The Center for the Arts 15th anniversary celebration is May 14
In the late 1990s the building at 314 West Main Street in the heart of downtown Grass Valley, California was drawing the attention of artists. Built in 1947 to house a Chevrolet dealership, the building had evolved from automobiles to being a school of cosmetology, a gymnasium and a video production facility. In 1999 a group of artists and art supporters under the leadership of realtor Jon Blinder formed a board of directors and filed for incorporation as The Northern California Center for the Arts. A long process of renovation began with the goal of creating a facility for artists to learn, create and perform.
Fifteen years later The Center for the Arts has evolved into one of the busiest arts venues and production companies in Northern California with the 20,000 square foot facility hosting hundreds of events annually. The Center has also expanded to present concerts and events at other venues including the 1000-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium and the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
To celebrate their 15th year The Center is throwing itself a birthday party on Thursday, May 14 complete with balloons, streamers, birthday cake and live entertainment.
Center executive director Julie Baker says, “We see our 15th anniversary as an opportunity to share the history of The Center, the people of the Center, the contribution The Center makes to the economic prosperity of the County and how it impacts not only the region but the lives of the diverse population of people that make up the community. Unlike other non-profits The Center is in business to bring business to the region.”
The Open House birthday celebration will include performances by Roy Rogers, Kelly Fleming & Che Greenwood, Barry Friedman, Juliet Gobert & Homer Wills, Lorraine Gervais & Jacob Aginsky, Dakota Sid & Travers Clifford, Peter Wilson, Dancing With Our Stars, Barwick & Siegfried, Yuba Rio Hot Club, The Movement Alliance and Saul Rayo.
15th Anniversary schedule for Main Stage:
6:00 – Kelly Fleming & Che Greenwood
6:15 – Juggleboyz – Barry Friedman & his son
6:25 – Juliet Gobert & Homer Wills
6:45 – Lorraine Gervais & Jacob Aginsky
7:00 – Dakota Sid & Travers
7:15 – Peter Wilson
7:30 – Aaron Ross
7:45 – Premier of Music Video
7:55 – Dancing With Our Stars
8:05 – AirAligned
8:15 – Barwick & Siegfried
8:30 – Roy Rogers solo
8:50 – Yuba Rio Hot Club
9:10 – The Movement Alliance
9:20 – Rayo
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The Center for the Arts – Spring Membership Drive
The Center for the Arts annual Spring Membership Drive kicks off during the month of May with special incentives to support the busy non-profit organization through membership.
Center executive director Julie Baker says, “Membership is a win-win for The Center and the community. Benefits of membership include a hefty discount on event tickets, early access to the best seats and special member events along with the sure knowledge that you’re helping make Nevada County a special place.” Members can to purchase up to 4 tickets at member pricing saving up to $10 per ticket.
During the May membership drive The Center will celebrate it’s fifteenth birthday with a free open house-concert showcasing over 25 performers including live music, dance, juggling and acrobatics in the Main Stage theater.
“There are many ways a membership in the Center benefits the whole community.” Baker adds. “With a strong membership base, The Center has the means to support and promote local artists, underwrite children’s theater, provide low cost youth arts and education programs, partner with local non-profits, donate tickets to other fundraisers, award scholarships and offer free community services.”
Those joining or renewing their membership in May will be entered to win a Center for the Arts annual pass good for two tickets to any Center show. As an additional incentive, May memberships will run for 15 months instead of the usual 12.
Just announced productions that are on sale to members-only during the May membership drive include Dancing With Our Stars, Edgar Winter Band, Leon Russell, Todd Rundgren, Ruthie Foster and Charlie Musselwhite, The Waifs, Maria Muldaur, Paula Poundstone and David Sedaris.
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During the membership drive, any new, renewing or upgrading members and those referring a friend to The Center will be entered to win:
Grand Prize: Annual Pass – 2 tickets to any Center produced show from June 1, 2015 – May 31, 2016
Thanks for your help to make the 2015 Spring Membership Drive a success!
Offering again this year – $50 Volunteer Fan Membership
New Show Announcements:
Dancing With Our Stars – On sale to Encore and Family April 15
On sale to Members May 1
On sale to General Public June 1
Edgar Winter Band – on sale to Encore members now
On sale to Members April 28th
On sale to General Public May 12
Leon Russell on sale to Encore members now
On sale to Members May 1st.
On sale to General Public June 1
The Waifs – on sale to Encore members now
On sale to Members May 1st
On sale to General Public June 1
Paula Poundstone – on sale to Encore members now
On sale to Members May 1st
On sale to General Public June 1
David Sedaris – on sale to Encore members now
On sale to Members May 1st
On sale to General Public June 1
-Peter Wilson
(Photo: Tommy Gleason)