Here in Elkhart County there are many fine aspects of quality living we can often take for granted. Sure, it can sometimes be easy to dwell on negatives – zero degrees is no fun – but they are far outweighed by the positives of living here.
The arts and entertainment scene in the area is as strong as it has ever been. This weekend Goshen College theater department students performed annual one-act plays with the theme, “Think For Yourself.” There’s still time to catch the final performance at 3 p.m. today inside the Umble Center. Just $3 at the door.
Goshen College has done an outstanding job of bringing the community high-quality acts on a consistent basis. This coming Friday, for instance, Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys will perform at the College’s Sauder Concert Hall. That may not sound impressive in this age of bubble-gum pop and American Idol, but it is. Stanley, 82, won a Grammy in 2000 for his a cappella performance of “O Death” in the Coen Brother’s movie “O Brother Where Art Thou.” If you’re into chamber music, they have that too.
Then there’s New World Arts in downtown Goshen if you’re in the mood for fine community theater. What a excellent opportunity for those in the community who love to perform regardless of skill level or previous experience. It’s nearly impossible to leave a community theater without a smile on your face. Don’t forget, auditions for “Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” are coming up this Saturday if you’re interested.
Certainly we can’t forget the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, the Wagon Wheel Theater in Warsaw and the Round Barn Theater in Nappanee.
Over at LVD’s Concert Hall in Goshen’s Old Bag Factory, concert goers are routinely treated to established and respected acts as well as quality up-and-comers. On tap over the next couple months are Robin and Linda Williams, The Red Sea Pedestrians and Red Molly. Smaller venues like “Constant Spring” in downtown Goshen also showcase local musical talent like The Goldmine Pickers. Also, the band Lotus, which has strong local roots, is making a name for itself out east.
We would like to thank everybody involved with the local arts scene for all their hard work. It truly enriches our lives.
