McCain Performance Series-The Righteous Brothers

Prepare for a soul-stirring, nostalgic concert experience at the Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour of the legendary Righteous Brothers.

The Righteous Brothers Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour promises a captivating musical odyssey, spanning the early days of rock and roll, the era of Blue-Eyed Soul and as far reaching as the movie Dirty Dancing. From heartwarming ballads to energetic rock anthems, every performance is a testament to the enduring power of The Righteous Brothers’ music and their connection to fans across the globe.

Take a journey through decades of timeless hits that have defined a generation, including “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,'” “Unchained Melody,” “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” “Soul and Inspiration,” “Ebb Tide,” and “Rock and Roll Heaven.”

Bill Medley has been entertaining audiences for more than sixty years. His iconic bass-baritone helped earn The Righteous Brothers their place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and is interwoven with the cherished memories of a lifetime of fans.

McCain Performance Series-Aaron Watson

For over 20 years now, Aaron Watson has traveled the land as country’s ultimate underdog troubadour — a truly independent artist with the spirit of the American frontier in his veins, and a self-made empire to match.

Working without corporate backers, he has nonetheless reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Album chart five separate times – an impressive feat by any standard — and that includes his triumphant 2015 set, The Underdog, which landed at Number One. Matching sold-out shows across the country with homegrown hits, he’s followed suit at country radio, making history in 2017 with “Outta Style” and “Run Wild Horses.” But despite the success, the Texas native remains a fighter punching far above his weight, constantly defending his right to be in the ring.

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Whether you’re a fan of the police, firefighters, paramedics…or all of the above, come out and show your support AND help a neighbor in need at the 21st annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.  Members of the Riley County Police Department, the Manhattan Deparment, and the Riley County EMS will be rolling up their sleeves to compete for the traveling trophy and bragging rights to see which organization can donate the most blood.  You can help support your favorite by making a donation as well.  Schedule your appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or go online to redcrossblood.org.

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Whether you’re a fan of the police, firefighters, paramedics…or all of the above, come out and show your support AND help a neighbor in need at the 21st annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.  Members of the Riley County Police Department, the Manhattan Deparment, and the Riley County EMS will be rolling up their sleeves to compete for the traveling trophy and bragging rights to see which organization can donate the most blood.  You can help support your favorite by making a donation as well.  Schedule your appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or go online to redcrossblood.org.

McCain Performance Series – Trace Bundy (late show)

LATE SHOW (8:30 PM)

Internationally-acclaimed guitar virtuoso Trace Bundy must be seen, not just heard. His music is poetry in motion, using harmonics, looping, multiple capos, and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver an unforgettable live concert experience. Listening to his intricate arrangements is one thing, but seeing the fan-dubbed “Acoustic Ninja” play live confounds even the most accomplished music lovers as to how one person can do all that with just two hands and ten fingers.

Bundy’s unique career has brought him across the world, with concerts in 28 countries and counting – from high-tech performance halls in South Korea and Italy, to remote villages in Zimbabwe and Guatemala. He has independently sold over 150,000 albums on his record label, Honest Ninja Music. His video clips circulate virally at astonishing speed, with over 45 million YouTube views to date.

Jimmy Leslie at Guitar Player Magazine blogs “It was easy to see why Bundy plays bigger venues on each tour. In his hands, the acoustic guitar is an imagination station, and there was no telling where he is going take the audience at any given turn. Thrilling stuff.”

Audiocast Magazine from Austin, TX agrees: “Bundy’s live show is without a doubt an event that needs to be witnessed rather than told about. With such a jaw-dropping performance, Bundy’s live concert is a slap in the face that would leave a palm print on the memory of everyone in the audience.”

McCain Performance Series – Trace Bundy (early show)

Internationally-acclaimed guitar virtuoso Trace Bundy must be seen, not just heard. His music is poetry in motion, using harmonics, looping, multiple capos, and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver an unforgettable live concert experience. Listening to his intricate arrangements is one thing, but seeing the fan-dubbed “Acoustic Ninja” play live confounds even the most accomplished music lovers as to how one person can do all that with just two hands and ten fingers.

Bundy’s unique career has brought him across the world, with concerts in 28 countries and counting – from high-tech performance halls in South Korea and Italy, to remote villages in Zimbabwe and Guatemala. He has independently sold over 150,000 albums on his record label, Honest Ninja Music. His video clips circulate virally at astonishing speed, with over 45 million YouTube views to date.

Jimmy Leslie at Guitar Player Magazine blogs “It was easy to see why Bundy plays bigger venues on each tour. In his hands, the acoustic guitar is an imagination station, and there was no telling where he is going take the audience at any given turn. Thrilling stuff.”

Audiocast Magazine from Austin, TX agrees: “Bundy’s live show is without a doubt an event that needs to be witnessed rather than told about. With such a jaw-dropping performance, Bundy’s live concert is a slap in the face that would leave a palm print on the memory of everyone in the audience.”

20th Annual Poetry Recitation Festival

Share your favorite poem and listen to others share theirs!  Light refreshments, gift drawings, and roses for all.  All ages are welcome and there is no admission fee.  Early arrivals are welcome and would be appreciated to help set up.

Flint Hills Masterworks Chorale Performance

The Flint Hills Masterworks Chorale will perform Dvorak Mass in D and Brahms “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place” from A German Requiem on Friday April 26th at 7pm.  The chorale is under the direction of Arianne Thomas. There will be a free will donation accepted.

The Chorale was founded in 1994 and sponsored by Manhattan Christian College.  In 2020, the Manhattan Arts Center obtained a three-year Deihl grant for the choir.  The choir performs a variety of chorale music, ranging from J. S. Bach and W. A. Mozart to Zoltan Kodaly and John Rutter.

Flint Hills Masterworks Chorale is Manhattan’s community choir and is now one of three programs of Side by Side Theatre & Music.  All singers are eligible to join the choir.  Email [email protected] for more information of just come to rehearsal.  There are no formal auditions, but new members should be prepared to sing a few bars for the conductor.

 

16th Annual Nelson Family Community Foundation Benefit

Come join family and friends to support neighbors in need.  It’s the annual Nelson Family Community Foundation Benefit, on June 7th and 8th in Leonardville.  The festivities begin Friday evening with a barbeque meal served from 5-7pm.  A cornhole tournament starts at 6:30pm, with music provided by DJ Rick Stanley.  There’s also a beer garden opening at 5pm.

A full day of activities is scheduled for Saturday, starting with a golf tournament at the Leonardville Golf Course.  At 11am it’s a Drive or Ride, as well as a silent auction at the Sikes Venue.  There will be food vendors and the beer garden, all leading up to the Live auction at 6pm.

Proceeds from the event will go to help out Haisley Dow, Harold Oliver, and Riley & Kenzi Beard.

Stay tuned to the Nelson Family Community Foundation Facebook page for updates and more information.

 

Konza Prairie Wildflower Walk

Come hike and see the glory of the prairie in full bloom! A guide will lead you through the beautiful 1.5 mile Butterfly Hill trail (easy hike) located at the Konza headquarters area, not often open to the public. Join us for this one special night!  This event is family friendly! Children are welcome, but with the terrain, strollers are not.  Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Konza Prairie, which works to support the educational programs introducing K-12 students to ecology and beauty of the tallgrass prairie.

Free to the Friends of Konza Prairie Members.  For others it’s just $10.