The night is almost here - <a href="https://fb.watch/sEvAbRDayS/">the 38th year of the SM Hanson Festival Jam</a>. This is the opening night event of the Smoky Hill River Festival and the highest-attended event of the Festival. According to event organizers, attendance for this single-night event in 2023 was over 13,000.

SM Hanson Festival Jam is fast-paced evening of music is fun for all. Four hours of music. 17 bands play for 12 minutes. This year, 27 bands applied from Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. Our selection process and goals are to offer a variety of musicfrom the region.

Festival Jam 2024 will have four new bands, three second timers, and a mix of other past performers. Never a dull moment. 

The music changes every 15 minutes on the quarter hour. Quick set changes are possible through the backline equipment and stage staff provided by SM Hanson Music. The musicians get tuned back stage and then the frantic 3 minutes of switching bands begins. Thirty seven years of practice makes this switch-out appear easy. 

Come be part of the SM Hanson Festival Jam - the largest single evening music event in the Midwest. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday June 13 – music begins at 5:45 p.m. with a special-by-invitation band.

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

Wristbands for 12 years and up are your admission. SM Hanson Music and many other local/regional merchants have wristbands for sale today.

5:45 p.m. Salina South High School Jazz Band - Invitational band&nbsp;

6:00 p.m. Visual Lies New to Festival Jam. Self-described as Hair Metal/80s rock. Based in Lindsborg and ready to rock!

6:15 p.m. Downtown Funk 2023’s invitation band Making their 2nd appearance. Salina Central HS jazz and funk band

6:30 p.m. Don Wagner &amp; Friends Don and Friends A new lineup adding a dobro and stand-up bass playing an Americana mix

6:45 p.m. Lix This Salina 4pc band. Playing a mix of classic rock for 40+ years.

7:00 p.m. King Tones They have played the jam previously, but it has been several years. 4pc band playing blues/rock.

7:15 p.m. Fed Up UPDATED - Salina-based 5pc band will play Rock &amp; Classic Rock&nbsp;

7:30 p.m. Hey Radio Wichita based band – a repeat – they promise more energy with a mix of Skate Punk and Pop!!!!.

7:45 p.m. Soul Preachers &nbsp;A Salina 3pc band – playing classic rock

8:00 p.m. Drop Everything New to the Jam. Scheduled in 2022 as The Box Turtles - lightning ended the show. Based in Manhattan – this 4pc band with a new member lineup and new name will play their mix of Midwest rock

8:15 p.m. Kyndred This Hays based band played in 2022. A 5pc band is here to Rock a 2nd time – Heavy Metal

8:30 p.m. HyWay 14 New to Festival Jam. Pretty Prairie is home for this 4pc band. They describe their music as grunge-rock/red-dirt country.

8:45 p.m. Bootleg Mercy Multiple Rock Music award nominations. This 4pc band rocked in 2023 – playing Rock/Grunge

9:00 p.m. Dune Buggy This talented 5pc group has years of experience. Their 12 minute set will include Rock &amp; Pop.

9:15 p.m. Love Like War New to Festival Jam. Central Kansas roots – 5pc band playing Alt Rock. Lead singer is known as ‘Chewy’ – I was told it is a Star Wars thing??

9:30 p.m. Steve Hanson &amp; Co. The founder of SM Hanson Music– their 38th time at the Jam. Always a variety – always great.

9:45 p.m. The Blades You gotta love a rock/pop/funk band with horns! We have requested a larger stage area for the members (hard to count that high). Always a great end to the SM Hanson Festival Jam

SM Hanson Music created a new time slot in 2023 for the Festival Jam - adding a seventeenth band!&nbsp;

This new spot is by invitation. The invitation is extended to a band outside of the normal selection process.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8bdf71db-697a-4b4f-94a6-a99474e9d780">UPDATED: 38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup announced</a>

This year’s invitation band is a group of young musicians from Salina South High School – South HS Jazz Ensemble.&nbsp;

This Jazz band has twenty-one (21) players under the guidance of Darren Brooks – Band Director at South HS.&nbsp;

The musicians include: Arturo Mendiola (9) – Alto Saxophone Carter Purcell (11) – Alto Saxophone&nbsp; Zach Grummert (11) - Tenor Saxophone Xander Fauci-Wills (9) – Tenor Sax&nbsp; Landon Woellhof (12) – Baritone Saxophone&nbsp; Dylan Kimmi (9) – Trombone Daimean Brown (10) – Trombone&nbsp; Cooper Hutton (9) – Trombone Wyatt Rector (9) – Trombone&nbsp; Trinity Burch (10) – Trumpet Trenton Hemberger (12) – Trumpet&nbsp; Easton Kimmi (12) – Trumpet Izaac Konzem (9) – Trumpet&nbsp; Xavyer Nouanlasy (12) – Trumpet&nbsp; Ella Baird (10) – Guitar Dariyan Garmen (9) – Guitar&nbsp; Andres Vasquez (11) – Guitar Rogan Scoville (9) – Bass&nbsp; Thomas Cochran (10) – Percussion Amelia Mall (9) – Percussion&nbsp; Cale Witt (10) - Percussion&nbsp;

One more reason to arrive early on Thursday June 13 for the SM Hanson Festival Jam – gates open at 4pm.&nbsp;

The SM Hanson Festival Jam is a fast-paced evening of Live music for everyone. The 38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam is the opening night of the Smoky Hill River Festival. The Jam has become the - Can’t Miss - Festival event. Seventeen bands from the region will perform a wide variety of music over the four plus hours. Each band plays for 12 minutes. A quick 3-minute change and another band is on the stage – be sure to watch the action on stage between bands! The SM Hanson Festival Jam 2023 attendance was estimated at over 13,000 – making this night the largest single music event in the Midwest. Gates open at 4:00 pm on Thursday June 13 – music starts at 5:45. Wristbands for 12 years and up are your admission.&nbsp;

If you have never been to the SM Hanson Festival Jam – this is a show to see! Bring the family to a GREAT night of music, friends, FOOD, and fun. This is the best way to start your Smoky Hill River Festival.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626982189744.jpeg" alt="SM Hanson Festival Jam" />
 <figcaption>SM Hanson Festival Jam</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe night is almost here - <a href="https://fb.watch/sEvAbRDayS/">the 38th year of the SM Hanson Festival Jam</a>. This is the opening night event of the Smoky Hill River Festival and the highest-attended event of the Festival. According to event organizers, attendance for this single-night event in 2023 was over 13,000.SM Hanson Festival Jam is fast-paced evening of music is fun for all. Four hours of music. 17 bands play for 12 minutes. This year, 27 bands applied from Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. Our selection process and goals are to offer a variety of musicfrom the region.Festival Jam 2024 will have four new bands, three second timers, and a mix of other past performers. Never a dull moment. The music changes every 15 minutes on the quarter hour. Quick set changes are possible through the backline equipment and stage staff provided by SM Hanson Music. The musicians get tuned back stage and then the frantic 3 minutes of switching bands begins. Thirty seven years of practice makes this switch-out appear easy. Come be part of the SM Hanson Festival Jam - the largest single evening music event in the Midwest. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday June 13 – music begins at 5:45 p.m. with a special-by-invitation band.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7840647-570e-46c9-b3db-a74fa03752e1">🎥First details released for 48th Smoky Hill River Festival</a>Wristbands for 12 years and up are your admission. SM Hanson Music and many other local/regional merchants have wristbands for sale today.5:45 p.m. Salina South High School Jazz Band - Invitational band&nbsp; 6:00 p.m. Visual Lies New to Festival Jam. Self-described as Hair Metal/80s rock. Based in Lindsborg and ready to rock!6:15 p.m. Downtown Funk 2023’s invitation band Making their 2nd appearance. Salina Central HS jazz and funk band6:30 p.m. Don Wagner &amp; Friends Don and Friends A new lineup adding a dobro and stand-up bass playing an Americana mix6:45 p.m. Lix This Salina 4pc band. Playing a mix of classic rock for 40+ years.7:00 p.m. King Tones They have played the jam previously, but it has been several years. 4pc band playing blues/rock.7:15 p.m. Fed Up UPDATED - Salina-based 5pc band will play Rock &amp; Classic Rock&nbsp;7:30 p.m. Hey Radio Wichita based band – a repeat – they promise more energy with a mix of Skate Punk and Pop!!!!.7:45 p.m. Soul Preachers &nbsp;A Salina 3pc band – playing classic rock8:00 p.m. Drop Everything New to the Jam. Scheduled in 2022 as The Box Turtles - lightning ended the show. Based in Manhattan – this 4pc band with a new member lineup and new name will play their mix of Midwest rock8:15 p.m. Kyndred This Hays based band played in 2022. A 5pc band is here to Rock a 2nd time – Heavy Metal8:30 p.m. HyWay 14 New to Festival Jam. Pretty Prairie is home for this 4pc band. They describe their music as grunge-rock/red-dirt country.8:45 p.m. Bootleg Mercy Multiple Rock Music award nominations. This 4pc band rocked in 2023 – playing Rock/Grunge9:00 p.m. Dune Buggy This talented 5pc group has years of experience. Their 12 minute set will include Rock &amp; Pop.9:15 p.m. Love Like War New to Festival Jam. Central Kansas roots – 5pc band playing Alt Rock. Lead singer is known as ‘Chewy’ – I was told it is a Star Wars thing??9:30 p.m. Steve Hanson &amp; Co. The founder of SM Hanson Music– their 38th time at the Jam. Always a variety – always great.9:45 p.m. The Blades You gotta love a rock/pop/funk band with horns! We have requested a larger stage area for the members (hard to count that high). Always a great end to the SM Hanson Festival Jam<h2>Learn more about the invited band</h2>SM Hanson Music created a new time slot in 2023 for the Festival Jam - adding a seventeenth band!&nbsp;This new spot is by invitation. The invitation is extended to a band outside of the normal selection process.&nbsp;The band will play at 5:45.&nbsp;READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8bdf71db-697a-4b4f-94a6-a99474e9d780">UPDATED: 38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup announced</a>This year’s invitation band is a group of young musicians from Salina South High School – South HS Jazz Ensemble.&nbsp;This Jazz band has twenty-one (21) players under the guidance of Darren Brooks – Band Director at South HS.&nbsp;The musicians include: Arturo Mendiola (9) – Alto Saxophone Carter Purcell (11) – Alto Saxophone&nbsp; Zach Grummert (11) - Tenor Saxophone Xander Fauci-Wills (9) – Tenor Sax&nbsp; Landon Woellhof (12) – Baritone Saxophone&nbsp; Dylan Kimmi (9) – Trombone Daimean Brown (10) – Trombone&nbsp; Cooper Hutton (9) – Trombone Wyatt Rector (9) – Trombone&nbsp; Trinity Burch (10) – Trumpet Trenton Hemberger (12) – Trumpet&nbsp; Easton Kimmi (12) – Trumpet Izaac Konzem (9) – Trumpet&nbsp; Xavyer Nouanlasy (12) – Trumpet&nbsp; Ella Baird (10) – Guitar Dariyan Garmen (9) – Guitar&nbsp; Andres Vasquez (11) – Guitar Rogan Scoville (9) – Bass&nbsp; Thomas Cochran (10) – Percussion Amelia Mall (9) – Percussion&nbsp; Cale Witt (10) - Percussion&nbsp;One more reason to arrive early on Thursday June 13 for the SM Hanson Festival Jam – gates open at 4pm.&nbsp;The SM Hanson Festival Jam is a fast-paced evening of Live music for everyone. The 38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam is the opening night of the Smoky Hill River Festival. The Jam has become the - Can’t Miss - Festival event. Seventeen bands from the region will perform a wide variety of music over the four plus hours. Each band plays for 12 minutes. A quick 3-minute change and another band is on the stage – be sure to watch the action on stage between bands! The SM Hanson Festival Jam 2023 attendance was estimated at over 13,000 – making this night the largest single music event in the Midwest. Gates open at 4:00 pm on Thursday June 13 – music starts at 5:45. Wristbands for 12 years and up are your admission.&nbsp;If you have never been to the SM Hanson Festival Jam – this is a show to see! Bring the family to a GREAT night of music, friends, FOOD, and fun. This is the best way to start your Smoky Hill River Festival.&nbsp;

UPDATED: 38th Annual SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup announced

By RICK HELLMAN <a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/kevin-willmotts-new-film-shines-light-on-kc-civil-rights-figure">KU News Service</a>

For Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott, the Hollywood jobs are great and all. But the material closest to his heart inspires the stories he tells of overlooked historical events, and particularly local ones, that cast a revealing light on the problems of today.

The newest film written, produced and directed by the University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies is just such a story.

Premiering June 19 as part of the Juneteenth Film Festival at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, “The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks” is a documentary tribute to a Kansas City civil rights icon.

Brooks, still “sharp as a tack,” according to Willmott, at age 92, was one of Kansas City’s first Black police officers in the early 1950s. He went on to a storied career as the city’s first Black department director and creator of its human relations department, as founder of the&nbsp;<a href="https://adhocgroupkc.org/">Ad Hoc Group Against Crime</a>&nbsp;and its Crimestoppers anonymous tip line, as a City Council member, an educator and an all-around advocate for human and civil rights.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cfc32e4d-411c-4a45-99d3-cd521e203724">Airborne electromagnetic survey of aquifer conditions planned in northwestern Kansas</a>

Willmott said he first got to know Brooks 20 years ago while filming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsAxiscVZY">“From Separate to Equal: The Creation of Truman Medical Centers,”</a>&nbsp;about the racial history of Kansas City’s public hospital.

“We interviewed him for that,” Willmott said, “and he had so many great stories I was like, ‘Wow, there should be a documentary just about him!’ And so when I did a blurb for his&nbsp;<a href="https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/binding-us-together/">autobiography</a>, it reminded me again of how much I really wanted to make that film. And so we finally did it.”

Willmott said Brooks makes for a great documentary subject.

“I'm not sure if it's because he was a policeman or what, but he can tell you the street addresses of where things happened 65 or 70 years ago,” Willmott said. “He tells a story in the film about an encounter he had with a white cop when he was a little kid, maybe 10 years old, and we go back to that location 82 years later, and he says, ‘This cop put a gun to my head and told me, “Run up this hill, (N-word), before I shoot you!”’

“I know I use the term 'living history' a lot, but he is truly living history.”

Willmott said it’s more important than ever, in light of political efforts to downplay and cover up the history of racism in America, to remind people of it.

“I have tried to tell stories that other people don't want to tell and that Hollywood definitely is not interested in,” Willmott said. “There's this whole thing right now that people don't want to hear the ugly part of the American story. They don’t want Alvin to tell what happened to him on that street corner 82 years ago. But to me, you can't get to the beautiful part of the American story without dealing with the ugly part.”

Willmott said the film offers viewers a ray of hope in dark times.

“We're so divided, and there's so much hate going on right now,” he said, “and who knows where it’s going to end up? But Alvin is a reminder of what we can be. He's a reminder of the best of us. Because I still hold on to Dr. King and what he believed in. That's the America I believe in. And it's hard to hold on to that these days. So the movie, in some ways, is a great reminder of ... who we really are, and who we can be.”

The early show of the June 19 premiere is sold out at press time, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.screenland.com/movie/binding-us-together-2">tickets</a>&nbsp;remain for the 8:30 p.m. show. The film will also be&nbsp;<a href="https://freestatefestival.org/event/alvin-brooks/">presented</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. June 30, at the Lawrence Arts Center as part of the Free State Festival.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717945458645.jpeg" alt="Alvin Brooks, a Kansas City civil rights icon, is the subject of a new documentary that will air June 19 at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, and June 30 at the Free State Festival. Image courtesy Kevin Willmott / Hodcarrier Films" />
 <figcaption>Alvin Brooks, a Kansas City civil rights icon, is the subject of a new documentary that will air June 19 at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, and June 30 at the Free State Festival. Image courtesy Kevin Willmott / Hodcarrier Films</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICK HELLMAN <a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/kevin-willmotts-new-film-shines-light-on-kc-civil-rights-figure">KU News Service</a>For Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott, the Hollywood jobs are great and all. But the material closest to his heart inspires the stories he tells of overlooked historical events, and particularly local ones, that cast a revealing light on the problems of today.The newest film written, produced and directed by the University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies is just such a story.Premiering June 19 as part of the Juneteenth Film Festival at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, “The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks” is a documentary tribute to a Kansas City civil rights icon.Brooks, still “sharp as a tack,” according to Willmott, at age 92, was one of Kansas City’s first Black police officers in the early 1950s. He went on to a storied career as the city’s first Black department director and creator of its human relations department, as founder of the&nbsp;<a href="https://adhocgroupkc.org/">Ad Hoc Group Against Crime</a>&nbsp;and its Crimestoppers anonymous tip line, as a City Council member, an educator and an all-around advocate for human and civil rights.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717945424412.jpeg" alt="Kevin Willmott, professor of film &amp; media studies, speaking at an event at KU in 2021. Image courtesy KU Marketing" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Willmott, professor of film &amp; media studies, speaking at an event at KU in 2021. Image courtesy KU Marketing</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cfc32e4d-411c-4a45-99d3-cd521e203724">Airborne electromagnetic survey of aquifer conditions planned in northwestern Kansas</a>Willmott said he first got to know Brooks 20 years ago while filming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsAxiscVZY">“From Separate to Equal: The Creation of Truman Medical Centers,”</a>&nbsp;about the racial history of Kansas City’s public hospital.“We interviewed him for that,” Willmott said, “and he had so many great stories I was like, ‘Wow, there should be a documentary just about him!’ And so when I did a blurb for his&nbsp;<a href="https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/binding-us-together/">autobiography</a>, it reminded me again of how much I really wanted to make that film. And so we finally did it.”Willmott said Brooks makes for a great documentary subject.“I'm not sure if it's because he was a policeman or what, but he can tell you the street addresses of where things happened 65 or 70 years ago,” Willmott said. “He tells a story in the film about an encounter he had with a white cop when he was a little kid, maybe 10 years old, and we go back to that location 82 years later, and he says, ‘This cop put a gun to my head and told me, “Run up this hill, (N-word), before I shoot you!”’“I know I use the term 'living history' a lot, but he is truly living history.”Willmott said it’s more important than ever, in light of political efforts to downplay and cover up the history of racism in America, to remind people of it.“I have tried to tell stories that other people don't want to tell and that Hollywood definitely is not interested in,” Willmott said. “There's this whole thing right now that people don't want to hear the ugly part of the American story. They don’t want Alvin to tell what happened to him on that street corner 82 years ago. But to me, you can't get to the beautiful part of the American story without dealing with the ugly part.”Willmott said the film offers viewers a ray of hope in dark times.“We're so divided, and there's so much hate going on right now,” he said, “and who knows where it’s going to end up? But Alvin is a reminder of what we can be. He's a reminder of the best of us. Because I still hold on to Dr. King and what he believed in. That's the America I believe in. And it's hard to hold on to that these days. So the movie, in some ways, is a great reminder of ... who we really are, and who we can be.”The early show of the June 19 premiere is sold out at press time, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.screenland.com/movie/binding-us-together-2">tickets</a>&nbsp;remain for the 8:30 p.m. show. The film will also be&nbsp;<a href="https://freestatefestival.org/event/alvin-brooks/">presented</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. June 30, at the Lawrence Arts Center as part of the Free State Festival.

Kevin Willmott's new film shines light on KC civil rights figure

Do not miss an opportunity to showcase and sell art including painting, woodwork, fiber arts and other media in the second annual Tri-Rivers Fair Artist Sale and Showcase. The Tri-River Fair Showcase is set for Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Tony’s Pizza Center.

A $25 entry fee will allow selected artists to set up and sell in a climate controlled environment. This is marketing opportunity for artist and craftsmen and women looking for exposure to a family friendly audience. The region surrounding Saline County is an integral part of our community, we strongly encourage artist from surrounding counties to apply. No commissions will be required on entry. Each artist is allotted a 10x8 foot area to display ware. An opportunity to demonstrate how you create your craft is available on request.

Interested artists may submit an application at a link in the first paragraph of the call package located at <a href="https://forms.gle/Yk6iCA5My9hChdtg9">https://forms.gle/Yk6iCA5My9hChdtg9</a>.

The application must include artist’s statement, any online platforms used to promote the artist’s work as well as three examples of the art to be shown and sold. The statement and online platforms will be used to promote artists work. Applications are due on Monday, June 24. Artist will be selected and notified by email on Friday, June 28.

The Tri-Rivers Fair involves 4-H and open class competitions, a carnival, food and beverage concessions and other activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717683895067.png" alt="Tri Rivers Fair Board" />
 <figcaption>Tri Rivers Fair Board</figcaption>
 </figure>Do not miss an opportunity to showcase and sell art including painting, woodwork, fiber arts and other media in the second annual Tri-Rivers Fair Artist Sale and Showcase. The Tri-River Fair Showcase is set for Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Tony’s Pizza Center.A $25 entry fee will allow selected artists to set up and sell in a climate controlled environment. This is marketing opportunity for artist and craftsmen and women looking for exposure to a family friendly audience. The region surrounding Saline County is an integral part of our community, we strongly encourage artist from surrounding counties to apply. No commissions will be required on entry. Each artist is allotted a 10x8 foot area to display ware. An opportunity to demonstrate how you create your craft is available on request.Interested artists may submit an application at a link in the first paragraph of the call package located at <a href="https://forms.gle/Yk6iCA5My9hChdtg9">https://forms.gle/Yk6iCA5My9hChdtg9</a>.The application must include artist’s statement, any online platforms used to promote the artist’s work as well as three examples of the art to be shown and sold. The statement and online platforms will be used to promote artists work. Applications are due on Monday, June 24. Artist will be selected and notified by email on Friday, June 28.The Tri-Rivers Fair involves 4-H and open class competitions, a carnival, food and beverage concessions and other activities.

Tri-Rivers Fair board invites local artists to show and sell

Theatre Salina is set to close out the season with the award-winning musical "The Prom," opening this weekend.

Directed by Maggie Spicer Brown and choreographed by Claire Schmidt, "The Prom-The Musical" opens June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kephart Theatre,&nbsp;303 E Iron Ave, Salina.

Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, "The Prom" features book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin, and music by Matthew Sklar.

The story follows four eccentric Broadway stars who, in desperate need of a new stage, descend upon a small town facing a brewing controversy. The local high school's prom becomes a battleground when one student wishes to bring her girlfriend, clashing with the town's desire to keep the event traditional. 

Determined to transform lives and steal the spotlight, the Broadway stars join forces with the brave student and the town's citizens, resulting in a heartwarming tale of love and acceptance.

"The Prom" captures the humor and heart of classic musical comedy, delivering a powerful message that resonates deeply in today's society. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this celebrated musical at Theatre Salina, running for a limited time.

For tickets and showtime information <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/5237/salina-community-theatre-kephart-theatre">click here.&nbsp;</a>

What’s a prom without a Prom King and Queen? Ten nominees from local Salina businesses are competing for your votes. Beginning on May 24, Theatre Salina posted individual images of each candidate on their social media pages. Each "like" counts as one vote, and each "share" counts as two votes. The Prom King and Queen will be announced on opening night, Friday, June 7.

Theatre Salina cast and crew of "The Prom"

Director&nbsp; –&nbsp;Maggie Spicer Brown

Music Director –&nbsp;&nbsp;Melanie Allison

EMMA NOLAN………………………………………Brandy Sandoval*

ALYSSA GREENE…………………………………..Emily Streeter

DEE DEE ALLEN……………………………………Vickee Spicer

BARRY GLICKMAN…………………………………Bill Brown

TRENT OLIVER………………………………………Tommy Flores

ANGIE DICKINSON………………………………….Mary King

TOM HAWKINS ………………………………………Alex Engelland

MRS. GREENE……………………………………….Lauren Bertram

SHELLY SAPERSTEIN………………………………Mara Mondt

KAYLEE……………………………………………….Erin Dolezal

SHELBY&nbsp;/ PRODUCTION DANCE CAPTAIN…….Mari Brown-Mereles

NICK / TEEN ENSEMBLE…………………………..Hudson Duff*

KEVIN / TEEN ENSEMBLE…………………………Elias Torres

OLIVIA KEATING / ENSEMBLE……………………Carley Pierce

* – indicates Theatre Salina Mainstage debut

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheatreSalina%2Fvideos%2F3722048644710294%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTTheatre Salina is set to close out the season with the award-winning musical "The Prom," opening this weekend.Directed by Maggie Spicer Brown and choreographed by Claire Schmidt, "The Prom-The Musical" opens June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kephart Theatre,&nbsp;303 E Iron Ave, Salina.Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, "The Prom" features book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin, and music by Matthew Sklar.The story follows four eccentric Broadway stars who, in desperate need of a new stage, descend upon a small town facing a brewing controversy. The local high school's prom becomes a battleground when one student wishes to bring her girlfriend, clashing with the town's desire to keep the event traditional. Determined to transform lives and steal the spotlight, the Broadway stars join forces with the brave student and the town's citizens, resulting in a heartwarming tale of love and acceptance."The Prom" captures the humor and heart of classic musical comedy, delivering a powerful message that resonates deeply in today's society. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this celebrated musical at Theatre Salina, running for a limited time.For tickets and showtime information <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/5237/salina-community-theatre-kephart-theatre">click here.&nbsp;</a>What’s a prom without a Prom King and Queen? Ten nominees from local Salina businesses are competing for your votes. Beginning on May 24, Theatre Salina posted individual images of each candidate on their social media pages. Each "like" counts as one vote, and each "share" counts as two votes. The Prom King and Queen will be announced on opening night, Friday, June 7.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheatreSalina%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0i6Z13y5vsx6tkiSfg3mCesHskwPV6AP9mQRZAt894bPNphJVwKVNfA1thP68pjo6l&show_text=true&width=500&preview=comet_preview" width="500" height="574" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><h2>Theatre Salina cast and crew of "The Prom"</h2>PRODUCTION TEAMDirector&nbsp; –&nbsp;Maggie Spicer BrownChoreographer –&nbsp;Claire SchmidtMusic Director –&nbsp;&nbsp;Melanie AllisonStage Manager-&nbsp;Andi HadenCASTEMMA NOLAN………………………………………Brandy Sandoval*ALYSSA GREENE…………………………………..Emily StreeterDEE DEE ALLEN……………………………………Vickee SpicerBARRY GLICKMAN…………………………………Bill BrownTRENT OLIVER………………………………………Tommy FloresANGIE DICKINSON………………………………….Mary KingTOM HAWKINS ………………………………………Alex EngellandMRS. GREENE……………………………………….Lauren BertramSHELLY SAPERSTEIN………………………………Mara MondtKAYLEE……………………………………………….Erin DolezalSHELBY&nbsp;/ PRODUCTION DANCE CAPTAIN…….Mari Brown-MerelesNICK / TEEN ENSEMBLE…………………………..Hudson Duff*KEVIN / TEEN ENSEMBLE…………………………Elias TorresOLIVIA KEATING / ENSEMBLE……………………Carley PierceTEENS/GODSPELL CAST/ENSEMBLE:Alivia Durall*Megan Graff*Thea HoekstraSloan HomelvigAllen JohnsonKatie MorganHollis MurdockCarley PierceZach SwansonBecca Winsky* – indicates Theatre Salina Mainstage debut

Theatre Salina closes out the season with 'The Prom: The Musical'

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities offices will be closed to the public Wednesday, June 12, 2024, to prepare for the Smoky Hill River Festival.

The offices will re-open in the Headquarters trailer at the Festival in Oakdale Park on Thursday, June 13, 2024, on the following schedule:

Thursday, June 13, 4 pm – 10 pm Friday, June 14, 10 am – 10 pm Saturday, June 15, 10 am – 10 pm Sunday, June 16, 10 am – 5 pm

The office will return to the regular schedule Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

For needed accommodations, please call Amanda Morris at Salina Arts &amp; Humanities at 785-309-5770. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least five working days before the event.

<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>By SALINA POSTSalina Arts &amp; Humanities offices will be closed to the public Wednesday, June 12, 2024, to prepare for the Smoky Hill River Festival.The offices will re-open in the Headquarters trailer at the Festival in Oakdale Park on Thursday, June 13, 2024, on the following schedule:Thursday, June 13, 4 pm – 10 pm Friday, June 14, 10 am – 10 pm Saturday, June 15, 10 am – 10 pm Sunday, June 16, 10 am – 5 pmThe office will return to the regular schedule Tuesday, June 18, 2024.For needed accommodations, please call Amanda Morris at Salina Arts &amp; Humanities at 785-309-5770. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least five working days before the event.

Salina Arts & Humanities offices closed on June 12

Information Courtesy Stiefel Theatre

American rock group Collective Soul is coming to Salina's historic Stiefel Theatre this Aug. Tickets start at&nbsp;$58 and go on sale Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m.&nbsp;Buy in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>&nbsp;785-827-1998

Ed Roland can describe 30 years in Collective Soul with two words.

"It's an honor and privilege," said the frontman and songwriter behind the Georgia-born band known for a bedrock of time-tested hits. "Its that simple. Just being able to do what you love, it's an honor and a privilege. 

Since launching a major label career in 1994, Collective Soul has charted a path that most rock bands dream of, but only few achieve. They cut through a noisy 1990s rock scene with a knack for stick-to-you-like-glue melodies, roof-shaking guitars, and a touch of Southern grit. Behind enduring singles like "Shine," "December" and "The World I Know," the band hit the ground running for what would not be a short-lived sprint, but a steady marathon of uncompromising - and always catchy - albums. Since launching, they've become one of the most reliable rock bands in America, a tried-and-true force in a world often defined by turmoil and turbulence.

And in the same year the band celebrates three decades of music making, Collective Soul returns with what may be its most ambitious project to-date: HERE TO ETERNITY, a double LP cut in the California home once owned by Elvis Presley. With sharp, polished rock riffs and Roland's signature wise-to-the-world storytelling, HERE TO ETERNITY plays like a full-throttle Collective Soul album from the moment it begins spilling out of stereo speakers.

"When I gave the album to management and radio promo," he said, "I was like, 'Put the needle on any song, I'm that proud of it.'

Roland - alongside brother and co-founding member Dean Roland (guitar), childhood friend and bassist Will Turpin, guitarist Jesse Triplett and drummer Johnny Rabb - decamped for a month to Palm Springs, California, to record virtually all of HERE TO ETERNITY inside a house once owned by Elvis and Priscilla Presley. Called the "Elvis Presley Palm Springs Estate," it's believed to be the only home besides the famed Memphis estate owned by Presley at the time of his death.

Stepping inside the King's one-time California getaway, his influence seeped into the album-making process. Ed Roland and album co-producer Shawn Grove slept in the home for the duration of the sessions, which overlapped with the death of Presley's daughter Lisa Marie in early 2023.

"The sticky DNA, with Elvis being there," Turpin said, "You can just tell it was his designs. All pink tiles. It's straight out of 1977. It was super cool just to be there and in the zone."

Or, in Triplett's words: "It's not something you can put your finger on specifically, but the vibe and energy of that place translated through the music. You almost don't realize until the end and listen to the rough mixes and you go 'oh shit ….. we did that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699384815089.png" alt="Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>Information Courtesy Stiefel TheatreAmerican rock group Collective Soul is coming to Salina's historic Stiefel Theatre this Aug. Tickets start at&nbsp;$58 and go on sale Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m.&nbsp;Buy in person at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>&nbsp;785-827-1998<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717515743677.jpeg" alt="Collective Soul" />
 <figcaption>Collective Soul</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>About Collective Soul</h2>Ed Roland can describe 30 years in Collective Soul with two words."It's an honor and privilege," said the frontman and songwriter behind the Georgia-born band known for a bedrock of time-tested hits. "Its that simple. Just being able to do what you love, it's an honor and a privilege. Since launching a major label career in 1994, Collective Soul has charted a path that most rock bands dream of, but only few achieve. They cut through a noisy 1990s rock scene with a knack for stick-to-you-like-glue melodies, roof-shaking guitars, and a touch of Southern grit. Behind enduring singles like "Shine," "December" and "The World I Know," the band hit the ground running for what would not be a short-lived sprint, but a steady marathon of uncompromising - and always catchy - albums. Since launching, they've become one of the most reliable rock bands in America, a tried-and-true force in a world often defined by turmoil and turbulence.And in the same year the band celebrates three decades of music making, Collective Soul returns with what may be its most ambitious project to-date: HERE TO ETERNITY, a double LP cut in the California home once owned by Elvis Presley. With sharp, polished rock riffs and Roland's signature wise-to-the-world storytelling, HERE TO ETERNITY plays like a full-throttle Collective Soul album from the moment it begins spilling out of stereo speakers."When I gave the album to management and radio promo," he said, "I was like, 'Put the needle on any song, I'm that proud of it.'Roland - alongside brother and co-founding member Dean Roland (guitar), childhood friend and bassist Will Turpin, guitarist Jesse Triplett and drummer Johnny Rabb - decamped for a month to Palm Springs, California, to record virtually all of HERE TO ETERNITY inside a house once owned by Elvis and Priscilla Presley. Called the "Elvis Presley Palm Springs Estate," it's believed to be the only home besides the famed Memphis estate owned by Presley at the time of his death.Stepping inside the King's one-time California getaway, his influence seeped into the album-making process. Ed Roland and album co-producer Shawn Grove slept in the home for the duration of the sessions, which overlapped with the death of Presley's daughter Lisa Marie in early 2023."The sticky DNA, with Elvis being there," Turpin said, "You can just tell it was his designs. All pink tiles. It's straight out of 1977. It was super cool just to be there and in the zone."Or, in Triplett's words: "It's not something you can put your finger on specifically, but the vibe and energy of that place translated through the music. You almost don't realize until the end and listen to the rough mixes and you go 'oh shit ….. we did that."

Collective Soul 'Here to Eternity' coming to Stiefel theatre in Aug.

The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage this month at RFD Broadway's Kid camp production of Roald Dahl's, "Willy Wonka KIDS."

Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka KIDS is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.

The public will have two opportunities to watch the performers who participated in the 2024 RFD Kids Camp. Showtimes are June 21 at 4:00 p.m. and June 22 at 7:00 p.m. Both performances will be held in the A.J. Steinberg Auditorium, located at 401 N. Cedar Street.

Started in 1959, Broadway RFD is the longest running outdoor theatre in the state of Kansas. Each Summer, talented members of the Smoky Valley community and surrounding areas come together to bring the highest quality show to our patrons. People come far and wide, with their lawn chairs in tow, to sit in the summer breeze and be immersed in song and dance. This longstanding institution strives to bring great entertainment and exposure to the theatrical arts to the people of the Smoky Valley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717456246429.png" alt="Broadway RFD kids-Image Courtesy Lindsborg CVB" />
 <figcaption>Broadway RFD kids-Image Courtesy Lindsborg CVB</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage this month at RFD Broadway's Kid camp production of Roald Dahl's, "Willy Wonka KIDS."Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka KIDS is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.The public will have two opportunities to watch the performers who participated in the 2024 RFD Kids Camp. Showtimes are June 21 at 4:00 p.m. and June 22 at 7:00 p.m. Both performances will be held in the A.J. Steinberg Auditorium, located at 401 N. Cedar Street.<h2>More about Broadway RFD</h2>Started in 1959, Broadway RFD is the longest running outdoor theatre in the state of Kansas. Each Summer, talented members of the Smoky Valley community and surrounding areas come together to bring the highest quality show to our patrons. People come far and wide, with their lawn chairs in tow, to sit in the summer breeze and be immersed in song and dance. This longstanding institution strives to bring great entertainment and exposure to the theatrical arts to the people of the Smoky Valley.

Broadway RFD Kids: Willy Wonka KIDS  June 21 & 22

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.