 |
|
|
|
|
FORUM at Lees-McRae College celebrates 30 years this season!
at This year marks the 30th anniversary of FORUM, an organization formed by a small group of “summer people” for the purpose of bringing cultural programs to Banner Elk. Affiliated with Lees-McRae College, FORUM has grown to be a large organization made up of local residents, “summer people” and Lees-McRae staff providing programs of both cultural enrichment and wholesome entertainment to the community. The FORUM Board of Directors consists of representatives who volunteer their services to ensure that the program meets the goals established by the founders. The selection of programs is carefully organized by a Program Selection Committee. This committee, led by the FORUM Vice President, considers over 100 candidates, reviews demo tapes and reduces the number of candidates to 16 possible programs. These are presented to the Board of Directors who then choose the eight programs for the year, balancing speakers, vocalists, big band groups, pianists, dancers and other performances. FORUM expenses are underwritten by becoming a FORUM “Friend” (contribution up to $125) or “Patron” ($125 or more per person). As a donation to Lees-McRae the Patron contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. In 2009 this amount is $110. Patrons are provided tickets to the eight performances each summer. The membership is year September 1 through August 31. FORUM programs are offered free to invited members of our area service organizations as a community service. In addition, FORUM seeks to raise enough revenue each year to provide a generous gift to Lees-McRae for use in the Performing Arts Program. PATRON BENEFITS: Reserved seating for all programs; limited reserved parking at Hayes Lot; and invitations to the Annual Patron Social. Checks should be made payable to FORUM.
|
|
2009 PROGRAM SCHEDULE |
|
| June 16 - THE MARLINS |
The Marlins offer what can truly be called a variety show. They offer anything from Big Band to Classical melodies, foot-tappin’ Ragtime, Down-home Bluegrass to smooth Pop songs. |
| June 23 - MARCO VEGA QUINTET | The quintet has a huge repertoire of familiar favorites such as “A Time for Us”, “Somewhere My Love”, “Don’t cry for me Argentina” plus native songs and costumes of Paraguay. |
| June 30 - EMILE PANDOLFI | Emile is a FORUM favorite and a combination of charm, laughter, and the exquisite styling of a master pianist. |
| July 7 - THE WESTERN PIEDMONT SYMPHONY |
John Gordon Ross returns for his 16th season as Music Director and Conductor with a program ranging from Pops to Patriotic favorites. |
|
July 14 -
MAC FRAMPTON with CECIL WELCH, Trumpeter |
Mac has appeared at FORUM four previous years showing that he is a FORUM favorite. His “Pop Go the Classics” production featuring himself on the piano and six world class musicians. |
| July 21 - NATHAN GRANNER | Nathan’s tenor voice has been described vibrant, flexible, full of fire and comparable to Mario Lonzo. His program consists of Americana to Broadway together with classical arias. |
| July 28 - THE FOUR FRESHMEN | Celebrating 61 years, “The Four Freshmen” is the longest lasting vocal harmony group since their inception in 1948. There have been 22 variations in the intervening years, but they still carry on the original cutting-edge sounds. |
| August 4 - FOOTWORKS | From the clogging of Southern Appalachia to the step dances of Ireland, the six dancers and four musicians of Footworks celebrate the world of percussive dance. Their program has been described as eruptive joy with whip sharp timing and devilishly tricky footwork. |
|
All programs are held in Hayes Auditorium on Lees-McRae College campus. Keep checking the web site for more information. To become a Forum patron, contact
Sandy Ramsey.
FORUM
|
|
|
Our
State: North Carolina's only travel, history and folklore
publication |
|
High Country Host: The High Country's Source for Places, Events, and Things to Do |
