Concerts are back

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Plans to reinstate the Weston County Concert Association are moving forward after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to board member Jan Ellis. 
She said the group is very excited to bring another round of family-friendly entertainment back to Weston County. 
“The last concert of season 2019-2020, Presidio Brass, was canceled but has been reinstated in the season of 2021-2022 at no extra cost to our members,” Ellis said. “We will have the normal four-concert season added to this to make a total of five concerts for the upcoming season.” 
The series will kick off on Sept. 13 with Presidio Brass, a brass quintet playing popular Broadway tunes. The group was formed in 2005 and has performed in over 40 states, according to Allied Concert Services information.
The second show of the season, on Oct. 30, will feature America’s Sweethearts, a female vocal trio performing the “greatest generation” era hits. According to information provided, the trio performs a wide range of music from World War II, Great American Songbook favorites, classic Broadway, pop tunes from the 1950s and jazz in colorful costumes with crystal-clear harmonies. 
On Nov. 20, the series will feature New Odyssey Guy, an energetic entertainer playing lots of instruments, sprinkled with humor. Gary Todd, according to Allied Concert Services information, has been performing since the age of 2 and his high-energy show features 10 instruments, music, comedy and more. 
The fourth show of the season will feature The Chipper Experience on March 27. Comedian Chipper Lowell uses “clever magic tricks to get the audience involved, and his quick — but always clean — wit to get them laughing and smiling,” Allied Concert Services Information says.
Rounding out this year’s lineup is Branden & James, a vocal and cello duo from Manhattan, on April 28. The duo reinvents pop music in classical form with powerful vocals and soulful cello, according to provided information.
All concerts will be held in the Crouch Auditorium, Ellis said, starting at 7 p.m., except for the 3 p.m. Sunday matinee featuring The Chipper Experience on March 27. 
“A one-time fee of $10 for students, $40 for adults and $85 for a family will get you into all the concerts,” she said. “This is an amazing deal for quality live entertainment.” 
In addition to the local concerts, members will be able to attend concerts in South Dakota in both Belle Fourche and Hot Springs at no additional charge. Members will also be able to attend shows in Rapid City, although they will cost an additional $15 on top of presenting their ticket for the Weston County Concert Association series. 
“Tickets will go on sale July 27 from many sellers across the county. There is also an insert in this week’s paper, which lists concerts and a cutout entry from that can be sent in to receive tickets by mail,” Ellis said. 
Tickets will be sold at A-1 Agency and both Pinnacle Bank and First State Bank.