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Community Concert series begins membership drive

Whether you favor Irish step dancing, Andean mountain music or the traditional combination of flute and guitar, Havre Community Concerts may have something for you.

Sunday is the first day of the Havre Community Concert Association's 2002-03 membership drive. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for students and $75 for a family. All shows will be held in the Havre High School auditorium.

"Buy your memberships early. They might sell out," said Dee Ann Turck, the association's publicity chair. "These are outstanding concerts. They avail the people of Havre of quality musical presentations."

The association has been coordinating the concerts, which feature national and international musicians, for more than 80 years.

Members this season will be treated to four concerts, kicking off with Festival of Four, a group that combines flute with the sounds of three different guitars, on Sept. 17.

Two months later, Elisabeth Von Trapp, a descendent of the world renowned Trapp Family Singers, comes to town, bringing her singing voice with her. Von Trapp's show is scheduled for Nov. 17.

On Jan. 19, concertgoers will see Dancing on Common Ground, an ensemble of Irish step dancers, country cloggers and American tap dancers.

The final concert, on April 29, features Alborada, a family of five Andean musicians. The Batista family, which plays more than 30 different percussion and wind instruments, is highlighted by Milo Batista's sense of humor.

"We try to get a variety that will please everybody. If people even go to only two shows, the ticket is still worth it," said Mary Lee Bakker, chair of the concert association.

The association, which commits thousands of dollars each year to the concert series, is hoping for a full house, Turck added. Havre High's auditorium seats about 700 people. Last year, the association sold 700 memberships.

"We usually sell tickets to fill the house. It's well worth what they're paying for a ticket," Bakker said.

The association also pays extra each year to have some of the groups enter the schools to discuss music and their experiences. This year, Festival of Four will go to Havre High School and Alborada will talk to district elementary students.

"There are people who definitely look forward every year to bringing this to town. It's got a long tradition," Turck said.

Bakker agreed.

"I think it is very necessary to have something offered in culture and music for the community," she said. "We really urge people to take advantage of it. It's something great for the community."

For more information, contact Ruth Carlson at 265-4233, Jeanne Kieckbusch at 265-5224 or Cindy Keim at 265-8347.

 

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