Al Simmons entertains with silly stuff

World-renown comediene, Al Simmons, was a big hit with school shows yesterday and our Family Fun Series performance today. He had a LOOOONG line of fans awaiting signatures. If you haven't had a chance to see Al in performance, check him out on his website. http://www.alsimmons.com/

Arts Day at the Statehouse

My assistant, Dalesse Bowles, and I traveled to Indianapolis for Arts Day at the Statehouse. This is a cross section of various arts organizations and Regional partners who display what they do and meet with our legislators. We were delighted when our own Jasperite, Rep. Mark Messmer, stopped by to talk with us. Mark is a musician himself as well has having several talented members in his family.

Guest speakers included another Jasperite, State Poet Laurette, Norb Krapf who recited a wonderful poem about Payton Manning. We had entertainment from some other wonderful Indiana artists and enjoyed networking with many of our arts partners. If you haven't visited our statehouse, you ought to take an opportunity to visit this beautiful building. And..don't forget to stop by your legislator's office to tell them how important the arts are to your community.

Kuttner String Quartet

The Kuttner String Quartet played for a great audience today. This famous competition-qualified group of musicians enthralled our guests. Lots Strings students in the audience. Thanks to Nancy Otte and the IU SW Alumni Association for helping to make this partnership happen.

USI Reception

Attendance was great at the reception for the USI art department faculty exhibit. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful artwork and the snackies!

APAP Conference in NYC

I can't show you the showcases, however our plenary luncheon on the final day featured guest speaker Eugenia Zukerman. Lots of ideas. Boy, am I tired! Heading home tomorrow.

APAP in NYC

Donna Schepers and I are in NYC attending the APAP conference. This is the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. We have several days where we meet with agents (three floors at the Hilton), see showcases which are snippets of performances, and attend training sessions. It's a great opportunity to view shows for our venue and to bring back information. It also allows us time to network with other arts presenters, performers and agents. Lots of ideas.

This first day we had some free time and walked a couple of blocks from our hotel to take in the sights. Rockerfeller Center where the Christmas tree was still on display. People really do skate on the rink there! Radio City Music Hall where the Rockettes perform. And Times Square is awesome with all the lights. The weather was very cold but no snow.

Heading to NYC soon

Heading for NYC for the APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters) annual conference. This is where we meet the agents and frequently get to view showcases by the artists. The showcases are from 20 minutes to a full performance long. Unfortunately, the biggest challenge is trying to view as many as we can since they are often held simultaneously in various locations. Can't be everywhere at once!

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