spicer Brown, education director at Theatre Salina.The show tells the story of four families who, after fighting for as long as anyone can remember, come together through the power of music. Young concertgoers will be introduced to the instruments that comprise the orchestra while also learning how music and math are connected.“The Harmony Games” will be presented at 4 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Stiefel Theatre. Beginning at 3 p.m., those attending are welcome to participate in children’s activities and an instrument “petting zoo.” Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children/students.Segal not only composed “The Harmony Games,” but wrote songs and arranged the orchestral accompaniment for the “American Patriots” show and will play violin in the string quartet for the “Rock ‘n Roll Meets the String Quartet” concert.“I get to wear all my hats for this,” he said. “It’s going to be an awesome experience.”<h2>Rock and Strings</h2>Segal said he was introduced to musician Andrew Lipke by Stiefel Theatre executive director Jane Gates, who has booked Get the Led Out concerts at the facility multiple times.“Andrew was here doing educational workshops, and Jane thought we’d hit it off,” Segal said. “I wanted to increase the spectrum of the things we’re performing, so that’s how this collaboration came about.”Segal said Lipke has developed and worked with chamber orchestras in Philadelphia that have highlighted the influence of classical music and how string quartets specifically have influenced rock music.Lipke will play electric and acoustic guitar with a string quartet composed of Segal and Salina Symphony concertmaster Denise Blehm on violin, Melanie Mann on viola and Dena Berquist on cello. They will perform music by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, as well as classical selections by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Philip Glass and original music by Lipke.“Some things we’ll do on our own, and some things we’ll do with Andrew,” Segal said. “We’ll demonstrate how many similarities there are in the different genres and styles of classical and rock, from Haydn, considered the father of the string quartet, to The Beatles, who used a string quartet in songs like ‘Eleanor Rigby.’“We’re hoping our selections will be both eye opening and ear opening.”<h2>American Patriots</h2>Samantha Rose Williams began writing “American Patriots” in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic and protests surrounding the racial-based George Floyd murder.“I was taking in all that was happening – the protests, the tanks in the street – looking at everybody there from the police to the military to protesters, who all believed they were there for patriotic reasons,” she said. “I thought about where our country was, how divided we were, and I started asking people about themselves and why they were there.”Expanding the scope of her interviews, Williams spoke to 50 people from throughout the nation (“all done by Zoom, since I couldn’t go anywhere during the pandemic,” she said), which she then wove into 19 people representing four specific “identities”: Black Americans, Indigenous Americans, New Americans and White Working Class Americans.“Many of these were people who don’t often get interviewed,” she said. “I asked them how they defined the American dream and if their family has been able to achieve it; how they defined a patriot and if they considered themselves one; and what they thought about the state of our country now.”Williams transcribed the interviews and began turning them into “conversations in song,” working with five diverse composers who composed music that reflected the diversity of her subjects and their unique perspectives in a methodology she called “intentional storytelling."“I collaborated with marginalized communities, allowing them to present themselves in ways that felt authentic to them,” Williams said. “I told them we wouldn’t use anything from their interviews unlessthey approved it. If I used portions of their interview, I didn’t change anything they said. I wanted them to feel they were part of this.”Williams created a system of checks and balances that ensured interviewees were paid for their time, approved the final song selections and decided on their own level of credit or anonymity in the project. She also made certain to recruit ethnically diverse composers to create music that accurately reflected the interviewees’ unique experiences as Americans.The result, she said, “asks us to entertain perspectives other than (our) own and to practice the crucial skill of listening across difference.”“As the actors traverse race, ethnicity, gender and class to embody 19 Americans in their exploration of fundamental questions of American identity, we ask (audiences) to enter with curiosity, hold your judgments lightly and, just for an hour or so, listen to understand,” Williams said. “I hope audiences will be able to see the humanity in someone who sees differently than them.”Segal, who wrote songs and did orchestral arrangements for the show, said reactions to previous performances have been “incredible and thought provoking.”“We hope we’ve created a space where people can listen and think without judging,” he said.<h2>Harmony Games</h2>Segal wrote “The Harmony Games” as a commissioned piece to introduce young students to the instruments in a string orchestra in a fun and interactive way.“I conceived of four families on an island, who have been fighting for a long, long time,” he said. “Each family has to complete a piece of music, based on a theme, using string instruments and doing different layers at different speeds. I’m trying to show that the orchestra can be very versatile.”In the end, the winning family realizes how unproductive it is to continue fighting and decides to bring all the families together “to create an orchestra,” Segal said.“I’m really happy how the piece captures the attention and imagination of children of all ages,” he said.Additionally, the concert will feature music from Disney’s popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, as well as pre-concert activities that include games and an interactive “petting zoo” of instruments of the orchestra.“We intend this to be a real hands-on experience,” Segal said.Tickets for “Rock ‘n Roll Meets the String Quartet” and “The Harmony Games” are available at the Stiefel Theatre box office or by calling (785) 827-1998. Tickets for “American Patriots” are available through the Salina Symphony office on the second floor of the Stiefel Theatre or by calling (785) 823-8309. Tickets for all shows will be available at the door. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

Segal to 'wear all hats' in Salina Symphony’s diverse three-concert Jan. series

Submitted The movie Ford v. Ferrari celebrated competition and American know-how. Ferrari&nbsp;is a starker, more stripped-down title, alerting us that its focus is not just a race, but an internal conflict within the very soul of a singular visionary. Ferrari&nbsp;covers critical three months in the life of Enzo Ferrari, the pioneering automaker facing complete economic ruin in 1957.

<a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44&amp;evtinfo=353174~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949">Ticket and showtime information</a>

He sees one solution, and of course it’s a race—a contest called the Mille Miglia, spanning nearly 1,000 miles of gorgeous (but extremely treacherous) Italian countryside. If one of Enzo’s drivers can bring a Ferrari across the finish line first, the resulting publicity could resuscitate the company’s fortunes and its worldwide prestige. Michael Mann, creator of the trend-setting television series Miami Vice&nbsp;and films like Manhunter&nbsp;and Heat, loves brooding, tightly-wound antiheroes: he’s got the perfect star in Adam Driver, whose charismatic intensity conveys more than words ever could. 

Enzo lacks empathy and compassion, but he’s a genuine artist whose perfectionism is a mark of integrity as well as stubbornness. His steely performance is balanced by Penélope Cruz as Enzo’s wife Laura, and Shailene Woodley as his independent-minded mistress, Lina. 

Enzo’s infidelity isn’t glossed over or forgiven—the most powerful drama comes when Laura learns the scope of his betrayal and has to decide whether to wreck vengeance upon the company. Enzo is a fascinating, flawed individual but his devotion to racing, and desire to win the Mille Miglia, is so paradoxically pure&nbsp;of heart, that his efforts to build the perfect racing team (with nice turns by Jack O’Connell and Patrick Dempsey) are as mesmerizing as prep scenes in a great heist film. 

Intelligent, enthralling, and evocative in its period detail, Ferrari&nbsp;is a throwback to the character-driven cinema of the ‘70s, and a fantastic, stylish return to form for director Mann.

Rated R for violent content/images, sexual content, and profanity.&nbsp;| 2h 10m

Starring: Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Sarah Gordon, Gabriel Leone, Jack O'Connell, Patrick Dempsey

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KZHxT2yb2cE?si=K9Wt1gnEj_VnHgs9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Submitted The movie Ford v. Ferrari celebrated competition and American know-how. Ferrari&nbsp;is a starker, more stripped-down title, alerting us that its focus is not just a race, but an internal conflict within the very soul of a singular visionary. Ferrari&nbsp;covers critical three months in the life of Enzo Ferrari, the pioneering automaker facing complete economic ruin in 1957.<a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44&amp;evtinfo=353174~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949">Ticket and showtime information</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704467481123.jpeg" alt="Ferrari movie poster provided by Salina Art Center Cinema" />
 <figcaption>Ferrari movie poster provided by Salina Art Center Cinema</figcaption>
 </figure>He sees one solution, and of course it’s a race—a contest called the Mille Miglia, spanning nearly 1,000 miles of gorgeous (but extremely treacherous) Italian countryside. If one of Enzo’s drivers can bring a Ferrari across the finish line first, the resulting publicity could resuscitate the company’s fortunes and its worldwide prestige. Michael Mann, creator of the trend-setting television series Miami Vice&nbsp;and films like Manhunter&nbsp;and Heat, loves brooding, tightly-wound antiheroes: he’s got the perfect star in Adam Driver, whose charismatic intensity conveys more than words ever could. Enzo lacks empathy and compassion, but he’s a genuine artist whose perfectionism is a mark of integrity as well as stubbornness. His steely performance is balanced by Penélope Cruz as Enzo’s wife Laura, and Shailene Woodley as his independent-minded mistress, Lina. Enzo’s infidelity isn’t glossed over or forgiven—the most powerful drama comes when Laura learns the scope of his betrayal and has to decide whether to wreck vengeance upon the company. Enzo is a fascinating, flawed individual but his devotion to racing, and desire to win the Mille Miglia, is so paradoxically pure&nbsp;of heart, that his efforts to build the perfect racing team (with nice turns by Jack O’Connell and Patrick Dempsey) are as mesmerizing as prep scenes in a great heist film. Intelligent, enthralling, and evocative in its period detail, Ferrari&nbsp;is a throwback to the character-driven cinema of the ‘70s, and a fantastic, stylish return to form for director Mann.Rated R for violent content/images, sexual content, and profanity.&nbsp;| 2h 10mStarring: Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Sarah Gordon, Gabriel Leone, Jack O'Connell, Patrick DempseyDirector: Michael Mann

Salina Art Center Cinema presents, 'Ferrari' through Jan. 10

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina Post

Welcome to the virtual tour of the BOOM! 2023 Festival, Salina's annual mural festival in downtown Salina, Kansas. In this exciting walkthrough video, we take you on a journey through the vibrant and captivating world of street art in beautiful downtown Salina.

BOOM! Salina invites talented street artists and muralists from all corners of the globe to transform the visual landscape of our beloved city. Supported by private and crowd-sourced donors who share a passion for creativity, this festival aims to enrich our community through bold and inspiring public works of art.

Join us as we explore the ten stunning murals created as part of the second ever BOOM! Salina Mural Festival.&nbsp; Each artwork tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse perspectives and artistic styles of the participating artists. Listen in as we stop at each mural and hear from the muralists themselves describe what inspired them to create the BOOM! 2023 murals.

Supported by the Salina Kanvas Project and various community organizations, the BOOM! mural festival demonstrates the power of collaboration and the transformative effect art has on our community. 

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a community member, or simply curious about changes to Salina's scenery, this virtual tour is your gateway to the captivating world of BOOM! 2023.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pFE-LIabWLY?si=zRCP-CrYXRZj8bV9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina PostWelcome to the virtual tour of the BOOM! 2023 Festival, Salina's annual mural festival in downtown Salina, Kansas. In this exciting walkthrough video, we take you on a journey through the vibrant and captivating world of street art in beautiful downtown Salina.BOOM! Salina invites talented street artists and muralists from all corners of the globe to transform the visual landscape of our beloved city. Supported by private and crowd-sourced donors who share a passion for creativity, this festival aims to enrich our community through bold and inspiring public works of art.Join us as we explore the ten stunning murals created as part of the second ever BOOM! Salina Mural Festival.&nbsp; Each artwork tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse perspectives and artistic styles of the participating artists. Listen in as we stop at each mural and hear from the muralists themselves describe what inspired them to create the BOOM! 2023 murals.Supported by the Salina Kanvas Project and various community organizations, the BOOM! mural festival demonstrates the power of collaboration and the transformative effect art has on our community. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a community member, or simply curious about changes to Salina's scenery, this virtual tour is your gateway to the captivating world of BOOM! 2023.

🖥️ BOOM! Salina 2023 — Check out the new murals in this video

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Fragments of colorful glass littered the paint-stained tables of the Salina Art Center Warehouse for the last few weeks while students chipped and shaped glass for mosaic designs.

Art Center Director of Education Darren Morawitz led a glass mosaic art class in December, encouraging students to learn from the unique art medium for their own practices.

"I think every medium benefits the next medium," Morawitz said. "If you're a drawer, you can apply drawing skills to the mosaic, and mosaic skills help you break things down into shapes and become a better drawer."

Morawitz said he enjoys practicing multiple mediums as an artist and found that it helped him continue improving his art.

"All those little intricate plays back and forth between mediums help you grow as a creative person," Morawitz said.

The Art Center Warehouse regularly hosts art classes, where local artists can learn or teach any medium from ceramics to collage.

Morawitz usually works with two-dimensional art mediums but enjoys learning and teaching various creative mediums. He began the class by introducing the mosaic design process on Dec. 7.

Glass mosaics are made by placing glass pieces onto another canvas and then using grout or paste medium to lock those pieces in place.

The class met once a week for three weeks, and on the second week, students and Morawitz were cutting out glass shapes and lining them up to the wooden canvas.

A student participating in the class, Kristy Yenkey, is a fabric artist and decided to sign up for the mosaic class to learn some new techniques.

Yenkey decided to make a mosaic piece from leftover scraps of cut glass, challenging herself to use the elements uniquely.

"I'm enjoying the design process the most," Yenkey said. "I had this all laid out last time, and it's a little different because it shifted in flight, so I'm having fun with it now."

Yenkey said she didn't mind that the pieces shifted since it brought a new perspective to her art, which she loves as part of the artistic process.

"When you try different things, it's really a source of happiness," Yenkey said.

Her pieces of glass clattered as she placed them on the board, preparing the final design for the grouting phase the following week. 

She encouraged other artists to try new types of art at any point in their careers and to participate in their local art communities.

"Sometimes, a blank canvas is difficult, but creating is a wonderful process," Yenkey said. "Just expose yourself to all sorts of avenues of art. It's not always an easy step, but maybe just allow yourself the freedom to pursue something different."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703111625610.jpeg" alt="Salina Art Center Director of Education chats with Barbara Henry, a student in his class, about her mosaic design on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Salina Art Center Warehouse. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center Director of Education chats with Barbara Henry, a student in his class, about her mosaic design on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Salina Art Center Warehouse. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostFragments of colorful glass littered the paint-stained tables of the Salina Art Center Warehouse for the last few weeks while students chipped and shaped glass for mosaic designs.Art Center Director of Education Darren Morawitz led a glass mosaic art class in December, encouraging students to learn from the unique art medium for their own practices."I think every medium benefits the next medium," Morawitz said. "If you're a drawer, you can apply drawing skills to the mosaic, and mosaic skills help you break things down into shapes and become a better drawer."Morawitz said he enjoys practicing multiple mediums as an artist and found that it helped him continue improving his art.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703111726756.jpeg" alt="Darren Morawitz, director of education at Salina Art Center, tells Barbara Henry about the need to space her pieces apart to allow space for the grout later on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Darren Morawitz, director of education at Salina Art Center, tells Barbara Henry about the need to space her pieces apart to allow space for the grout later on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"All those little intricate plays back and forth between mediums help you grow as a creative person," Morawitz said.The Art Center Warehouse regularly hosts art classes, where local artists can learn or teach any medium from ceramics to collage.Morawitz usually works with two-dimensional art mediums but enjoys learning and teaching various creative mediums. He began the class by introducing the mosaic design process on Dec. 7.Glass mosaics are made by placing glass pieces onto another canvas and then using grout or paste medium to lock those pieces in place.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703112023020.jpeg" alt="Darren Morawitz, the director of education at Salina Art Center, cracks apart two pieces of glass to shape it for his work on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Darren Morawitz, the director of education at Salina Art Center, cracks apart two pieces of glass to shape it for his work on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The class met once a week for three weeks, and on the second week, students and Morawitz were cutting out glass shapes and lining them up to the wooden canvas.A student participating in the class, Kristy Yenkey, is a fabric artist and decided to sign up for the mosaic class to learn some new techniques.Yenkey decided to make a mosaic piece from leftover scraps of cut glass, challenging herself to use the elements uniquely."I'm enjoying the design process the most," Yenkey said. "I had this all laid out last time, and it's a little different because it shifted in flight, so I'm having fun with it now."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703111934102.jpeg" alt="Kristy Yenkey, a student of the Salina Art Center Warehouse mosaic class, places the pieces on the board, preparing the artwork for the grouting process on Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Salina Art Center Warehouse. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Kristy Yenkey, a student of the Salina Art Center Warehouse mosaic class, places the pieces on the board, preparing the artwork for the grouting process on Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Salina Art Center Warehouse. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Yenkey said she didn't mind that the pieces shifted since it brought a new perspective to her art, which she loves as part of the artistic process."When you try different things, it's really a source of happiness," Yenkey said.Her pieces of glass clattered as she placed them on the board, preparing the final design for the grouting phase the following week. She encouraged other artists to try new types of art at any point in their careers and to participate in their local art communities."Sometimes, a blank canvas is difficult, but creating is a wonderful process," Yenkey said. "Just expose yourself to all sorts of avenues of art. It's not always an easy step, but maybe just allow yourself the freedom to pursue something different."

Trying something new — Salina Art Center hosts glass mosaic class for first time

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566377031.jpeg" alt="All eyes were on Salina Symphony Conductor Yaniv Segal during the festival's opening number, "Christmas Overture" by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Images Courtesy Heartland Photography " />
 <figcaption>All eyes were on Salina Symphony Conductor Yaniv Segal during the festival's opening number, "Christmas Overture" by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Images Courtesy Heartland Photography </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566539339.jpeg" alt="Salina Chorale and Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale sing a classic Christmas hymn "Silent Night."&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Salina Chorale and Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale sing a classic Christmas hymn "Silent Night."&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566750815.jpeg" alt="Iron Street Dancers from Theatre Salina perform at the 2023 Salina Christmas Festival&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Iron Street Dancers from Theatre Salina perform at the 2023 Salina Christmas Festival&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566781902.jpeg" alt="CTA dancer Paige Shaft leaps through the air while the symphony plays the Concert Suite from the Polar Express by Alan Silverstri and Glen Ballard/ arranged by Jerry Brubaker.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>CTA dancer Paige Shaft leaps through the air while the symphony plays the Concert Suite from the Polar Express by Alan Silverstri and Glen Ballard/ arranged by Jerry Brubaker.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566565499.jpeg" alt="Segal conducts the Salina Symphony at the 2023 Salina Christmas Festival.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Segal conducts the Salina Symphony at the 2023 Salina Christmas Festival.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566836331.jpeg" alt="From Left: Rhapsody Polzella, Vivienne Hoffman and Maggie Brown-Mereles act as children ready to board the Polar Express while the Salina Symphony&nbsp; plays popular songs from the&nbsp; Warner Bros. hit holiday film, "The Polar Express."&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>From Left: Rhapsody Polzella, Vivienne Hoffman and Maggie Brown-Mereles act as children ready to board the Polar Express while the Salina Symphony&nbsp; plays popular songs from the&nbsp; Warner Bros. hit holiday film, "The Polar Express."&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566880222.jpeg" alt="From Left: Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale members Marah Walley, Rachael Everitt, and Tru Emelie. Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>From Left: Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale members Marah Walley, Rachael Everitt, and Tru Emelie. Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702566866594.jpeg" alt="Annabelle Burr, ballet dancer at Tamara Howe School of Dance, dances while Salina Symphony plays the Cherevichki, Act III, Scene III: Cossack Dance.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Annabelle Burr, ballet dancer at Tamara Howe School of Dance, dances while Salina Symphony plays the Cherevichki, Act III, Scene III: Cossack Dance.&nbsp;Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702567058478.jpeg" alt="Camille and Andrew Graber, dancers with Iron Street Dance Company, perform a routine to the music of the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" by Leon Jessel and arranged by Morton Gould. Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Camille and Andrew Graber, dancers with Iron Street Dance Company, perform a routine to the music of the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" by Leon Jessel and arranged by Morton Gould. Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702567073463.jpeg" alt="Images Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Images Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702567532182.jpeg" alt="Dancers representing Tamera Howe School of Dance and Iron Street Dance Company line the aisles of the Stiefel Theatre while choirs and symphony perform a Hollywood Christmas favorite, "Somewhere in My Memory" by John Williams from the hit movie "Home Alone."&nbsp; Photo Courtesy Heartland Photography" />
 <figcaption>Dancers representing Tamera Howe School of Dance and Iron Street Dance Company line the aisles of the Stiefel Theatre while choirs and symphony perform a Hollywood Christmas favorite, "Somewhere in My Memory" by John Williams from the hit movie "Home Alone."&nbsp; Photo Courtesy Heartland Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷2023 Salina Christmas Festival

Local Salina band the <a href="https://www.sunsetsinners.com/">Sunset Sinners</a> will headline this year’s Rockin' the Fe along with good friends Paramount &amp; Visual Lies.

Rockin the Fe will take place Friday, February 9, 2024 doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.

The Sunset Sinners have exploded on the music scene with a brand of music they call Whiskey Barrel Rock and draw a lot of comparisons to The Black Crowes, ZZ Top, Zac Brown Band and Blackberry Smoke.

The Sinners have two albums out along with their newest single “Coming Home” and are back in the studio in Austin, Texas at the famed Yellow Dog Studios this January. In 2021 they won the Nashville JMA Award for Best Southern/Country Rock Act  &amp; have had songs on the Nashville Music Radio Charts.

Their 2 biggest hits “Always Time For One More Beer” and "Friday Night” have been re-mastered and are being rereleased this January. They have also garnered a large fan base overseas with Sinner music being played on over 175 radio stations across France, Germany, Sweden &amp; the UK. They also greatly follow and appreciate the military, veterans and first responders.

When playing LIVE the Sinners play their Hits along with Sinnerized covers to create the ultimate concert party where every night is Friday night.

<a href="https://paramount80s.com">Paramount</a> is the ultimate tribute to the 80s Rock Experience performing Sing-A-Long medleys from Journey, Bon Jovi, GnR, Poison, Def Leppard &amp; others. Paramount performs throughout the Midwest to bring out the decade of decadence "The Big 80s."

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/VisualLies85/videos">Visual Lies</a> are just cool. They are a younger newer band that has hit the scene running hard &amp; they wear their passion for playing big hair 80’s Rock.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702410891995.jpeg" alt="Sunset Sinners" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Sinners</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLocal Salina band the <a href="https://www.sunsetsinners.com/">Sunset Sinners</a> will headline this year’s Rockin' the Fe along with good friends Paramount &amp; Visual Lies.Rockin the Fe will take place Friday, February 9, 2024 doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.The Sunset Sinners have exploded on the music scene with a brand of music they call Whiskey Barrel Rock and draw a lot of comparisons to The Black Crowes, ZZ Top, Zac Brown Band and Blackberry Smoke.The Sinners have two albums out along with their newest single “Coming Home” and are back in the studio in Austin, Texas at the famed Yellow Dog Studios this January. In 2021 they won the Nashville JMA Award for Best Southern/Country Rock Act &amp; have had songs on the Nashville Music Radio Charts.Their 2 biggest hits “Always Time For One More Beer” and "Friday Night” have been re-mastered and are being rereleased this January. They have also garnered a large fan base overseas with Sinner music being played on over 175 radio stations across France, Germany, Sweden &amp; the UK. They also greatly follow and appreciate the military, veterans and first responders.When playing LIVE the Sinners play their Hits along with Sinnerized covers to create the ultimate concert party where every night is Friday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677103171501.jpeg" alt="paramount" />
 <figcaption>paramount</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Paramount</h2><a href="https://paramount80s.com">Paramount</a> is the ultimate tribute to the 80s Rock Experience performing Sing-A-Long medleys from Journey, Bon Jovi, GnR, Poison, Def Leppard &amp; others. Paramount performs throughout the Midwest to bring out the decade of decadence "The Big 80s."<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3x__Rt6mMzY?si=xvufAerN1sW167Rr" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702411196319.jpeg" alt="Visual lies" />
 <figcaption>Visual lies</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Visual Lies</h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VisualLies85/videos">Visual Lies</a> are just cool. They are a younger newer band that has hit the scene running hard &amp; they wear their passion for playing big hair 80’s Rock.

Tickets on sale for 'Rockin the Fe' at Stiefel in Feb. 

The Art Center Cinema announces the upcoming film,&nbsp;“<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JSJGb-hpWNu7KeKp3OngLlPUOQYXYk-0jYCe6TKWTzDdV84TVOWbfVKydY3OtJ_oePlUFtrxzYM05Mn-fS7w2D9uSzmyN2NiLFwg9yuHLafarQUkE1YXc8zfOC6bb9aoF_ALnGLu5oZaspznA9nEgw==&amp;c=2vpXRQCuIcAXelNp64SmKqjHf9r8oupXOfokZtru-WDc_4LcyOQLvA==&amp;ch=nMQbkuqr6ai2-caszdHeORO6Odh7FczTjOB66MvbppHuYNlrLFamsQ==" target="_blank">Maestro</a>,”<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JSJGb-hpWNu7KeKp3OngLlPUOQYXYk-0jYCe6TKWTzDdV84TVOWbfZmQcW7hcvPAKgIK4izi0cpkV59nQKHrNrwJIM7Xzd1xu58Bzh8WtErpm4bNZtM4q4fRyHqX8a2cBeEkPSzkUzoWG8rbbVaqxg==&amp;c=2vpXRQCuIcAXelNp64SmKqjHf9r8oupXOfokZtru-WDc_4LcyOQLvA==&amp;ch=nMQbkuqr6ai2-caszdHeORO6Odh7FczTjOB66MvbppHuYNlrLFamsQ==" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>playing at the Cinema&nbsp;starting this Friday, December 13 through Wednesday, December 20; with the inclusion of&nbsp;Friday, December 22&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saturday, December 23, 2023. Tickets for the film can be&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JSJGb-hpWNu7KeKp3OngLlPUOQYXYk-0jYCe6TKWTzDdV84TVOWbfVKydY3OtJ_oFDElASpV_1gMvK3niaEoA9kJWZRFL1s8N08dR1YFw_FbgZN2n0PNIpwBbofIsFWCJxMEAL_tf8uIMX7TZ2yfV46haQbA0u7L8m1Ff0vOaFpMHzQRzt2JxGq7ZLMHCIIEPHfoJfe3IuIoEVWfLjdtPVCTg-il0uHMVF70E2X1_Va9vk0rBx4V9S0w39462UtcNRHh1cMos3jvuB6EngtR3HKEC3qZB5V-hvH7wJIFIrvvYIxqtMDU1Np3B11npLR_Z9JF-Flz44wPkgRRmJOX5A==&amp;c=2vpXRQCuIcAXelNp64SmKqjHf9r8oupXOfokZtru-WDc_4LcyOQLvA==&amp;ch=nMQbkuqr6ai2-caszdHeORO6Odh7FczTjOB66MvbppHuYNlrLFamsQ==" target="_blank">purchased online</a>&nbsp;or at the box office.

Bradley Cooper surprised many with his assured, unabashedly emotional but just-this-side-of-melodramatic remake of a venerable tragic romance, A Star Is Born. His follow-up cements his enormous talent both helming the film and starring, but the ambitious scope and complexity of the material is amped up to 11 in this fascinating portrait of composer Leonard Bernstein.&nbsp;

Complexity is crucial because the story of Bernstein’s 27-year marriage to Felicia Montealegre is easy to reduce to glib analysis: “famous closeted gay man hides his sexuality in the mid-20th century by marrying a devoted woman willing to settle for a sham relationship.” That doesn’t tell the whole story, and it dehumanizes two&nbsp;very fascinating individuals. Cooper and co-scenarist Josh Singer take the relationship seriously, showing its real challenges, setbacks, and moments of honest romance. Yes, Leonard and Felicia loved each other—in a complicated way that’s exceptionally portrayed by Cooper and co-star Carey Mulligan. Just as A Star Is Born&nbsp;depended on the film’s balancing its focus on both partners, Maestro is not a biopic where the “great man” is occasionally seen through the eyes of his less significant spouse; here, Leonard and Felicia are equally important even though it’s Bernstein’s wondrous music that propels the film, whether it’s music from West Side Story&nbsp;or (in a great scene) Mahler’s “Resurrection” which Bernstein triumphantly conducts with the London Symphony Orchestra.&nbsp;

Leonard’s boundless creative energy is beguiling, but Felicia’s more grounded, pragmatic, and worldly-wise personality provide a great counterpoint, especially when Leonard’s philandering gets out of control. There’s no shortage of chemistry between Cooper and Mulligan, each holding their own and commanding the screen. The use of gorgeous black-and-white cinematography, transitioning to color in the later decades not only offers an evocative sense of history but reminds us of an era when movie actors were truly stars. That era is still with us, and the dynamic central performances illuminate every frame of this modern-day masterpiece. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rated R for profanity and some drug use. | 2h 9m

Starring: Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan

Film descriptions are written by friend and cinema supporter, Dave Cooper.

Now Playing&nbsp;December 15 - December 20, 22 &amp; 23

Saturday-Sunday |&nbsp;2 PM&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;6 PM

Friday Late Night showing&nbsp;@ 8:30 PM: all tickets only $8

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702397520388.jpeg" alt="3B699775-A9C5-4E55-AEF3-FE668EF5C5A8.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>3B699775-A9C5-4E55-AEF3-FE668EF5C5A8.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>December 15 - December 20, 22 &amp; 23The Art Center Cinema announces the upcoming film,&nbsp;“<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JSJGb-hpWNu7KeKp3OngLlPUOQYXYk-0jYCe6TKWTzDdV84TVOWbfVKydY3OtJ_oePlUFtrxzYM05Mn-fS7w2D9uSzmyN2NiLFwg9yuHLafarQUkE1YXc8zfOC6bb9aoF_ALnGLu5oZaspznA9nEgw==&amp;c=2vpXRQCuIcAXelNp64SmKqjHf9r8oupXOfokZtru-WDc_4LcyOQLvA==&amp;ch=nMQbkuqr6ai2-caszdHeORO6Odh7FczTjOB66MvbppHuYNlrLFamsQ==" target="_blank">Maestro</a>,”<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JSJGb-hpWNu7KeKp3OngLlPUOQYXYk-0jYCe6TKWTzDdV84TVOWbfZmQcW7hcvPAKgIK4izi0cpkV59nQKHrNrwJIM7Xzd1xu58Bzh8WtErpm4bNZtM4q4fRyHqX8a2cBeEkPSzkUzoWG8rbbVaqxg==&amp;c=2vpXRQCuIcAXelNp64SmKqjHf9r8oupXOfokZtru-WDc_4LcyOQLvA==&amp;ch=nMQbkuqr6ai2-caszdHeORO6Odh7FczTjOB66MvbppHuYNlrLFamsQ==" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>playing at the Cinema&nbsp;starting this Friday, December 13 through Wednesday, December 20; with the inclusion of&nbsp;Friday, December 22&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saturday, December 23, 2023. Tickets for the film can be&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JSJGb-hpWNu7KeKp3OngLlPUOQYXYk-0jYCe6TKWTzDdV84TVOWbfVKydY3OtJ_oFDElASpV_1gMvK3niaEoA9kJWZRFL1s8N08dR1YFw_FbgZN2n0PNIpwBbofIsFWCJxMEAL_tf8uIMX7TZ2yfV46haQbA0u7L8m1Ff0vOaFpMHzQRzt2JxGq7ZLMHCIIEPHfoJfe3IuIoEVWfLjdtPVCTg-il0uHMVF70E2X1_Va9vk0rBx4V9S0w39462UtcNRHh1cMos3jvuB6EngtR3HKEC3qZB5V-hvH7wJIFIrvvYIxqtMDU1Np3B11npLR_Z9JF-Flz44wPkgRRmJOX5A==&amp;c=2vpXRQCuIcAXelNp64SmKqjHf9r8oupXOfokZtru-WDc_4LcyOQLvA==&amp;ch=nMQbkuqr6ai2-caszdHeORO6Odh7FczTjOB66MvbppHuYNlrLFamsQ==" target="_blank">purchased online</a>&nbsp;or at the box office.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gJP2QblqLA0?si=3kugQ8C0HF-jqMzg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Bradley Cooper surprised many with his assured, unabashedly emotional but just-this-side-of-melodramatic remake of a venerable tragic romance, A Star Is Born. His follow-up cements his enormous talent both helming the film and starring, but the ambitious scope and complexity of the material is amped up to 11 in this fascinating portrait of composer Leonard Bernstein.&nbsp;Complexity is crucial because the story of Bernstein’s 27-year marriage to Felicia Montealegre is easy to reduce to glib analysis: “famous closeted gay man hides his sexuality in the mid-20th century by marrying a devoted woman willing to settle for a sham relationship.” That doesn’t tell the whole story, and it dehumanizes two&nbsp;very fascinating individuals. Cooper and co-scenarist Josh Singer take the relationship seriously, showing its real challenges, setbacks, and moments of honest romance. Yes, Leonard and Felicia loved each other—in a complicated way that’s exceptionally portrayed by Cooper and co-star Carey Mulligan. Just as A Star Is Born&nbsp;depended on the film’s balancing its focus on both partners, Maestro is not a biopic where the “great man” is occasionally seen through the eyes of his less significant spouse; here, Leonard and Felicia are equally important even though it’s Bernstein’s wondrous music that propels the film, whether it’s music from West Side Story&nbsp;or (in a great scene) Mahler’s “Resurrection” which Bernstein triumphantly conducts with the London Symphony Orchestra.&nbsp;Leonard’s boundless creative energy is beguiling, but Felicia’s more grounded, pragmatic, and worldly-wise personality provide a great counterpoint, especially when Leonard’s philandering gets out of control. There’s no shortage of chemistry between Cooper and Mulligan, each holding their own and commanding the screen. The use of gorgeous black-and-white cinematography, transitioning to color in the later decades not only offers an evocative sense of history but reminds us of an era when movie actors were truly stars. That era is still with us, and the dynamic central performances illuminate every frame of this modern-day masterpiece. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rated R for profanity and some drug use. | 2h 9mStarring: Bradley Cooper and Carey MulliganDirector: Bradley CooperFilm descriptions are written by friend and cinema supporter, Dave Cooper.MaestroNow Playing&nbsp;December 15 - December 20, 22 &amp; 23———Friday |&nbsp;6 PMSaturday-Sunday |&nbsp;2 PM&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;6 PMMonday-Wednesday |&nbsp;6 PMTickets$12 General Admission$10 Students &amp; Seniors$8 SAC MembersFriday Late Night showing&nbsp;@ 8:30 PM: all tickets only $8

Salina Art Center Cinema presents, ‘Maestro’ 

Enjoy&nbsp;a cherished tradition featuring&nbsp;festive&nbsp;music&nbsp;of the season&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Salina Symphony&nbsp;Christmas Festival&nbsp;Sat.,&nbsp;Dec.&nbsp;9,&nbsp;at 7&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;or&nbsp;Sun.,&nbsp;Dec.&nbsp;10,&nbsp;at 4&nbsp;p.m. at the&nbsp;Stiefel&nbsp;Theatre.&nbsp;

Get in the&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;spirit&nbsp;with&nbsp;performances&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;SalinaSymphony,&nbsp;Theatre Salina’s&nbsp;Iron Street&nbsp;Dance Company,&nbsp;Tamara Howe School of Dance,&nbsp;Salina Chorale,&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale&nbsp;and&nbsp;Salina Youth Choir. The beloved&nbsp;concert will end with a&nbsp;special early visit&nbsp;from SantaClaus!

Tickets&nbsp;may be purchased at the Stiefel&nbsp;Theatre Box&nbsp;Office,by calling 785-827-1998&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org/">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;Tickets start at $35 with&nbsp;$25&nbsp;pricing&nbsp;for&nbsp;students/children.&nbsp;

The Salina Symphony is&nbsp;dedicated to enriching lives&nbsp;through artistic music performance and education.&nbsp;For more information,&nbsp;contact Adrienne Allen at (785) 823-8309 or&nbsp;visit salinasymphony.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961815913.png" alt="Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;Enjoy&nbsp;a cherished tradition featuring&nbsp;festive&nbsp;music&nbsp;of the season&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Salina Symphony&nbsp;Christmas Festival&nbsp;Sat.,&nbsp;Dec.&nbsp;9,&nbsp;at 7&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;or&nbsp;Sun.,&nbsp;Dec.&nbsp;10,&nbsp;at 4&nbsp;p.m. at the&nbsp;Stiefel&nbsp;Theatre.&nbsp;Get in the&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;spirit&nbsp;with&nbsp;performances&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;SalinaSymphony,&nbsp;Theatre Salina’s&nbsp;Iron Street&nbsp;Dance Company,&nbsp;Tamara Howe School of Dance,&nbsp;Salina Chorale,&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale&nbsp;and&nbsp;Salina Youth Choir. The beloved&nbsp;concert will end with a&nbsp;special early visit&nbsp;from SantaClaus!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700055047390.jpeg" alt="Salina Symphony Christmas Festival" />
 <figcaption>Salina Symphony Christmas Festival</figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sale Now!Tickets&nbsp;may be purchased at the Stiefel&nbsp;Theatre Box&nbsp;Office,by calling 785-827-1998&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org/">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;Tickets start at $35 with&nbsp;$25&nbsp;pricing&nbsp;for&nbsp;students/children.&nbsp;The Salina Symphony is&nbsp;dedicated to enriching lives&nbsp;through artistic music performance and education.&nbsp;For more information,&nbsp;contact Adrienne Allen at (785) 823-8309 or&nbsp;visit salinasymphony.org.

Salina Symphony to present Christmas Festival Concert Dec. 9-10

JRI Hospitality, led by Jason and Lisa Ingermanson, has pledged $75,000 to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGXzyUh9JmtyVa2HnlHJxRhu_xoHzuMrD9IAu63Ff8JoAilzkrPHQsg8GSu4_U12MtOEczJ4xlr4SvQuRTDO8e9xtmls1ups-E3F_Wry4p7l&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center</a>&nbsp;to support the development of a culinary&nbsp;arts kitchen as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGD61eRIboWsd4vh95cBgdP8qUPf7LsZYaMuWFWbn97V9xkLhjakjt5_kewpyB3S3RZGMSqzDApeJGBah2JJkcB81HykBcT5Cp7wOSVK2FIN&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">Building Creatively capital campaign</a>.

The kitchen design by JGR Architects is part of the public gallery currently under construction at&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center. This gallery space provides the opportunity to explore&nbsp;art&nbsp;through exhibitions and&nbsp;ARTery maker space. Additionally, the design allows the&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;to build new revenue streams as a rental space for small events downtown, educational workshops, culinary&nbsp;arts programming, and special&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;events, including exhibition openings and fundraisers.

Building Creatively aligned perfectly with JRI’s commitment to youth and the community through hands-on experiences and unique educational opportunities with cooking, sustainable farming, and using food to unite people.

Like JRI’s vision, the&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;has used food experiences for decades to explore cultural diversity and encourage community connections. When food is a work of&nbsp;art, it stimulates all our senses. Food is a part of us, reflecting our culture and traditions. Traditional cuisine is passed down from one generation to the next. Immigrants bring the food of their countries with them wherever they go, and cooking traditional food is a way of preserving their culture when they move to new places.

“We are honored to contribute to the&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;and help foster the interest of both&nbsp;art&nbsp;and food in our community,” says Jason Ingermanson, founder and CEO of JRI Hospitality. “We are committed equally to our community and to creating memorable experiences through food.”

The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;has worked with Blue Skye Brewery to host Indian-themed dinners. It has brought in private chefs to host dinners that inspire deep conversations on topics of significance. They’ve hosted programming on fermentation, garden-to-table salads, and other sustainable food-based workshops. The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;provided educational lectures on tea ceremonies, exploring how food is a significant part of culture. Most of these opportunities were part of exhibitions and visiting&nbsp;artists programs. Investing in a culinary&nbsp;arts program is building on the success of past programming while looking at future opportunities for expanded programming.

Misty Serene, executive director for&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center, believes a culinary&nbsp;arts program is an important step into the future. “I dream of hosting a farm-to-table after-school program where kids learn about growing and cooking food. I see us partnering with organizations like USD 305, the&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Public Library,&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Emergency Aid Food Bank and local chefs – the possibilities are endless, and it couldn’t happen without all the amazing donors like the Ingermansons who believe in our vision.”

Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;donors are investing $1.3 million in external and internal renovations and infrastructure enhancements to improve accessibility, safety, visibility, and engagement by reimagining public spaces and elevating member and visitor experiences through technology, environmental amenities, and new programming.&nbsp;

Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;launched the Building Creatively capital campaign on May 25, 2022, and has secured 77% of the needed funds through private donations. An initial goal of $1M was reached, but costs associated with the project skyrocketed between 2022 and today. An additional $300,000 is required to bring the project to completion, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGD61eRIboWs_zvrlzqCcjqBUWKJahanbHhs5WV_3CppTurVYGreWCp_ia3dmpQkZjRjDMr1n7VQ_3QyFhO4SX4PcG2-wiWLp3mTY2EEg_1GrvX8sWSkV1I=&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">donations are welcome.</a>

The&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center, Inc. is a nonprofit, non-collecting contemporary&nbsp;art&nbsp;and education&nbsp;center&nbsp;incorporated in 1978 in&nbsp;Salina, Kansas, and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1991. The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center's mission is "to create exchanges among&nbsp;art,&nbsp;artists, and audiences that reveal life." 

Programming is connected to a schedule of contemporary visual&nbsp;art&nbsp;exhibitions, including exhibitions of film. Exhibitions serve as a catalyst for generating conversations around ideas and issues relevant to personal and community development. The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;carries out its mission through visiting&nbsp;artists, education, exhibitions, film and video, and outreach programs designed to provide community members with meaningful experiences through active encounters with viewing and making visual&nbsp;art.

Founded in 2011, JRI Hospitality owns and operates more than 80 restaurants in 15 states including Freddy’s Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers, Mokas Café, The Original Grande, Chompie’s Restaurants, Ingermanson Farms and&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Country Club. The company’s focus on quality and hospitality is helping fuel the demand for its brands. In response, JRI is projected to expand its reach with 20 projects per year in the coming years. For more:&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGD61eRIboWsdkSX8yPiv4QZNNq1KOCEhpzpq9VhB-7AkyE3Ku8tkVeMrwgBPP7Uyor8KLjPz-oXx9PUlBcj_sI=&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">www.jriusa.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701965064547.jpeg" alt="(From left) Misty Serene accepts a gift from Jason &amp; Lisa Ingermanson, JRI Hospitality. Image Courtesy Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>(From left) Misty Serene accepts a gift from Jason &amp; Lisa Ingermanson, JRI Hospitality. Image Courtesy Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedJRI Hospitality, led by Jason and Lisa Ingermanson, has pledged $75,000 to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGXzyUh9JmtyVa2HnlHJxRhu_xoHzuMrD9IAu63Ff8JoAilzkrPHQsg8GSu4_U12MtOEczJ4xlr4SvQuRTDO8e9xtmls1ups-E3F_Wry4p7l&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center</a>&nbsp;to support the development of a culinary&nbsp;arts kitchen as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGD61eRIboWsd4vh95cBgdP8qUPf7LsZYaMuWFWbn97V9xkLhjakjt5_kewpyB3S3RZGMSqzDApeJGBah2JJkcB81HykBcT5Cp7wOSVK2FIN&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">Building Creatively capital campaign</a>.The kitchen design by JGR Architects is part of the public gallery currently under construction at&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center. This gallery space provides the opportunity to explore&nbsp;art&nbsp;through exhibitions and&nbsp;ARTery maker space. Additionally, the design allows the&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;to build new revenue streams as a rental space for small events downtown, educational workshops, culinary&nbsp;arts programming, and special&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;events, including exhibition openings and fundraisers.Building Creatively aligned perfectly with JRI’s commitment to youth and the community through hands-on experiences and unique educational opportunities with cooking, sustainable farming, and using food to unite people.Like JRI’s vision, the&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;has used food experiences for decades to explore cultural diversity and encourage community connections. When food is a work of&nbsp;art, it stimulates all our senses. Food is a part of us, reflecting our culture and traditions. Traditional cuisine is passed down from one generation to the next. Immigrants bring the food of their countries with them wherever they go, and cooking traditional food is a way of preserving their culture when they move to new places.“We are honored to contribute to the&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;and help foster the interest of both&nbsp;art&nbsp;and food in our community,” says Jason Ingermanson, founder and CEO of JRI Hospitality. “We are committed equally to our community and to creating memorable experiences through food.”The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;has worked with Blue Skye Brewery to host Indian-themed dinners. It has brought in private chefs to host dinners that inspire deep conversations on topics of significance. They’ve hosted programming on fermentation, garden-to-table salads, and other sustainable food-based workshops. The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;provided educational lectures on tea ceremonies, exploring how food is a significant part of culture. Most of these opportunities were part of exhibitions and visiting&nbsp;artists programs. Investing in a culinary&nbsp;arts program is building on the success of past programming while looking at future opportunities for expanded programming.Misty Serene, executive director for&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center, believes a culinary&nbsp;arts program is an important step into the future. “I dream of hosting a farm-to-table after-school program where kids learn about growing and cooking food. I see us partnering with organizations like USD 305, the&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Public Library,&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Emergency Aid Food Bank and local chefs – the possibilities are endless, and it couldn’t happen without all the amazing donors like the Ingermansons who believe in our vision.”<h2>Building Creatively</h2>Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;donors are investing $1.3 million in external and internal renovations and infrastructure enhancements to improve accessibility, safety, visibility, and engagement by reimagining public spaces and elevating member and visitor experiences through technology, environmental amenities, and new programming.&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;launched the Building Creatively capital campaign on May 25, 2022, and has secured 77% of the needed funds through private donations. An initial goal of $1M was reached, but costs associated with the project skyrocketed between 2022 and today. An additional $300,000 is required to bring the project to completion, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGD61eRIboWs_zvrlzqCcjqBUWKJahanbHhs5WV_3CppTurVYGreWCp_ia3dmpQkZjRjDMr1n7VQ_3QyFhO4SX4PcG2-wiWLp3mTY2EEg_1GrvX8sWSkV1I=&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">donations are welcome.</a>The&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center, Inc. is a nonprofit, non-collecting contemporary&nbsp;art&nbsp;and education&nbsp;center&nbsp;incorporated in 1978 in&nbsp;Salina, Kansas, and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1991. The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center's mission is "to create exchanges among&nbsp;art,&nbsp;artists, and audiences that reveal life." Programming is connected to a schedule of contemporary visual&nbsp;art&nbsp;exhibitions, including exhibitions of film. Exhibitions serve as a catalyst for generating conversations around ideas and issues relevant to personal and community development. The&nbsp;Art&nbsp;Center&nbsp;carries out its mission through visiting&nbsp;artists, education, exhibitions, film and video, and outreach programs designed to provide community members with meaningful experiences through active encounters with viewing and making visual&nbsp;art.<h2>More about JRI Hospitality</h2>Founded in 2011, JRI Hospitality owns and operates more than 80 restaurants in 15 states including Freddy’s Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers, Mokas Café, The Original Grande, Chompie’s Restaurants, Ingermanson Farms and&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Country Club. The company’s focus on quality and hospitality is helping fuel the demand for its brands. In response, JRI is projected to expand its reach with 20 projects per year in the coming years. For more:&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qvIZQVKsR97I2DJxN2nZ1syg910dcRiXPWgcH3epvXF2cOe1NyuqeGD61eRIboWsdkSX8yPiv4QZNNq1KOCEhpzpq9VhB-7AkyE3Ku8tkVeMrwgBPP7Uyor8KLjPz-oXx9PUlBcj_sI=&amp;c=6QIh_2Nqz0CmV4uVB21mVEvavHGGe-b3eHjHv-2503oQsD0DXd6uDA==&amp;ch=ItSBJI4E-cR2K8oYFGNZv6uLyV1c_nKzklSJZDsz-f8J-Zr5JO-NMA==" target="_blank">www.jriusa.com.</a>

JRI Hospitality pledges funds to Salina Art Center

The Central High School Theatre production of Noises Off by Michael Frayn has been selected as a mainstage production at the 2024 Kansas Thespian Festival that takes place in January in Wichita at Century II Convention Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701962997915.png" alt="Image Courtesy Matea Gregg, For Greater Glory Photography" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Matea Gregg, For Greater Glory Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Central High School Theatre production of Noises Off by Michael Frayn has been selected as a mainstage production at the 2024 Kansas Thespian Festival that takes place in January in Wichita at Century II Convention Center.Barbara Hilt, Central High School Theatre teacher and program director, said this is a high honor since there are only five productions state-wide that are selected to perform. Members of Thespian Troupe 639 will travel to the festival on January 3rd to reconstruct their two-story set in the Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II and perform on January 4th for a packed house of other theatre students and teachers from around the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701963093960.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Matea Gregg, For Greater Glory Photography" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Matea Gregg, For Greater Glory Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Thespian Festival will be attended by over 1,700 students, teachers, and college representatives this year and will be one of the largest festivals to date. The production is directed by Hilt, and program director who is assisted by Bill Weaver, Central High School Technical Director.Adjudication was held by Kansas Thespians utilizing a judging panel in order to determine which shows would be selected for the mainstage and out of all the schools who submitted their productions for adjudication, Central High School was selected as one of the five productions that will have a chance to perform at the festival in January.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701963120340.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Matea Gregg, For Greater Glory Photography" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Matea Gregg, For Greater Glory Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>Mustangs Central Theatre will be performing an encore performance of their production on December 29 at 7:00 p.m. patrons can come and watch their production as they prepare for the state festival and they will be accepting any donations towards their trip to help offset the cost of transporting their set and paying for meals and hotel expenses at state for the load-in day of the production. <a href="https://www.onthestage.tickets/salina-central-high-school/donate">Anyone wishing to contribute can give free-will donations at their encore performances or visit their website in order to make a donation.</a>