Red, White, and Blues Declared a "hopping" Success
Story By Sarah Lang/The Lebanon Reporter
Lebanon — Missy Krulik of Lebanon Vitalization Inc. had a goal Friday night. And she met it.
“I really wanted to bring an art feeling to downtown,” said Krulik of the first-ever Red, White and Blues festival held on the Courthouse Square. “And I think we did it.”
The festival, hosted by LVI and Lebanon Community Arts Council, featured entertainment by the Greyhound Dixieland Band and the Sugar Creek Big Band, the Frog Jumping Jubilee, art exhibits provided by local artists and food and drinks for all — wine tastings by New Day Meadery, assorted cakes from a local pastry chef, strawberry shortcakes by LCAC and soft drinks from LVI.
“We really needed this to be an event to span all ages,” Krulik said. “And we achieved that.”
Children and adults alike caught their own frogs to compete in the Frog Jumping Jubilee with one stipulation — the frogs had to be released back into the wild when the competition was over.
Ben Piper and his frog, Bob, took first place for the longest single jump, the longest first jump and, the grant prize, the longest three jumped combined. Isabella Lecklitner’s frog won for the ugliest frog. Grant Krulik won for best-dressed jockey, and Debra Culley’s frog, Peyton, won for best-dressed frog.
Judge Dan Robbins reminded everyone before the frog jumping competition began that no steroids were allowed.
The wine tasting was something Krulik really wanted to have, but she said many people told her she wouldn’t be able to pull it off. But she did.
“So we’re kind of like pioneers,” said Brett Canaday of New Day Meadery. “We’re all about showing that, even at a family event, we can enjoy alcohol responsibly.”
And their booth, where they served a wine taste for $1 or a glass for $5, was almost non-stop busy.
In the end, Krulik said they had a great turnout, and she was “very pleased” at the success of it for the first time.
“I hope to make it an annual event,” she said.
Sugar Creek Big Band Performs at
Red,White, and Blues Event
The Sugar Creek Big Band brought downtown Lebanon alive with the sounds of Big Band, Jazz and Blues Friday night. Although weather shortened their performance, the crowd was treated to an hour of world-class music
Guests were treated to a free gathering featuring Artwork from the Sugar Creek Art Center in Thorntown, represented by John Hanks, resident Artist. Harry Gibson, Director of Visual Arts for the Lebanon Community Arts Council Board, also displayed a variety of personal works.
Light refreshments were provided by the Arts Council and served to the guests by Judy Walburn, President of the Boone County Historical Society. Walburn donned a Victorian-style dress reflecting an elegant ambience of the Cragun home for the event. Guests were warmly hosted by LCAC Vice President and Lebanon Middle School Band Director, Barbara Springer.
Sponsor’s of the event were recognized by LCAC President Liz Knox. Thanks were expressed to Eddie and Carolyn West of Net-tec Computers, Sigmon and Jane Myers of Myers Mortuary, and Barb Walters of Family Music Studio.
Musicians provided a thirty minute forum discussion, highlighting the evening’s musical repertoire and answering questions of the audience. Liz Knox provided information regarding significant classical works and composers from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. Alan Conrad, Lebanon High School Band Director, spoke to the guests by giving a brief background of his education, current position as Band Director, and teaching experiences. The Lebanon Brass Quintet, formed by Alan Conrad, Liz Knox, Mark Smith, Kelley Wright and Raleigh Kouns performed works by Vivaldi, Bach, Haydn and Beethoven.
Betsy Carpenter-Wilson, Secretary for the LCAC and Band Director of the Decatur Discovery Academy in Indianapolis, provided information about the life and works of Scott Joplin and the significance and influence of the Ragtime era. The Sugar Creek Sax Trio, comprised of Betsy Carpenter-Wilson (alto sax), Amy Leinart (alto sax), and
Neil Lantz (tenor sax), performed works by Scott Joplin and A. Louis Scarmolin during the concert portion of the evening.
Barb Walters, Treasurer for the LCAC and Director of Family Music Studio, treated the audience to facts about the Baroque musical period with interesting facts about what life would have been like for a musician during that time. Debbie Ottinger, a guest of the evening’s event, asked Walters of her experience as a child and if her family was an important role in her musicianship. Walters shared that she delights in the knowledge that generations of her family from Grandfather to Great-Great Grandfather were violinists but her parents weren’t necessarily musicians. The Walters family, performing as Running River Strings, featured Barb Walters (cello), Bethany Walters (violin) , Emily Walters (violin) and Eli Walters (acoustic guitar). The group performed works by Handel and Mouret.
The evening concluded with thanks given by Judy Walburn on behalf of the Historical Society and LCAC sponsorship information from Mark Smith, Director of Community Affairs. Guests were invited to attend the next LCAC sponsored event, the Lebanon Community Arts Festival, June 19th-21st and to visit www.lebanonartscouncil.net for additional information.
Introducing Our Purpose
Mark Smith and Harry Gibson share the mission of the LCAC with an attendee of the Home Show. Several brochures and business cards were distributed to the public over the duration of the event explaining our purposes, website and upcoming events.
Harry Gibson - Director of Visual Arts
Mark Smith - Director of Community Affairs
New Friend
Joyce Bowman, owner of Jewelry by Joyce became a new sponsor for the Lebanon Community Arts Council at the Home and Garden Show on Saturday. The LCAC welcomes Joyce's support and would like to express our appreciation for her contribution. Joyce enjoys creating original designs for her jewelry and has a very elegant and tasteful collection available to the public. She also takes custom orders and will tailor pieces for individuals. Joyce's information can be found on our "Friends of the LCAC" page.
Photo: Jewelry by Joyce exhibit
For a Great Cause
Diane Ellis and Mark Smith gave presentations on Saturday regarding pet health care, proper restraints, tagging, micro-chipping, and the importance of spaying/neutering household pets. Mark spoke to the crowd regarding the mission of the Humane Society and the importance of funding and goals for the organization. The LCAC is proud to have the HSforBC as a Friend of our organization. Although the two organizations have a common, invaluable bond through Mark Smith, still waters run much deeper! The general public wouldn't necessarily consider animals and the arts to be associated, but pet/animal relationships are often very important and therapeutic to artists, performers and musicians.
Helping Out
Volunteers for the Humane Society from Left; Sharon Pattee, Mike Hancock, Cheryl Hancock, with Mark Smith, Director of Fundraising.
The LCAC and Sugar Creek Art Center displayed beautiful exhibits and lots of smiles during the last two days of the Home and Garden show. People browsed and talked about artists past and present with lots of wonderful memories and interesting stories. Many great ideas have been exchanged about future events and ideas about new programs for our community!
Photo: Liz Knox, LCAC President, and Mary McCartney-Jones, Artist and volunteer for the Sugar Creek Art Center of Thorntown.
Artist Harry Gibson Displays Original Work
LCAC Director of Visual Art, Harry Gibson, decorated the LCAC booth Friday night with a few of his original oil paintings. His works include various birds, portraits, and a work titled "Cathedral" (top right).
Harry is currently the featured Artist at the Lebanon Municipal Building during the month of April.
Photo: Harry Gibson original paintings, violin case shown belonged to Mark Smith's mother and is a treasured family heirloom.
Evening of Beautiful Music
The Boone County Home and Garden Show had a wonderful first evening with beautiful weather, tasteful, interesting displays and lots of friendly faces! The LCAC proudly sponsored one hour of instrumental music in the Commercial Building. Pictured from left to right, a string trio by Emily Walters (violin), Claudia Klinefelter (violin), and Grant Hodges (guitar). The LCAC would like to thank Grace Baptist Church of Lebanon for the use of the chairs and stands for the musicians.
Lebanon Brass Quintet's Debut Performance at the
Home and Garden Show
Thursday's Home and Garden Show attendees were treated to a debut performance by the new
Lebanon Brass Quintet.
Pictured:
Kelley Wright - Trumpet I
Mark Smith - Trumpet II
Liz Knox - Tuba
Alan Conrad - French Horn
Raleigh Kouns -Trombone
LCAC Home Show Booth
Photo: Mark Smith, Director of Community Affairs for the LCAC and his lovely wife and LCAC volunteer, Dee Smith. The LCAC would like to recognize and thank Steve Anderson for the beautiful design and production of the banner displayed in this photo. Thank you to Mark and Dee Smith for their monetary support of the banners and signs.
Members of the LCAC visit the
Sugar Creek Art Center of Thorntown
The Lebanon Community Arts Council sponsored a lunch-hour performance on Thursday, April 2nd featuring the Running River Strings group, under the direction of Barb A. Walters, Director of Family Music Studio of Lebanon.
Pictured from left to right: Bethany Walters-violin, Barb Walters-cello, and Eli Walters-Guitar.
The audience was treated to a wonderful collection of musical favorites that brought back wonderful memories for all. The performance was followed by light piano music, provided by Liz Knox, while visitors to the Art Center enjoyed various exhibits by the WEBO Fine Art students and the talented artists of the Center.
The Walters family has been a vital part of the Lebanon community by providing quality, private music instruction and world-class performances through Family Music Studio and the Running River Strings group. Barb and Evan Walters (Able Vending) have seven children, all of whom play a stringed instrument. They have traveled and performed for years bringing unmatched quality and cultural enrichment to our community and many others. The Lebanon Community Arts Council is proud and honored to have the Walters as part of our events and look forward to many performances to come!
To learn more about the Walters and Family Music Studio, please visit: www.familymusicstudio.net