LIFESTYLE

Hutchinson can look forward to tributes to Patsy Cline, Chicago, Copper Street Brass

Dan Deming
Special to the Hutchinson News

Come on Hutchinson, Reno and surrounding counties.  Anyone who saw this past Monday night's Elton John tribute show by Jim Witter can testify to what great entertainment and value pricing comes when you buy Hutchinson Community Concert tickets, now on sale for a limited time.

Crocodile Rockin' was the final concert to complete the 2021-22 season and it was among the best. Canadian singer/songwriter Witter, in Hutchinson for the third time after previous tributes to Barry Manilow and Piano Man Billy Joel, put on a memorable display of Elton John hits backed by lead guitar, backup vocalist and arranger Ian Tanner along with accomplished drum and bass guitar accompaniment.

Witters' daughter, an up-and-coming country singer, joined her dad via a video link from Ontario to combine on another past hit, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and the selection of John's music couldn't have been better.

Local Community Concert goers at Memorial Hall have been spoiled by such exceptional talent at incredibly low prices. Witters' tribute alone would have easily cost $30 to $40 per ticket at Branson and other venues. But the local series offers all six shows starting in October for just $50 for adults, $10 for students and $110 for an entire family. Price out Fox Theatre and other entertainment and you'll soon see how reasonable Hutchinson Community Concerts brings little-known names but big value music to our city. Individual concert tickets are not sold.

For the 2022-23 season ticket holders can look forward to another tribute event, The Music of Chicago titled "Beginnings." Also on deck are a tribute to Patsy Cline, Copper Street Brass, Cherish the Ladies — an all-Ireland flute and whistle show that has played at the White House — Classic  Broadway music, and more country-pop energy with The Hall Sisters.

Where else can you find six shows for slightly more than $8 each, performed in a sound-rich auditorium and available practically in your own back yard? Frankly, you can't. So if you believe in live entertainment, an opportunity to hear quality groups you probably have never heard of but will appreciate and long remember, don't let your limited buying opportunity for Hutchinson Community Concerts pass by. For more information, call 620- 665-7300. 

Dan Deming, former general manager of Hutchinson radio station KWBW and former Reno County Commissioner, can be reached at 620-960-6733 or dan.deming2@gmail.com.

The opinions expressed in this column are that of the opinion writer and not necessarily The Hutchinson News.