By Jim Troyer
jtroyer@postbulletin.com
The Austin Artist Series celebrates its 59th year with a five-star lineup that will take its members on a musical passage from autumn into spring.
The season opens Sept. 21 with The Brassissimo Vienna, starting at 7 p.m. All performances will be in Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School.
Born in 1944 to lift spirits of a war-weary community, the Civic Music Concert Service was committed to bringing a variety of high quality entertainment to Austin. The name changed in 1958 to the Austin Artist Series.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Throughout its 59 years, the philosophy and guidelines have remained the same," said Artist Series President Dave Kallman.
Concerts continue to be for members only, but membership is open to everyone during the membership drive, Sept. 5-12. Season tickets are available through volunteer ticket sellers and at the Convention Visitors Bureau, just north of the Spam Museum. Prices remain the same this year: adults, $25; students, $10; and families, $55.
"You may not be able to see all five concerts or may not like all five," Kallman said. "However, if you only see two or three of the five and enjoy them, you have been well compensated for the cost of your ticket." Families are encouraged to attend, he adds. "What better way to expose children to quality music and entertainment?"
An added bonus of the Austin Artist Series is its reciprocity with the concert program of Osage, Iowa. Members may attend all four events at no extra cost.
BOX: Austin Artist Series
The Brassissimo Vienna, a European brass quintet, will perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 21.
Three Hits and a Miss will perform at 3 p.m. Nov. 24.
Bill Shustik, who presents the Civil War in legend and song, will perform at 7 p.m Feb. 22
ADVERTISEMENT
The Dukes of Dixieland will perform at 7 p.m. April 8.
Kremlin Chamber Orchestra from Moscow at 7 p.m. May 8.
