Now you might be saying, "What is he talking about?" If so, you need to read this blog! I am talking about the amazing history of long standing music, arts and historical worth in Terre Haute.
The Community Theatre of Terre Haute is getting ready for the last show of it's 85th season. That is over twice as long as I have been alive. In a short 15 years it will be 100 years old. Yes, I mean a century.
The shows and directors are already picked for the 86th season and they look to be fabulous. I personally can't wait to see "Hairspray".
Did you know that the Children's Theatre of Terre Haute is celebrating 75 years? Yep, that's right 75 YEARS!
I have to admit that I didn't even know there was a Children's Theatre until a few years ago. They do a couple show per year. The last one, "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley" was really good.
Terre Haute has a long standing musical history as well. The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra is over half way done with it's 86th season.
The Symphony has two shows left. The next one being "The King of Instruments". It will be on March 24th at 7:30 P.M. The final show the the 2011-2012 season will be "Ol' Blue Eyes" on April 21st at 7:30 P.M.
That's 235 years combined in the first three things I have mentioned. Keep adding.
If you want more vocal music with good harmony, Terre Haute has something for you. Check out the Might Banks of the Wabash Chorus.
According to the Tribune Star the BOW Chorus has been around since the 1940's. I couldn't find an exact date, but at over 60 years it's been around a long time! They perform locally at Harmony Hall on Lafayette Avenue.
The Terre Haute Community Band offers a musical change of pace by being free and outside. The only history I could find for how long they have been around (without a bunch of research) was that they filled of non-profit status in 2000. So, it has been around for at least a dozen years.
This band is all volunteer and performs every other Saturday at 8 P.M. in Fairbanks Park during the Summer. The concerts are free and open to the public. Every show is exciting and different.
How about the BLUES? Yep, Terre Haute has them. The Blues at the Crossroads.
We are going to close 7th and Wabash for two days, set up a big ole' stage and sit in the streets!
This year, 2012, will be the 12th annual. I can't believe after a dozen years there are still people in this town who don't really know anything about it. Not only is there be music, but there is food, beer, t-shirts and even a half marathon! Connie should be updating the website soon, so keep check on it to see who is come to show!
If you think art and think of paintings, scultures and pictures then Terre Haute has had something for you since 1942. That is when The Swope Art Museum officially opened it's doors to the public and gained nation wide attention. WOW, 70 years! It's old enough to retire. I sure hope it doesn't do any such thing.
The Swope Art Museum is know around the world for it's collection of over 2000 works. The American work of art include both 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures.
How about an organization that promotes and supports it all? As you might have guessed, we have that also. Arts Illiana has been doing just that, supporting the arts, in the Wabash Valley since 1980.
That is an impressive 32 years. The mission of Arts Illiana is to promote, support and enhace the arts and cultural activities of the Wabash Valley.
Looking for something with more historic value. How about a museum? Try a museum dedicated to telling the story of the Holocaust and the stories of the Auschwitz twins. That such place is called C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Holocaust Museum.
C.A.N.D.L.E.S. was dedicated by Eva Kor in 1995. That's 17 years, if you are doing the math. The museum is located at 1532 S. Third Street and is open Tuesday thru Friday 10-4 and Saturday 1-4.
Want more local history. Not a problem.The Vigo County Historical Society has it. And this place has been around as long as I can remember, so that's about 40 years. If you have lived here your whole life and never been or just started unpacking boxes in your new home, I recommend you stop by to see all the history under one roof. Also, if it's been a few years since you have been then it is time to go again.
From the Coke bottle that was designed here in Terre Haute to the legendary Stiffy Green. There is a basement and two floors of history to explore.
So, if you have been playing along and keeping up with the math you should have about 489 years of history, arts and entertainment. Not bad for a town with nothing to do. I make myself laugh when I say that.
GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!
