By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

This Saturday, a familiar local band invited the public to participate in the music video for its newest hit, "Two Beers," which will be released this Friday.

Sunset Sinners plans to overtake The Well Lake beach spot at 2095 Water Well Road southeast of town with a production crew from Nashville alongside dozens of Salina citizens.

"The guys have a brand new song called 'Two Beers,' and it's coming out everywhere Friday, June 7," said Jesse Atwell, the Sunset Sinners' representative from Atwell Management. "As part of that celebration, they're kicking off a music video shoot on Saturday, June 8, in Salina, and it's open to the public completely free."

Atwell said that the event is for participants 21 years or older since Anheuser Busch sponsored the event.

"There will be beer available, but we're flying in a production crew from Nashville to shoot the video, and we just want as many Salina and Kansas-area folks invited and available to be in the shoot," Atwell said.

Stereophonic Films will be the Nashville-based production company shooting the music video.

Sunset Sinners set off away from Salina earlier this year, traveling to Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, to record their new material and to Texarkana, Texas, in April for the Sunset Solarbration Festival.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c15e4d1d-90ea-4b39-a33a-4fb7dd7ea70b">The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'</a>

The Sunset Sinners "Two Beers" Music Video Party will begin at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Well Lake beach area. 

"Kickoff time is 3 p.m., but that's when we'll probably start rolling," Atwell said. "So if people would start showing up a little before, that would probably be best."

Atwell said the event is free to the public — the only requirements include bringing flip-flops, sunscreen, beach towels and being 21 or older. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717507318594.jpeg" alt="Sunset Sinners. Image courtesy Jesse Atwell" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Sinners. Image courtesy Jesse Atwell</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThis Saturday, a familiar local band invited the public to participate in the music video for its newest hit, "Two Beers," which will be released this Friday.Sunset Sinners plans to overtake The Well Lake beach spot at 2095 Water Well Road southeast of town with a production crew from Nashville alongside dozens of Salina citizens.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d4548.491442761517!2d-97.58156092310071!3d38.772109154085406!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc7bab518153b%3A0xd99fbfe97577ed3a!2s2095%20E%20Water%20Well%20Rd%2C%20Salina%2C%20KS%2067401!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1717447605069!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>"The guys have a brand new song called 'Two Beers,' and it's coming out everywhere Friday, June 7," said Jesse Atwell, the Sunset Sinners' representative from Atwell Management. "As part of that celebration, they're kicking off a music video shoot on Saturday, June 8, in Salina, and it's open to the public completely free."Atwell said that the event is for participants 21 years or older since Anheuser Busch sponsored the event."There will be beer available, but we're flying in a production crew from Nashville to shoot the video, and we just want as many Salina and Kansas-area folks invited and available to be in the shoot," Atwell said.Stereophonic Films will be the Nashville-based production company shooting the music video.Sunset Sinners set off away from Salina earlier this year, traveling to Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, to record their new material and to Texarkana, Texas, in April for the Sunset Solarbration Festival.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c15e4d1d-90ea-4b39-a33a-4fb7dd7ea70b">The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'</a>The Sunset Sinners "Two Beers" Music Video Party will begin at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Well Lake beach area. "Kickoff time is 3 p.m., but that's when we'll probably start rolling," Atwell said. "So if people would start showing up a little before, that would probably be best."Atwell said the event is free to the public — the only requirements include bringing flip-flops, sunscreen, beach towels and being 21 or older.

Sunset Sinners invites public to participate in new song 'Two Beers' music video

Once caution faded from the cold call, Vivette Ashen-Brenner let loose with a soliloquy of proud moments in her short career as a dancer, followed by 49-plus years as a dance instructor — her true calling.

Happiness flowed from the heart as Miss V fast-forwarded through a half century of dance in Salina.

Trickling tears were sensed as a sweet voice cracked over the phone while she weaved her wonderful life into a special story.

“My heart’s always been with the little kids,” said Vivette, who doubled for decades as a substitute school teacher.

In the closely knit Salina dance community, there’s little need to include her hyphenated last name.

“There are wonderful memories. It’s all been about the joy of dance, the love and design of it, the service, the children being so happy, and the look on their faces,” Vivette said. “That’s what it’s all been about.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mixed into her blessed life is a more private role as wife and partner to Sid Ashen-Brenner, a retired locksmith from the maintenance department at Salina Regional Health Center, mother to Lisette Ashen-Brenner, of Lenexa, and several “bonus daughters.”

Vivette calls herself Salina’s “grandmother of dance,” as founder of Vivette’s Dance Studio, currently at The Temple, 336 S. Santa Fe, one of five dance schools in town.

But after Sunday’s dance recital on the third floor of The Temple, the 4-foot, 8-inch dynamo announced her retirement, less than a month from her 72nd birthday.

“My family needs me at home,” she said. “Otherwise, I’d keep it going.”

When she learned of Vivette’s decision, Tamara Howe, owner and director of the Tamara Howe School of Dance, 124 S.Santa Fe, rallied the dance community to give the senior leader a proper sendoff.

“I think anyone who’s been in business for 49 years should be celebrated for the contributions she made to our community. That’s a long time to be enriching children’s lives,” said Howe, who moved to Salina with her husband, Steven Howe, 17 years ago.

“I worked with Peggy Simms and Vivette and enjoyed my time with them both,” Tamara Howe said. “When Peggy retired, she wanted a place for her students to go, and asked me to open a school. Vivette has impacted hundreds of lives through her teaching.”

She’s been devoted to dance since enrolling in a class at age 4, while growing up in Champaign, IL .

“I was a firefly in my very first recital,” Vivette recalled. “That was wonderful being on stage.”

Her goal is the same experience for every class member, serving as a springboard for all, no matter their pursuits in life.

Some went on to make careers of dance, but regardless of where they ended up, all were equipped with some priceless tools.

“You just feel so proud that they have become successful persons, that they took whatever lessons we taught them and used them in their life,” Vivette said. “If you can get on stage, do your dance, and smile, you can do anything in life. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, or anything you want to be, because you’ve already done the hard stuff, managed the scary. You’ve had to overcome fear and be confident.”

That recipe works for the preschoolers — Vivette’s favorite age group — into adulthood.

LaRana Skalicky can attest. The former Vivette student got a late start in the business, but shares her mentor’s devotion. She’s the executive director and a member of Denver-based Kim Robards Dance, meaning she still performs throughout Colorado, nationally and internationally, including New York City’s Lincoln Center.&nbsp;

“Vivette’s love for dance was always evident. When she was teaching someone, you could just tell it was her passion,” Skalicky said. “She had a great ability to teach in a way to make everybody feel they could be a success.”

Growing up in Salina, Skalicky first focused on music and played the cello. Her first dance class was at 18, late in her years at Salina Central High School, and there was one month to prepare for her debut performance.

“I’m talking four weeks of dance classes — period — and I was concerned,” she said. “I really had no idea what I was doing. I was just trying to figure it out at the moment.”

“She said, ‘Don’t worry. Just fake it until you make it,’ ” Skalicky recalled.

Skalicky completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree and a minor in philosophy from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, landed a job with Kim Robards Dance, and is in her 35th year of performing, teaching and touring.

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It all began in the basement of Vivette’s home.

Dance is life for Skalicky, 58. Her dog is named “Pique,” which is a ballet dance term that means “stepping directly on the&nbsp;pointe&nbsp;of the working foot in any desired direction with the other foot raised in the air,” according to&nbsp;<a href="http://lbcc.edu/" target="_blank">lbcc.edu</a>&nbsp;(Long Beach City College website).

Vivette teaches ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, bollywood, and belly dance.

“I’m the last of the belly dance teachers in Salina, unless somebody new pops up,” she said.

The daughter of Loren Pullum, a bank vice president, and Genevieve Pullum, “a French war bride,” Vivette grew up in Illinois, moved to Missouri, then Omaha.

Her foray into the arts was as a violinist.

“I played it very badly. I couldn’t reach an octave. My hands were too small,” Vivette said.

Size was a hindrance as a dancer as well.

“I took a summer class in Utah. They looked at me and said ‘You shouldn’t be here,’ because I was too short to be a ballerina. At that time, short male dancers were put into tap dancing,” she said. “Frankly, I wasn’t that good and my heart’s always been in teaching. I didn’t have star quality, but I could find it in others.”

She completed a degree in elementary education and performing arts from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and began teaching as Crescent, Iowa, “a town with three bars, two gas stations and a school.”

Vivette moved to Salina in 1975 and began working at the YWCA as program director.

“I was in charge of anything that didn’t involve a ball or a swimming pool,” she said.

Whenever an opportunity arose to teach, the vivacious Vivette volunteered and became very busy.

“I started teaching tap, then ballet. Our first recital was at Coronado (Elementary) School in May of 1976. In addition to being program director, I taught all the dance classes for several years.”

Vivette began also teaching dance in the basement of her home, starting in 1978, and eventually launched her own studio full-time.

“I kinda outgrew my basement, and moved to Ninth and Crawford,” she said. “I kept thinking ‘I have to expand.’ There was a little chiropractor building right around the corner from my house.”

There was no vacancy because martial arts was being taught in part of the structure.

“I stopped and asked ‘When the martial arts goes belly up, will you rent it to me?’ And they said, ‘Why would you think it will?’ ” Vivette said. “Two months later, they called and asked if I wanted to rent the building.”

It was home to her studio for 10 years, and then Vivette built a building on Armory Road.

“I sold it three years ago when I needed to downsize. The building&nbsp;brought joy to people, and now it’s continuing to do that by helping people put their lives back together,” Vivette said.

She rented space in The Temple and relocated the studio there, where her students range from preschool-elementary to a class of three seasoned alumni.

“It’s kind of a social time, for exercise,” Vivette said.

At Vivette’s Dance Studio, no matter the size, shape or future, pupils learn that “Every dancer is a star.”

Her age groups are aptly named — Starlets, ages 3 to 4; Sparklers, 5 to 6; Comets, 7 to 9; Meteors, 9 to 10; and Constellation, 10 to 13.

“What can I say? When I pick a theme, I stick to it,” Vivette said.

Every group is special for a specific reason, she said, such as the Meteors class of Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennedy Sheffield.

“These girls come every week properly dressed and ready to work, and yet can be so giggly and silly,” Vivette said.

She often branches out at The Temple in downtown Salina, and pitches in to prepare for other events.

“Vivette’s just been so good to us,” said Mary Landes, executive director of the nonprofit Salina Innovation Foundation, where entrepreneurs get a hand up starting new businesses.

“Everyone else is a startup,” Landes said. “Vivette calls herself a ‘wind down.’ ”

The dance studio’s mirrors and wooden ballet barres will be donated and the foundation will look to repurpose the space.

The little lady is credited for helping Salina’s dance community grow and improve, while enhancing many aspects of the town.

“Vivette has always been very welcoming and kind. She’s an encourager of collaboration and support, and always a welcoming face in the dance community,” Tamara Howe said. “She’s done a lot over the years, and I would hate for Vivette to end quietly and not know what an impact she made with the community and all the students she taught.”

One of the more challenging times in her career came towards the end, when the COVID pandemic changed life as most knew it.

“The kids didn’t go anywhere after COVID. There was no Bible study, no story, time. The COVID kids were very, very different. They struggled,” Vivette said. “One little girl’s mom was right beside her, and within a few weeks, she could be close by, then on the edge of the stage. Two years later, mom was in the audience. I think coming to dance was scary.”

Memories are golden to Vivette, harkening back to so many visits to nursing homes during the Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day seasons, also just before recitals. She relished joy on the faces of residents.

“The ladies were just so happy to have us there. Once at Holiday Resort while the students were shaking hands with everybody, they told me a man began to talk, who hadn’t spoken in years. Something connected,” Vivette said. “I told the children, (residents) are going to hold your hand, and they might not let go. Dance is a performing art. It’s a way of touching hearts. It is a way for that quiet little kid to get a moment to shine. So many people walk up to me and say ‘My daughter loves dancing.’ ”

“I kept seeing this guy who was in karate class, a teenager. He was doing everything I was doing while I was teaching my kids, copying our exercises,” she said. “I said ‘come on in here,’ and I started working with him. I soon realized I didn’t know enough to teach someone with his raw talent.”

His name was Brian Bender. Vivette asked her teacher from Creighton University, Valerie Roche, to evaluate Brian, and came to the same conclusion.

“She had no funds for a scholarship, but gave him a place to live in the basement of the studio, and the ability to audit all classes,” Vivette said.

Brian studied there and went on to perform with the Royal Canadian Ballet of Winnipeg, and later opened a training studio in Colorado. Bender, who recently died, would occasionally come home to Salina to visit family, and taught master classes for Vivette.

To this day, she is proud that Bender’s mimicry took place “at the right place and the right time,” and helped influence a career.

“Brian wouldn’t have realized his talent and passion and would not have achieved that part of his life,” she said. “I feel very fortunate that I was able to start him on his path. He went on to train a lot of dancers.”

Remembering those days with so many youngsters, provides enduring pride.&nbsp;

“I’ve touched a lot of lives in many ways,” Vivette said. “They didn’t all go on to be famous dancers, but they all went on to be wonderful people.”

About Vivette’s married name. As told by her husband, Sid: Either during World War I or as a result of it, his ancestors opted to change the spelling of the family name “to make it appear less German,” Vivette said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717422656205.jpeg" alt="Vivette poses with her Sparklers dance class after a recent rehearsal. Left to right are Aspen Keck, Charleigh Simpson, Miss V, Adalynn Long, and Lilly Holloway. All of these students are age 6. Photo by Tim Unruh" />
 <figcaption>Vivette poses with her Sparklers dance class after a recent rehearsal. Left to right are Aspen Keck, Charleigh Simpson, Miss V, Adalynn Long, and Lilly Holloway. All of these students are age 6. Photo by Tim Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM UNRUHOnce caution faded from the cold call, Vivette Ashen-Brenner let loose with a soliloquy of proud moments in her short career as a dancer, followed by 49-plus years as a dance instructor — her true calling.Happiness flowed from the heart as Miss V fast-forwarded through a half century of dance in Salina.Trickling tears were sensed as a sweet voice cracked over the phone while she weaved her wonderful life into a special story.“My heart’s always been with the little kids,” said Vivette, who doubled for decades as a substitute school teacher.In the closely knit Salina dance community, there’s little need to include her hyphenated last name.“There are wonderful memories. It’s all been about the joy of dance, the love and design of it, the service, the children being so happy, and the look on their faces,” Vivette said. “That’s what it’s all been about.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Mixed into her blessed life is a more private role as wife and partner to Sid Ashen-Brenner, a retired locksmith from the maintenance department at Salina Regional Health Center, mother to Lisette Ashen-Brenner, of Lenexa, and several “bonus daughters.”Vivette calls herself Salina’s “grandmother of dance,” as founder of Vivette’s Dance Studio, currently at The Temple, 336 S. Santa Fe, one of five dance schools in town.But after Sunday’s dance recital on the third floor of The Temple, the 4-foot, 8-inch dynamo announced her retirement, less than a month from her 72nd birthday.“My family needs me at home,” she said. “Otherwise, I’d keep it going.”When she learned of Vivette’s decision, Tamara Howe, owner and director of the Tamara Howe School of Dance, 124 S.Santa Fe, rallied the dance community to give the senior leader a proper sendoff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717422691656.jpeg" alt="Vivette’s Meteors dance class lines up “ready to work” along the ballet barres at her dance studio. Members are Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennadi Sheffield, all of Salina. Photo courtesy of Vivette Ashen-Brenner" />
 <figcaption>Vivette’s Meteors dance class lines up “ready to work” along the ballet barres at her dance studio. Members are Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennadi Sheffield, all of Salina. Photo courtesy of Vivette Ashen-Brenner</figcaption>
 </figure>“I think anyone who’s been in business for 49 years should be celebrated for the contributions she made to our community. That’s a long time to be enriching children’s lives,” said Howe, who moved to Salina with her husband, Steven Howe, 17 years ago.“I worked with Peggy Simms and Vivette and enjoyed my time with them both,” Tamara Howe said. “When Peggy retired, she wanted a place for her students to go, and asked me to open a school. Vivette has impacted hundreds of lives through her teaching.”She’s been devoted to dance since enrolling in a class at age 4, while growing up in Champaign, IL .“I was a firefly in my very first recital,” Vivette recalled. “That was wonderful being on stage.”Her goal is the same experience for every class member, serving as a springboard for all, no matter their pursuits in life.Some went on to make careers of dance, but regardless of where they ended up, all were equipped with some priceless tools.“You just feel so proud that they have become successful persons, that they took whatever lessons we taught them and used them in their life,” Vivette said. “If you can get on stage, do your dance, and smile, you can do anything in life. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, or anything you want to be, because you’ve already done the hard stuff, managed the scary. You’ve had to overcome fear and be confident.”That recipe works for the preschoolers — Vivette’s favorite age group — into adulthood.LaRana Skalicky can attest. The former Vivette student got a late start in the business, but shares her mentor’s devotion. She’s the executive director and a member of Denver-based Kim Robards Dance, meaning she still performs throughout Colorado, nationally and internationally, including New York City’s Lincoln Center.&nbsp;“Vivette’s love for dance was always evident. When she was teaching someone, you could just tell it was her passion,” Skalicky said. “She had a great ability to teach in a way to make everybody feel they could be a success.”Growing up in Salina, Skalicky first focused on music and played the cello. Her first dance class was at 18, late in her years at Salina Central High School, and there was one month to prepare for her debut performance.“I’m talking four weeks of dance classes — period — and I was concerned,” she said. “I really had no idea what I was doing. I was just trying to figure it out at the moment.”Vivette added some sage advice.“She said, ‘Don’t worry. Just fake it until you make it,’ ” Skalicky recalled.And she made it.Skalicky completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree and a minor in philosophy from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, landed a job with Kim Robards Dance, and is in her 35th year of performing, teaching and touring.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/97b89f6d-3517-4599-beca-4694d960bb10">&nbsp;1 Vision Aviation Salina Leases Hangar H626</a><h2>Humble beginnings of a dance legacy</h2>It all began in the basement of Vivette’s home.Dance is life for Skalicky, 58. Her dog is named “Pique,” which is a ballet dance term that means “stepping directly on the&nbsp;pointe&nbsp;of the working foot in any desired direction with the other foot raised in the air,” according to&nbsp;<a href="http://lbcc.edu/" target="_blank">lbcc.edu</a>&nbsp;(Long Beach City College website).Vivette teaches ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, bollywood, and belly dance.“I’m the last of the belly dance teachers in Salina, unless somebody new pops up,” she said.The daughter of Loren Pullum, a bank vice president, and Genevieve Pullum, “a French war bride,” Vivette grew up in Illinois, moved to Missouri, then Omaha.Her foray into the arts was as a violinist.“I played it very badly. I couldn’t reach an octave. My hands were too small,” Vivette said.Size was a hindrance as a dancer as well.“I took a summer class in Utah. They looked at me and said ‘You shouldn’t be here,’ because I was too short to be a ballerina. At that time, short male dancers were put into tap dancing,” she said. “Frankly, I wasn’t that good and my heart’s always been in teaching. I didn’t have star quality, but I could find it in others.”She completed a degree in elementary education and performing arts from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and began teaching as Crescent, Iowa, “a town with three bars, two gas stations and a school.”Vivette moved to Salina in 1975 and began working at the YWCA as program director.“I was in charge of anything that didn’t involve a ball or a swimming pool,” she said.Whenever an opportunity arose to teach, the vivacious Vivette volunteered and became very busy.“I started teaching tap, then ballet. Our first recital was at Coronado (Elementary) School in May of 1976. In addition to being program director, I taught all the dance classes for several years.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717422745171.jpeg" alt="As instructor Vivette Ashen-Brenner looks on, Charleigh Simpson works on a dance move. Photo by Tim Unruh" />
 <figcaption>As instructor Vivette Ashen-Brenner looks on, Charleigh Simpson works on a dance move. Photo by Tim Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>Vivette began also teaching dance in the basement of her home, starting in 1978, and eventually launched her own studio full-time.“I kinda outgrew my basement, and moved to Ninth and Crawford,” she said. “I kept thinking ‘I have to expand.’ There was a little chiropractor building right around the corner from my house.”There was no vacancy because martial arts was being taught in part of the structure.“I stopped and asked ‘When the martial arts goes belly up, will you rent it to me?’ And they said, ‘Why would you think it will?’ ” Vivette said. “Two months later, they called and asked if I wanted to rent the building.”It was home to her studio for 10 years, and then Vivette built a building on Armory Road.“I sold it three years ago when I needed to downsize. The building&nbsp;brought joy to people, and now it’s continuing to do that by helping people put their lives back together,” Vivette said.She rented space in The Temple and relocated the studio there, where her students range from preschool-elementary to a class of three seasoned alumni.“It’s kind of a social time, for exercise,” Vivette said.At Vivette’s Dance Studio, no matter the size, shape or future, pupils learn that “Every dancer is a star.”Her age groups are aptly named — Starlets, ages 3 to 4; Sparklers, 5 to 6; Comets, 7 to 9; Meteors, 9 to 10; and Constellation, 10 to 13.“What can I say? When I pick a theme, I stick to it,” Vivette said.Every group is special for a specific reason, she said, such as the Meteors class of Gracie Wenger, Saya Sawyer, Imogen Eilts, Amara Keck, Ava Jones, and Kennedy Sheffield.“These girls come every week properly dressed and ready to work, and yet can be so giggly and silly,” Vivette said.She often branches out at The Temple in downtown Salina, and pitches in to prepare for other events.“Vivette’s just been so good to us,” said Mary Landes, executive director of the nonprofit Salina Innovation Foundation, where entrepreneurs get a hand up starting new businesses.“Everyone else is a startup,” Landes said. “Vivette calls herself a ‘wind down.’ ”The dance studio’s mirrors and wooden ballet barres will be donated and the foundation will look to repurpose the space.The little lady is credited for helping Salina’s dance community grow and improve, while enhancing many aspects of the town.“Vivette has always been very welcoming and kind. She’s an encourager of collaboration and support, and always a welcoming face in the dance community,” Tamara Howe said. “She’s done a lot over the years, and I would hate for Vivette to end quietly and not know what an impact she made with the community and all the students she taught.”One of the more challenging times in her career came towards the end, when the COVID pandemic changed life as most knew it.“The kids didn’t go anywhere after COVID. There was no Bible study, no story, time. The COVID kids were very, very different. They struggled,” Vivette said. “One little girl’s mom was right beside her, and within a few weeks, she could be close by, then on the edge of the stage. Two years later, mom was in the audience. I think coming to dance was scary.”Memories are golden to Vivette, harkening back to so many visits to nursing homes during the Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day seasons, also just before recitals. She relished joy on the faces of residents.“The ladies were just so happy to have us there. Once at Holiday Resort while the students were shaking hands with everybody, they told me a man began to talk, who hadn’t spoken in years. Something connected,” Vivette said. “I told the children, (residents) are going to hold your hand, and they might not let go. Dance is a performing art. It’s a way of touching hearts. It is a way for that quiet little kid to get a moment to shine. So many people walk up to me and say ‘My daughter loves dancing.’ ”There were many special times:<ul>
 <li>During difficult weeks while pregnant with Lisette, Vivette enlisted the skills of experienced students — Ellen Schwindt, now a composer, and the aforementioned LaRana Skalicky — to teach her classes, both in her basement and during an outreach program in Ellsworth.</li><li>Early on, while teaching at the Salina YWCA, Vivette caught a glimpse of someone in the hallway. </li>
 </ul>“I kept seeing this guy who was in karate class, a teenager. He was doing everything I was doing while I was teaching my kids, copying our exercises,” she said. “I said ‘come on in here,’ and I started working with him. I soon realized I didn’t know enough to teach someone with his raw talent.”His name was Brian Bender. Vivette asked her teacher from Creighton University, Valerie Roche, to evaluate Brian, and came to the same conclusion.“She had no funds for a scholarship, but gave him a place to live in the basement of the studio, and the ability to audit all classes,” Vivette said.Brian studied there and went on to perform with the Royal Canadian Ballet of Winnipeg, and later opened a training studio in Colorado. Bender, who recently died, would occasionally come home to Salina to visit family, and taught master classes for Vivette.To this day, she is proud that Bender’s mimicry took place “at the right place and the right time,” and helped influence a career.“Brian wouldn’t have realized his talent and passion and would not have achieved that part of his life,” she said. “I feel very fortunate that I was able to start him on his path. He went on to train a lot of dancers.”Remembering those days with so many youngsters, provides enduring pride.&nbsp;“I’ve touched a lot of lives in many ways,” Vivette said. “They didn’t all go on to be famous dancers, but they all went on to be wonderful people.”<h2>FACTOID:</h2>About Vivette’s married name. As told by her husband, Sid: Either during World War I or as a result of it, his ancestors opted to change the spelling of the family name “to make it appear less German,” Vivette said.

‘Every dancer is a star’ — Final curtain call for Salina dance icon

Abilene is preparing to welcome a captivating new exhibit to its cultural scene. The "See Kansas" exhibit will be showcased at the Abilene Public Library from June 1 to August 7.

"We are truly excited to be able to display the "See Kansas" exhibit in the Jordan Room at the library this summer," said Library Director Wendy Moulton. "Our 2024 Summer Reading theme for all ages is Adventure Begins at Your Library, and the travel poster-inspired art on display will encourage everyone to enjoy and explore our wonderful state and community."

Produced by Parks and Green Spaces&nbsp;Art Projects, the exhibit features the work of nine artists from across the state, celebrating iconic and historic Kansas landscapes. Among these is the latest addition, "See Abilene," highlighting many aspects that contribute to Abilene being recognized as the Best Historic Small Town.

"The "See Kansas" Art Project spotlights some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the state," says Mary Gage, director of the project. "Nine Kansas artists were challenged to channel the beloved style of the National Parks Posters of the 1930s and '40s and produce unique new images for Kansans of favorite Kansas places. We're looking forward to sharing the exhibit of the artwork, as well as the new "See Abilene" poster, created in a similar style, with the community of Abilene this summer."

Visitors are encouraged to attend a special sneak peek unveiling of the "See Abilene" at the Abilene Public Library on Thursday, May 30, at 4 p.m.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with the Abilene Public Library and Parks and Green Spaces to bring this series to our community," said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director. "The "See Kansas" series pieces are beautiful, and we're proud to add 'See Abilene' to its collection."

Copies of the "See Abilene" piece will be available for purchase at the Abilene Visitors Center.&nbsp;

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a4e3cd9-a93e-40de-ab9a-856ed8613326">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Jane Anderson, Update on Smoky Hill River Renewal Project funding</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717167092689.jpeg" alt="Mary Gage, the director of the "See Kansas" art project talks to the public about the new "See Kansas" exhibit for the summer program. Image courtesy Visit Abilene" />
 <figcaption>Mary Gage, the director of the "See Kansas" art project talks to the public about the new "See Kansas" exhibit for the summer program. Image courtesy Visit Abilene</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAbilene is preparing to welcome a captivating new exhibit to its cultural scene. The "See Kansas" exhibit will be showcased at the Abilene Public Library from June 1 to August 7."We are truly excited to be able to display the "See Kansas" exhibit in the Jordan Room at the library this summer," said Library Director Wendy Moulton. "Our 2024 Summer Reading theme for all ages is Adventure Begins at Your Library, and the travel poster-inspired art on display will encourage everyone to enjoy and explore our wonderful state and community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717167184423.jpeg" alt="The new "See Kansas" exhibit for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum's summer program. Image courtesy Visit Abilene" />
 <figcaption>The new "See Kansas" exhibit for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum's summer program. Image courtesy Visit Abilene</figcaption>
 </figure>Produced by Parks and Green Spaces&nbsp;Art Projects, the exhibit features the work of nine artists from across the state, celebrating iconic and historic Kansas landscapes. Among these is the latest addition, "See Abilene," highlighting many aspects that contribute to Abilene being recognized as the Best Historic Small Town."The "See Kansas" Art Project spotlights some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the state," says Mary Gage, director of the project. "Nine Kansas artists were challenged to channel the beloved style of the National Parks Posters of the 1930s and '40s and produce unique new images for Kansans of favorite Kansas places. We're looking forward to sharing the exhibit of the artwork, as well as the new "See Abilene" poster, created in a similar style, with the community of Abilene this summer."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717167260005.jpeg" alt="Mary Gage, the director of the "See Kansas" art project, talks to the public about the new "See Kansas" exhibit for the summer program. Image courtesy Visit Abilene" />
 <figcaption>Mary Gage, the director of the "See Kansas" art project, talks to the public about the new "See Kansas" exhibit for the summer program. Image courtesy Visit Abilene</figcaption>
 </figure>Visitors are encouraged to attend a special sneak peek unveiling of the "See Abilene" at the Abilene Public Library on Thursday, May 30, at 4 p.m."We are thrilled to collaborate with the Abilene Public Library and Parks and Green Spaces to bring this series to our community," said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director. "The "See Kansas" series pieces are beautiful, and we're proud to add 'See Abilene' to its collection."Copies of the "See Abilene" piece will be available for purchase at the Abilene Visitors Center.&nbsp;LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6a4e3cd9-a93e-40de-ab9a-856ed8613326">🎙King in the Community Podcast — Jane Anderson, Update on Smoky Hill River Renewal Project funding</a>

Discover Kansas through art — "See Kansas" Exhibit opens in Abilene

The Salina Symphony is tuning up for an unforgettable Symphony at Sunset D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration Concert on Saturday, June 1, on the<a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/"> grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene</a>.

Activities begin at 1 p.m. with hands-on history carts in the museum, food vendors, Mounted Color Guard Demonstrations, a flight simulator, and additional displays.

Performances by the Flint Hills Children’s Choir begin at 3 p.m., with Everyday Lights following at 5:30 p.m. and Fort Riley’s 1st Infantry Division Band taking the stage at 7 p.m. The Salina Symphony Concert, conducted by Music Director Yaniv Segal, will begin at 8:30 p.m. just as the sun begins to set.

Join us in honoring our veterans and celebrating the spirit of togetherness at this patriotic event. While admission is free, a donation to the Eisenhower Foundation will ensure the continuity of this beautiful concert for years to come.

Seating is not provided, so please bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Museum admission is complimentary for the entire day, offering you a chance to explore and to learn. Be sure to visit the D-Day Remembered—Photographs by Fabrice Bourge photo exhibition.

Join the Eisenhower Presidential Library June 4-6 to commemorate D-Day+80 with the World War II Emerging Scholars Symposium culminating in the Remembrance Ceremony and Veterans Panel on June 6. Visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov for the complete schedule.

The Symphony at Sunset Concert is generously sponsored by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Marshall Motors of Salina, and the Friends of the Eisenhower Foundation. Additional support is also provided by Kansas Gas Service and Vyve Broadband.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Clx1NoYr0uQ?si=s4uEdMbSsvlrka_X" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTThe Salina Symphony is tuning up for an unforgettable Symphony at Sunset D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration Concert on Saturday, June 1, on the<a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/"> grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene</a>.Activities begin at 1 p.m. with hands-on history carts in the museum, food vendors, Mounted Color Guard Demonstrations, a flight simulator, and additional displays.Performances by the Flint Hills Children’s Choir begin at 3 p.m., with Everyday Lights following at 5:30 p.m. and Fort Riley’s 1st Infantry Division Band taking the stage at 7 p.m. The Salina Symphony Concert, conducted by Music Director Yaniv Segal, will begin at 8:30 p.m. just as the sun begins to set.Join us in honoring our veterans and celebrating the spirit of togetherness at this patriotic event. While admission is free, a donation to the Eisenhower Foundation will ensure the continuity of this beautiful concert for years to come.Seating is not provided, so please bring your lawn chairs and blankets.Museum admission is complimentary for the entire day, offering you a chance to explore and to learn. Be sure to visit the D-Day Remembered—Photographs by Fabrice Bourge photo exhibition.Join the Eisenhower Presidential Library June 4-6 to commemorate D-Day+80 with the World War II Emerging Scholars Symposium culminating in the Remembrance Ceremony and Veterans Panel on June 6. Visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov for the complete schedule.The Symphony at Sunset Concert is generously sponsored by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Marshall Motors of Salina, and the Friends of the Eisenhower Foundation. Additional support is also provided by Kansas Gas Service and Vyve Broadband.

Salina Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert in Abilene

Join host Nate King on the King in the Community podcast as he talks with Sarah Keck, entertainment director for the 48th annual Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina, Kansas. Sarah shares a sneak peek of the music acts at the festival, including diverse genres and performers.

LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>

Sarah also discusses the collaborative effort in selecting artists and highlights returning favorites like Papa Green Shoes and new additions like Wilderness and Scott Mulvahill. Don't miss this celebration of music and community spirit at the 48th annual Smoky Hill River Festival June 13-16.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Sarah Keck, Smoky Hill River Festival Entertainment Director" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jv7te-161f8d7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTJoin host Nate King on the King in the Community podcast as he talks with Sarah Keck, entertainment director for the 48th annual Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina, Kansas. Sarah shares a sneak peek of the music acts at the festival, including diverse genres and performers.LISTEN MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>Sarah also discusses the collaborative effort in selecting artists and highlights returning favorites like Papa Green Shoes and new additions like Wilderness and Scott Mulvahill. Don't miss this celebration of music and community spirit at the 48th annual Smoky Hill River Festival June 13-16.&nbsp;<h2>More from King in the Community</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=2023-11-01&publish_end=2024-05-16&ss=529e65f6691d9b7dddebedc34e283cbe&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community — Sarah Keck, Smoky Hill River Festival

By NATE KING Salina Post

The 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is officially over — the medallion has been found.&nbsp;

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announced this evening that Salinan Mandy Copp found this year's medallion just hours ago in Centennial Park in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp;

"A great story of a team that worked hard to interpret most of the clues correctly to get to the correct space," said Brad Anderson, Director at Salina Arts and Humanities. "We've had people find it [the medallion] fast by misinterpreting clues, and still getting to the right place. They did pretty well at keying in on a couple we thought were obscure."&nbsp;

This year's medallion resembles a railroad spike that holds a railroad tie in place. It was made from hardware, including rebar and threaded pipe. A rolled piece of paper with the medallion information and the message 'You found it' was inside the hollow spike.&nbsp;

Mandy Copp found the medallion in a railroad tie outside the front door of the Friendship Center.

“I appreciated the positive exchanges people had on social media and the cooperative spirit that Medallion hunters showed," Anderson said. 

On Friday morning, Mandy and her husband Sean went to Centennial Park after they dropped their son Jacob off at school.&nbsp;

"We were pretty sure the 'south of The King' clue meant the Elvis statue in Spangles," Mandy Copp said at the press conference held on Friday evening. "I told Jacob, 'I'm so sure it is at Centennial Park. I'll pay you $50 to skip Play Day at school to go look for it,'" Mandy Copp said as the audience laughed along with her. "Jacob said,' No.''

LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>

Mandy's son Jacob had explored the area where the Medallion was found, laying on his stomach and poking his fingers in the holes of the railroad tie along the sidewalk. He was part of the reason Mandy Copp stayed in the area and started searching more thoroughly.

As 4:30 p.m. drew closer and the next clue was about to be revealed, Mandy and her crew of searchers went back to Centennial Park. They weren't alone — others had caught on and were looking South of the King and west of a wide path — Broadway Boulevard.&nbsp;

"Lots of people were in that area and there was a group of people specifically at the top of the steps where the railroad tie was when Jacob got there," Mandy Copp said. "When I found it everyone was super positive and congratulating us."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>

Mandy Copp found the medallion around 4:45 p.m. on Friday, May 17.

Mandy Copp said each year she looks for the medallion and thinks she is on the right track.&nbsp;

"Inevidably every year I'm like,'This is the year, this has got to be where it is," Mandy Copp said. "And then all the clues come out and I was nowhere close to where it was."

Mandy Copp said with the number of community members out looking for the medallion, she is confident it would've been found today. This year marks the 18th year the Smoky Hill River Festival has held the Medallion Quest.

“The Festival Medallion Quest celebrates our community's patronage of the arts. It is exciting to see how Questers explore and think differently about their city in search of the medallion as it leads up to the Smoky Hill River Festival,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Crystal Hammerschmidt. 

Mandy Copp received a prize package of $1,000 in cash and $2,000 in gift certificates for shopping at the Smoky Hill River Festival Fine Art and Craft Show. Additionally, they received four festival admission wristbands, a complimentary on-grounds VIP parking pass, an invitation for four to the Thursday evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party, and four 2024 River Festival t-shirts.

The prize package is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b89d6332-5e91-4fee-bd7d-db2bbd9b72d2">Wristbands for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival now on sale</a>

The 2024 Medallion Quest took just under 48 hours. To view the complete set of this year's&nbsp; Festival Medallion Quest clues, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com/">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>&nbsp;and click on the Clues page.

The Smoky Hill River Festival, now in its 48th year, is the flagship event of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, a department of the City of Salina. The River Festival draws many local residents and out-of-town guests each year to Salina to enjoy outdoor art installations, the Fine Art and Craft Show, three stages of live entertainment, the Artyopolis kid’s area, Festival food, and more. 

The River Festival generates approximately $3.5 million in revenue annually within the local community. Advance-price, four-day Festival Wristbands are available until late Tuesday, June 11, at 40 Salina locations and in 18 other regional cities. Children 11 and under get in FREE.

<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">To find out more about the festival click here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715991985498.jpeg" alt="2024 Festival Medallion Quest Winner Mandy Copp. Image Courtesy Salina Arts and Humanities" />
 <figcaption>2024 Festival Medallion Quest Winner Mandy Copp. Image Courtesy Salina Arts and Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostThe 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is officially over — the medallion has been found.&nbsp;Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announced this evening that Salinan Mandy Copp found this year's medallion just hours ago in Centennial Park in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp;"A great story of a team that worked hard to interpret most of the clues correctly to get to the correct space," said Brad Anderson, Director at Salina Arts and Humanities. "We've had people find it [the medallion] fast by misinterpreting clues, and still getting to the right place. They did pretty well at keying in on a couple we thought were obscure."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715991074200.jpeg" alt="Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson addresses attendeees at the Medallion Quest Press Conference on May 17, 2024. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson addresses attendeees at the Medallion Quest Press Conference on May 17, 2024. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>This year's medallion resembles a railroad spike that holds a railroad tie in place. It was made from hardware, including rebar and threaded pipe. A rolled piece of paper with the medallion information and the message 'You found it' was inside the hollow spike.&nbsp;Mandy Copp found the medallion in a railroad tie outside the front door of the Friendship Center.“I appreciated the positive exchanges people had on social media and the cooperative spirit that Medallion hunters showed," Anderson said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715990738749.jpeg" alt="The 2024 Medallion Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>The 2024 Medallion Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How the Medallion was Found</h2>On Friday morning, Mandy and her husband Sean went to Centennial Park after they dropped their son Jacob off at school.&nbsp;"We were pretty sure the 'south of The King' clue meant the Elvis statue in Spangles," Mandy Copp said at the press conference held on Friday evening. "I told Jacob, 'I'm so sure it is at Centennial Park. I'll pay you $50 to skip Play Day at school to go look for it,'" Mandy Copp said as the audience laughed along with her. "Jacob said,' No.''LISTEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eb9d6b20-de39-4216-9b0a-1c488dfeb1e6">🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities</a>Mandy's son Jacob had explored the area where the Medallion was found, laying on his stomach and poking his fingers in the holes of the railroad tie along the sidewalk. He was part of the reason Mandy Copp stayed in the area and started searching more thoroughly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715990926871.jpeg" alt="From left: Jacob Copp, 2024 Medallion Winner Mandy Copp, Sean Copp and their family friend Jon Loader. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>From left: Jacob Copp, 2024 Medallion Winner Mandy Copp, Sean Copp and their family friend Jon Loader. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>As 4:30 p.m. drew closer and the next clue was about to be revealed, Mandy and her crew of searchers went back to Centennial Park. They weren't alone — others had caught on and were looking South of the King and west of a wide path — Broadway Boulevard.&nbsp;"Lots of people were in that area and there was a group of people specifically at the top of the steps where the railroad tie was when Jacob got there," Mandy Copp said. "When I found it everyone was super positive and congratulating us."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Mandy Copp found the medallion around 4:45 p.m. on Friday, May 17.Mandy Copp said each year she looks for the medallion and thinks she is on the right track.&nbsp;"Inevidably every year I'm like,'This is the year, this has got to be where it is," Mandy Copp said. "And then all the clues come out and I was nowhere close to where it was."Mandy Copp said with the number of community members out looking for the medallion, she is confident it would've been found today. This year marks the 18th year the Smoky Hill River Festival has held the Medallion Quest.“The Festival Medallion Quest celebrates our community's patronage of the arts. It is exciting to see how Questers explore and think differently about their city in search of the medallion as it leads up to the Smoky Hill River Festival,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Crystal Hammerschmidt. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715981702021.jpeg" alt="The five clues that led Mandy to find the medallion in Centennial Park. Photo by Oliva Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The five clues that led Mandy to find the medallion in Centennial Park. Photo by Oliva Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Mandy Copp received a prize package of $1,000 in cash and $2,000 in gift certificates for shopping at the Smoky Hill River Festival Fine Art and Craft Show. Additionally, they received four festival admission wristbands, a complimentary on-grounds VIP parking pass, an invitation for four to the Thursday evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party, and four 2024 River Festival t-shirts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716000460891.jpeg" alt="medallion quest" />
 <figcaption>medallion quest</figcaption>
 </figure>The prize package is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b89d6332-5e91-4fee-bd7d-db2bbd9b72d2">Wristbands for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival now on sale</a>The 2024 Medallion Quest took just under 48 hours. To view the complete set of this year's&nbsp; Festival Medallion Quest clues, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://festivalmedallionquest.com/">festivalmedallionquest.com</a>&nbsp;and click on the Clues page.The Smoky Hill River Festival, now in its 48th year, is the flagship event of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, a department of the City of Salina. The River Festival draws many local residents and out-of-town guests each year to Salina to enjoy outdoor art installations, the Fine Art and Craft Show, three stages of live entertainment, the Artyopolis kid’s area, Festival food, and more. The River Festival generates approximately $3.5 million in revenue annually within the local community. Advance-price, four-day Festival Wristbands are available until late Tuesday, June 11, at 40 Salina locations and in 18 other regional cities. Children 11 and under get in FREE.<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">To find out more about the festival click here.&nbsp;</a>

UPDATED: The Festival Medallion has been found, winner announced

Join the Tumbleweed for an intimate acoustic show featuring three singer-songwriters from Nashville.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason Michael Carroll &amp; Craig Campbell, accompanied by the bigger-than-life Bigg Vinny!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doors and bar&nbsp;open at 5 p.m.&nbsp; The show starts at 6 p.m.&nbsp; There will be a silent auction during the music with a live auction following.&nbsp;&nbsp;All proceeds will be split between the American Legion, VFW Post 1432, and Kansas Honor Flight.&nbsp;

VIP ticket holders:&nbsp; Dinner provided by Buffalo Wild Wings from 5-6 p.m. with a&nbsp;meet and greet&nbsp;and Q &amp; A&nbsp;with all the artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tumblweedllc/1178366">For tickets and information click here.</a>&nbsp;

Country music hit-maker Jason Michael Carroll from Youngsville, North Carolina, rose to fame after being discovered at a local talent competition in 2004 and later signed to the Arista Nashville label in 2006, releasing his debut album Waitin’ In The Country. The album produced three Top 40 hits including “Alyssa Lies,” “Livin’ Our Love Song,” and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” and soared to number one on the US Country charts, selling nearly half a million copies. Both of Carroll’s following albums, Growing Up Is Getting Old and Numbers have charted on the Billboard Top 200.

He has opened for Brooks &amp; Dunn, Trace Adkins, and Alan Jackson, and was a featured part of Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride’s 2008 tour. He was also performed on Good Morning America, thrilled the crowds at the CMA Music Festival, and has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage on multiple occasions.

Jason Michael Carroll is a consummate songwriter and continues to write and release new material. Carroll remains humble and optimistic about the future, stating, “I don’t take for granted what I’m doing, and I thank God and my fans every day I have the chance to keep doing it.”

The magic of the keys brought him his hunger for music as a child. The good ole’ down home boy grew up playing his mother’s piano and singing in church. After graduating high school, he took a job as a corrections officer in his hometown of Lyons, Georgia. But music never left his side. 

Taking a cue from the sounds of classic country and idols like Travis Tritt and Randy Travis, Campbell started a band and played local and national bar gigs. When the guitar player quit, Campbell took that as a sign to chase his dreams all the way to Nashville, Tennessee.

With two rolls of quarters and a roll of dimes given to him by his mother for gas money, Campbell barely made it into town. Starting in 2002, the young hopeful would spend the next several years paying his dues the old fashioned way. 

A demo singer by day and Lower Broadway gigger by night, Campbell was eventually connected to a soon to be signed artist who needed a keyboard player. He and fellow South Georgia native Luke Bryan hit it off and Campbell got the job. A year and a half long keyboard stint with Tracy Byrd soon followed, and on his non travel days, he took over as bandleader down at The Stage on Tuesday nights. His smooth chops and hot blooded stage presence soon caught the eye of industry execs and in 2009, Campbell signed with Bigger Picture Group.

His first single, the sentimental ballad “Family Man”, hit the top 15 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart in 2011. “Outta My Head” also cracked the top 15, while the catchy tune “Fish” garnered more than 10 million on demand streams. His 2014 breakout hit “Keep Them Kisses Comin’” was on its way up the charts when Campbell got the unexpected call that after two albums and a string of hits, Bigger Picture had closed. 

However, Campbell and his devoted team continued to press radio stations around the country, so much so that the single ended an impressive run well inside the Top 10, which is unheard of for a song with no financial backing.

Another door opened for Campbell in the form of Red Bow Records, a division of the Broken Bow umbrella. “Tomorrow Tonight” made it into the top 40, followed by perhaps his most poignant and well known work to date, “Outskirts of Heaven.” “Outskirts” took on a life of its own, showcasing Campbell’s vulnerability and deep rooted faith. The uplifting and remarkably personal ballad was praised by&nbsp;Rolling Stoneand&nbsp;Taste of Country, among others.

The impact of “Outskirts” prompted media appearances and memorable performances at nationally televised NFL games, the TODAY show, CMA Fest, and the Grand Ole Opry, the latter of which he has made over 50 appearances to date. And in a full circle moment, the down home Georgia boy reunited with buddy Luke Bryan on his highly successful 2017 Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day Tour.

In the summer of 2018, Campbell released his first new music in five years with his “See You Try” EP on Broken Bow. The title track became an instant crowd pleaser with its confident, flirty lyrics and boot stompin’ melody. The EP also found a home for both an electric and acoustic version of “Outskirts of Heaven.” But by August of 2018, Campbell and Broken Bow had mutually parted ways, leaving the door wide open for a long awaited, yet nearly missed opportunity.

“Since August, I’ve been recording and producing music MY way, and that includes things I’ve never done before, like playing piano and producing. I just think the title of the song is perfect because it really is ABOUT TIME for THIS song in particular to be shared,” Campbell said.&nbsp;

First recorded by Campbell in 2013, “It’s About Time” was slated to become the lead single off Campbell’s pending third album after the success of “Keep Those Kisses Comin”. When Bigger Picture closed, Campbell took it with him to BBR and pitched it to his circle of producers over a four year time frame, which resulted in a resounding “no.” But Campbell’s gut wrenching conviction and the listeners’ unwavering approval finally paved the way for Campbell to recut and completely own the current version. And he learned a few strong life and career lessons in the process.

“From now on, I’m not gonna even entertain the idea of recording any song if it doesn’t give me chills. I have to be proud of it. I have to answer for it and it has to get me fired up! But this is why I’m so excited for what this new music sounds like because I get to put my hands on it and be a part of it, not just sing it. I love not having to ask for permission,” Campbell said in his deep-rooted Southern accent. “Man, oh man . . . . I love where I am.”

With his band&nbsp;Trailer Choir,&nbsp;has hit&nbsp;The Top 40 Billboard Hot Country&nbsp;Chart with 5 singles. Best known for the&nbsp;CMT Award-nominated "ROCKIN THE BEERGUT"&nbsp;that has sold over 800k downloads. 

Vinny and his group were signed to&nbsp;Toby Keith’s Showdog Universal Records&nbsp;in June of 2007. Because of the high energy show and infectiously fun songs, Toby wasted no time and immediately put the group on his&nbsp;"Bigg Dog Daddy Tour."&nbsp;Based on fan reaction, radio success, and record sales, Toby decided to keep the band on his tour for 3 straight years which led to their own headlining tour in 2010.

The Biggest Loser, The CMT Awards,&nbsp;Major Motion picture BEER FOR MY HORSES, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, Day Jobs, Hosted&nbsp;CMT top 20 countdown,&nbsp;Hosted&nbsp;GAC top 20 countdown, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Country Fried Flicks,&nbsp;and&nbsp;many more!

Toby Keith, ZZ TOP, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, Kid Rock, Big and Rich, Alan Jackson, Chris Young, and so&nbsp;many more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715963681482.png" alt="Salute to our veterans" />
 <figcaption>Salute to our veterans</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTJoin the Tumbleweed for an intimate acoustic show featuring three singer-songwriters from Nashville.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason Michael Carroll &amp; Craig Campbell, accompanied by the bigger-than-life Bigg Vinny!&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors and bar&nbsp;open at 5 p.m.&nbsp; The show starts at 6 p.m.&nbsp; There will be a silent auction during the music with a live auction following.&nbsp;&nbsp;All proceeds will be split between the American Legion, VFW Post 1432, and Kansas Honor Flight.&nbsp;VIP ticket holders:&nbsp; Dinner provided by Buffalo Wild Wings from 5-6 p.m. with a&nbsp;meet and greet&nbsp;and Q &amp; A&nbsp;with all the artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tumblweedllc/1178366">For tickets and information click here.</a>&nbsp;<h2>Jason Michael Carroll</h2>Country music hit-maker Jason Michael Carroll from Youngsville, North Carolina, rose to fame after being discovered at a local talent competition in 2004 and later signed to the Arista Nashville label in 2006, releasing his debut album Waitin’ In The Country. The album produced three Top 40 hits including “Alyssa Lies,” “Livin’ Our Love Song,” and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” and soared to number one on the US Country charts, selling nearly half a million copies. Both of Carroll’s following albums, Growing Up Is Getting Old and Numbers have charted on the Billboard Top 200.He has opened for Brooks &amp; Dunn, Trace Adkins, and Alan Jackson, and was a featured part of Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride’s 2008 tour. He was also performed on Good Morning America, thrilled the crowds at the CMA Music Festival, and has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage on multiple occasions.Jason Michael Carroll is a consummate songwriter and continues to write and release new material. Carroll remains humble and optimistic about the future, stating, “I don’t take for granted what I’m doing, and I thank God and my fans every day I have the chance to keep doing it.”<h2>Craig Campbell</h2>The magic of the keys brought him his hunger for music as a child. The good ole’ down home boy grew up playing his mother’s piano and singing in church. After graduating high school, he took a job as a corrections officer in his hometown of Lyons, Georgia. But music never left his side. Taking a cue from the sounds of classic country and idols like Travis Tritt and Randy Travis, Campbell started a band and played local and national bar gigs. When the guitar player quit, Campbell took that as a sign to chase his dreams all the way to Nashville, Tennessee.With two rolls of quarters and a roll of dimes given to him by his mother for gas money, Campbell barely made it into town. Starting in 2002, the young hopeful would spend the next several years paying his dues the old fashioned way. A demo singer by day and Lower Broadway gigger by night, Campbell was eventually connected to a soon to be signed artist who needed a keyboard player. He and fellow South Georgia native Luke Bryan hit it off and Campbell got the job. A year and a half long keyboard stint with Tracy Byrd soon followed, and on his non travel days, he took over as bandleader down at The Stage on Tuesday nights. His smooth chops and hot blooded stage presence soon caught the eye of industry execs and in 2009, Campbell signed with Bigger Picture Group.His first single, the sentimental ballad “Family Man”, hit the top 15 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart in 2011. “Outta My Head” also cracked the top 15, while the catchy tune “Fish” garnered more than 10 million on demand streams. His 2014 breakout hit “Keep Them Kisses Comin’” was on its way up the charts when Campbell got the unexpected call that after two albums and a string of hits, Bigger Picture had closed. However, Campbell and his devoted team continued to press radio stations around the country, so much so that the single ended an impressive run well inside the Top 10, which is unheard of for a song with no financial backing.Another door opened for Campbell in the form of Red Bow Records, a division of the Broken Bow umbrella. “Tomorrow Tonight” made it into the top 40, followed by perhaps his most poignant and well known work to date, “Outskirts of Heaven.” “Outskirts” took on a life of its own, showcasing Campbell’s vulnerability and deep rooted faith. The uplifting and remarkably personal ballad was praised by&nbsp;Rolling Stoneand&nbsp;Taste of Country, among others.The impact of “Outskirts” prompted media appearances and memorable performances at nationally televised NFL games, the TODAY show, CMA Fest, and the Grand Ole Opry, the latter of which he has made over 50 appearances to date. And in a full circle moment, the down home Georgia boy reunited with buddy Luke Bryan on his highly successful 2017 Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day Tour.In the summer of 2018, Campbell released his first new music in five years with his “See You Try” EP on Broken Bow. The title track became an instant crowd pleaser with its confident, flirty lyrics and boot stompin’ melody. The EP also found a home for both an electric and acoustic version of “Outskirts of Heaven.” But by August of 2018, Campbell and Broken Bow had mutually parted ways, leaving the door wide open for a long awaited, yet nearly missed opportunity.“Since August, I’ve been recording and producing music MY way, and that includes things I’ve never done before, like playing piano and producing. I just think the title of the song is perfect because it really is ABOUT TIME for THIS song in particular to be shared,” Campbell said.&nbsp;First recorded by Campbell in 2013, “It’s About Time” was slated to become the lead single off Campbell’s pending third album after the success of “Keep Those Kisses Comin”. When Bigger Picture closed, Campbell took it with him to BBR and pitched it to his circle of producers over a four year time frame, which resulted in a resounding “no.” But Campbell’s gut wrenching conviction and the listeners’ unwavering approval finally paved the way for Campbell to recut and completely own the current version. And he learned a few strong life and career lessons in the process.“From now on, I’m not gonna even entertain the idea of recording any song if it doesn’t give me chills. I have to be proud of it. I have to answer for it and it has to get me fired up! But this is why I’m so excited for what this new music sounds like because I get to put my hands on it and be a part of it, not just sing it. I love not having to ask for permission,” Campbell said in his deep-rooted Southern accent. “Man, oh man . . . . I love where I am.”<h2>Big Vinny, Vincent Van-Zant Hickerson</h2>With his band&nbsp;Trailer Choir,&nbsp;has hit&nbsp;The Top 40 Billboard Hot Country&nbsp;Chart with 5 singles. Best known for the&nbsp;CMT Award-nominated "ROCKIN THE BEERGUT"&nbsp;that has sold over 800k downloads. Vinny and his group were signed to&nbsp;Toby Keith’s Showdog Universal Records&nbsp;in June of 2007. Because of the high energy show and infectiously fun songs, Toby wasted no time and immediately put the group on his&nbsp;"Bigg Dog Daddy Tour."&nbsp;Based on fan reaction, radio success, and record sales, Toby decided to keep the band on his tour for 3 straight years which led to their own headlining tour in 2010.<h2>As Seen On:</h2>The Biggest Loser, The CMT Awards,&nbsp;Major Motion picture BEER FOR MY HORSES, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, Day Jobs, Hosted&nbsp;CMT top 20 countdown,&nbsp;Hosted&nbsp;GAC top 20 countdown, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Country Fried Flicks,&nbsp;and&nbsp;many more!<h2>Artists Performed With:</h2>Toby Keith, ZZ TOP, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, Kid Rock, Big and Rich, Alan Jackson, Chris Young, and so&nbsp;many more.

Salute to Our Veterans accoustic performance — May 18 at The Tumbleweed

Join King in the Community podcast host Nate King as he sits down with Crystal Hammerschmidt, the Visual Arts Coordinator for the upcoming Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Crystal shares her insights on the festival's visual arts, highlighting the talented artists and diverse artwork that will be showcased. 

From paintings to sculptures to handmade crafts, listeners will get a sneak peek at what art to expect at this year's festival. Tune in to learn more about how the arts community is thriving in Salina and how you can support local artists at this exciting event.

<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">For more information check out the Smoky Hill River Festival website here.&nbsp;</a>

<div><iframe title="Crystal Hammerschmidt, Smoky Hill River Festival Visual Arts Coordinator" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=y8gxd-161460e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTJoin King in the Community podcast host Nate King as he sits down with Crystal Hammerschmidt, the Visual Arts Coordinator for the upcoming Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Crystal shares her insights on the festival's visual arts, highlighting the talented artists and diverse artwork that will be showcased. From paintings to sculptures to handmade crafts, listeners will get a sneak peek at what art to expect at this year's festival. Tune in to learn more about how the arts community is thriving in Salina and how you can support local artists at this exciting event.<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">For more information check out the Smoky Hill River Festival website here.&nbsp;</a>

🎙King in the Community — Crystal Hammerschmidt, Salina Arts and Humanities

The 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!

The first clue was revealed this afternoon at the Smoky Hill Museum. It is:

The Festival Medallion Quest 2024 prize package includes the following:

· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend

· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands

· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)

· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13

· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts

“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”

Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum.

The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807316051.jpeg" alt="Salina Arts and Humanities Commissioners unveil the first 2024 Medallion Quest Clue. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Arts and Humanities Commissioners unveil the first 2024 Medallion Quest Clue. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe 2024 Smoky Hill River Festival Medallion Quest is underway!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715808130992.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The first clue was revealed this afternoon at the Smoky Hill Museum. It is:Clue No. 1: A timely institutionThe Festival Medallion Quest 2024 prize package includes the following:· $1,000 in cash· $2,000 in Festival Gift Certificates, to be used for purchases in the Fine Art and Craft Show or Art/Craft Demonstration Area during the Festival weekend· Four complimentary Festival admission wristbands· One on-grounds Festival parking pass (weather permitting)· An invitation for four to attend the evening PREMIERE Art Patron Party on Thursday, June 13· Four Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirts“The Festival Medallion Quest is the perfect way to kick off the festival season,” said Salina Arts and Humanities Director Brad Anderson. “Thousands of searchers get to see the town with new eyes as they interpret clues and get creative trying to find the Medallion.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily on the Quest website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.festivalmedallionquest.com/" target="_blank">www.festivalmedallionquest.com</a>,&nbsp;beginning at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, on the steps of the Smoky Hill Museum. The clues will also be posted outside the west doors on Eighth Street at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office on the corner of Eighth and Iron Ave.&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Medallion Quest clue: A timely institution

Flatland Cavalry is breaking out into a gallop. After years of hot trotting across their native Texas, the country outfit is primed for a breakout with the release of their third full-length album, the sonically sprawling and wistfully written Welcome to Countryland.

The band is scheduled to perform at the historic Stiefel Theatre on Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39 and are<a href="https://www.stiefeltheatre.org/shows/flatland-cavalry#transition-anchor"> on sale now.</a>&nbsp;

The Texas sextet––bandleader and chief lyricist Cleto Cordero, guitarist Reid Dillon, bassist Jonathan Saenz, drummer Jason Albers, fiddle player Wesley Hall, and utility instrumentalist Adam Gallegos––continue to embrace their trademark sound while further pushing into the wild unknown. When it was time to embark on recording a new album, resting on their laurels was simply out of the realm of possibilities.

Following the release of 2019's critically-acclaimed Homeland Insecurity and their 2016 full-length debut Humble Folks, they’ve been on a healthy trajectory rising through the country ranks. 

After years of working with Lubbock stalwart Scott Faris in the friendly confines of Amusement Park Studios, Flatland decided a change of scenery was necessary. Despite some hesitation and a mix of emotions, they instantly knew recording at Nashville’s Sound Emporium Studio A with rising producer Jake Gear was the right move.

Since its release, Welcome To Countryland has garnered critical praise from Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Holler, Whiskey Riff, Brooklyn Vegan and many other outlets. The band concluded their hugely successful Welcome To Countryland Tour by selling out Billy Bob’s Texas in December 2021, and kicked off 2022 with the release of the Far Out West Sessions. 

These stripped-down, one-take acoustic performance videos of their 2021 hits recorded on-site in the vast deserts and mountain ranges of Far West Texas were an instant hit with fans, so the band released the tapes on streaming platforms and embarked on the Far Out West Tour.

With more new music on the horizon, 17 upcoming stadium shows with Luke Combs, and a stacked touring calendar, Flatland Cavalry is approaching global influence in the Country &amp; Folk music world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715640006797.jpeg" alt="Flatland Cavalry Image Courtesy Stiefel" />
 <figcaption>Flatland Cavalry Image Courtesy Stiefel</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTFlatland Cavalry is breaking out into a gallop. After years of hot trotting across their native Texas, the country outfit is primed for a breakout with the release of their third full-length album, the sonically sprawling and wistfully written Welcome to Countryland.The band is scheduled to perform at the historic Stiefel Theatre on Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39 and are<a href="https://www.stiefeltheatre.org/shows/flatland-cavalry#transition-anchor"> on sale now.</a>&nbsp;The Texas sextet––bandleader and chief lyricist Cleto Cordero, guitarist Reid Dillon, bassist Jonathan Saenz, drummer Jason Albers, fiddle player Wesley Hall, and utility instrumentalist Adam Gallegos––continue to embrace their trademark sound while further pushing into the wild unknown. When it was time to embark on recording a new album, resting on their laurels was simply out of the realm of possibilities.Following the release of 2019's critically-acclaimed Homeland Insecurity and their 2016 full-length debut Humble Folks, they’ve been on a healthy trajectory rising through the country ranks. After years of working with Lubbock stalwart Scott Faris in the friendly confines of Amusement Park Studios, Flatland decided a change of scenery was necessary. Despite some hesitation and a mix of emotions, they instantly knew recording at Nashville’s Sound Emporium Studio A with rising producer Jake Gear was the right move.Since its release, Welcome To Countryland has garnered critical praise from Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Holler, Whiskey Riff, Brooklyn Vegan and many other outlets. The band concluded their hugely successful Welcome To Countryland Tour by selling out Billy Bob’s Texas in December 2021, and kicked off 2022 with the release of the Far Out West Sessions. These stripped-down, one-take acoustic performance videos of their 2021 hits recorded on-site in the vast deserts and mountain ranges of Far West Texas were an instant hit with fans, so the band released the tapes on streaming platforms and embarked on the Far Out West Tour.With more new music on the horizon, 17 upcoming stadium shows with Luke Combs, and a stacked touring calendar, Flatland Cavalry is approaching global influence in the Country &amp; Folk music world.

Flatland Cavalry performing at Stiefel Theatre next week

The founders of the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas, could not have imagined its growth throughout the last 30 years. What started with a few orators in a tiny gazebo has evolved into a multi-venue event with hundreds of attendees.

Over two days, the festival adds another 300 people to Downs' population count of 800, with visitors and storytellers gathering from across the United States to hear stories ranging from fictional tall tales to mysterious local legends.

"Happy, sad, a lot of tall tales, maybe some embellishing of stories going on," said Storytelling Festival Steering Committee member Brenda Guiterrez. "It's the range of emotions and lots of laughter throughout the day."

The 30th Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off its two days of narrations at the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller <a href="https://www.leppstorytelling.com/">Bil Lepp</a> from South Charleston, West Virginia, and his comedy-fueled tall tales from his childhood.

Lepp took the stage with just a microphone and a backdrop of locally sewn quilts to help with the echoes inside Memorial Hall. He began telling the story of a young boy named Wallace who caused some mayhem at his elementary school in West Virginia.

"Almost all of my stories are based a little bit on something that I did or somebody I know," Lepp said. "I just take a little thing that happened to me somewhere along the way and&nbsp;just&nbsp;start asking myself, 'What if, what if, what if?' and it just grows into a story."

Lepp said he travels nationwide to tell stories at festivals and enjoys watching the audience absorb and react to his tales.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299313337.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off inside the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller Bil Lepp telling the story of a mischievous young classmate who caused some mayhem at his elementary school as a child in Downs, Kansas, on Friday, April 26. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off inside the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller Bil Lepp telling the story of a mischievous young classmate who caused some mayhem at his elementary school as a child in Downs, Kansas, on Friday, April 26. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThe founders of the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas, could not have imagined its growth throughout the last 30 years. What started with a few orators in a tiny gazebo has evolved into a multi-venue event with hundreds of attendees.Over two days, the festival adds another 300 people to Downs' population count of 800, with visitors and storytellers gathering from across the United States to hear stories ranging from fictional tall tales to mysterious local legends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299493621.jpeg" alt="Storyteller Bil Lepp tells a fictional tale from his childhood about a mischievous boy named Wallace on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Storyteller Bil Lepp tells a fictional tale from his childhood about a mischievous boy named Wallace on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Happy, sad, a lot of tall tales, maybe some embellishing of stories going on," said Storytelling Festival Steering Committee member Brenda Guiterrez. "It's the range of emotions and lots of laughter throughout the day."The 30th Kansas Storytelling Festival kicked off its two days of narrations at the Downs Memorial Hall with storyteller <a href="https://www.leppstorytelling.com/">Bil Lepp</a> from South Charleston, West Virginia, and his comedy-fueled tall tales from his childhood.Lepp took the stage with just a microphone and a backdrop of locally sewn quilts to help with the echoes inside Memorial Hall. He began telling the story of a young boy named Wallace who caused some mayhem at his elementary school in West Virginia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299697468.jpeg" alt="Locally-sewn quilts dressed the walls of the Downs Memorial Hall to dampen the echoes while storytellers narrate tales on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Locally-sewn quilts dressed the walls of the Downs Memorial Hall to dampen the echoes while storytellers narrate tales on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"Almost all of my stories are based a little bit on something that I did or somebody I know," Lepp said. "I just take a little thing that happened to me somewhere along the way and&nbsp;just&nbsp;start asking myself, 'What if, what if, what if?' and it just grows into a story."Lepp said he travels nationwide to tell stories at festivals and enjoys watching the audience absorb and react to his tales."A lot of artists never get to see their audience enjoy their art," Lepp said. "A painter, journalist, or a movie director, they don't always get to watch people, but I can stand on stage... to see the people react to it, and that's my favorite part."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/468bc8ee-a938-49e5-aa9d-286e2f02e11d">AJ Honey Farms — leading local beekeepers toward success</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299576887.jpeg" alt="Storyteller Bil Lepp narrates the fictional tale of his childhood classmate on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Storyteller Bil Lepp narrates the fictional tale of his childhood classmate on Friday, April 26, at the Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Five featured storytellers from across the United States visited Downs for the festival this year, including Lepp, <a href="https://andyirwin.com/">Andy Offutt Irwin</a>, <a href="https://www.kimweitkamp.com/">Kim Weitkamp Gum</a>, Anne Rutherford and <a href="http://dinoodell.com/">Dino O' Dell</a>.Alongside the featured tellers, 13 more orators and Master Storytellers joined the festival, voicing tall tales on four different stages in downtown Downs."It's [The Kansas Storytelling Festival] grown to four venues," Guiterrez said. "We have Memorial Hall, our Senior Center, our Historic [Train] Depot and one of our church fellowship halls."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715299779917.jpeg" alt="The Historic Train Depot was one of four venues around town for the Kansas Storytelling Festival on Friday, April 26, in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Historic Train Depot was one of four venues around town for the Kansas Storytelling Festival on Friday, April 26, in Downs, Kansas. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Guiterrez said that artists switched venues every hour throughout the day so audiences could follow their favorite artists around town or stay in one location to see several performers.The Kansas Storytelling Festival is unique to Lepp, and he noted the focus on the local community and the support he sees from the region's residents."It's a&nbsp;really&nbsp;neat festival, and we go to lots and lots of festivals in lots of small towns, but this one is probably the smallest town," Lepp said. "So many people come out to this festival, and people come from all over the country to come to this festival. There aren't enough motels in this area to house everybody who comes to this festival, which I think is great."Downtown Downs' parking spaces were filled with visitors for the festival, muffling the sound of passing trains that flow across Morgan Avenue with laughter, gasps of surprise and the continuous murmur of voices telling tales of both faraway places and hometown backyards.