The Carmi League of Arts had a busy August putting on several Night Under the Stars outdoor concerts! Learn more about these events below, and remember to follow us on Facebook so you never miss another event.
Gospel Sing at the White County Fair
We sponsored a multi-church gospel sing on Wednesday night at the White County Fair Grandstand, with a great turnout from the community! The event was free to attend, one of several celebrating the League’s 50th Anniversary this year.
After a full evening of talent, the entire crowd sang “How Great Thou Art” together to close out the evening. It was a truly impactful experience for all involved.
Gospel Sing Participants:
- Jared and Hillary Mitchell, Miranda Dismang, Carrie Jones, Kayla Knasel (The Roads)
- Laney York (Ridge Baptist in Grayville)
- Amanda Winter (Crossville United Methodist Church)
- Hadley Williams, Emily Williams, Brian and Tracy Orr (Carmi Emmanuel Church)
- Kim Spence, Ellen Legg, Kelsi Hunsinger, Kara Kessler (First Christian Church)
- Jenny Blankenberger (First United Methodist Church)
- Bryan Cowling (Ditney Ridge Baptist Church)
- Keith Jackson (St. Polycarp)
The League wants to thank the organizers and performers for sharing their time and their talents, and the White County Fair Board for the opportunity to use the space.
Kyilindi Pipes & Drum Band
The Carmi League of Arts sponsored a free music concert at the Gazebo by the Carmi Public Library. The Kyilindi Pipes & Drum Band donated their time and talent for a unique celebration of Great Highland Bagpipes and Scottish style drumming. The park was filled with eager concert goers enjoying the great weather and unique listening experience, interspersed with background information about the music and history of the bagpipes.
Celebrating League History
The final event as part of this year’s “Night Under the Stars” series of outdoor concerts was a vocal concert at the Gazebo by the Carmi Public Library.
For this program, members of the League chose songs to represent the history of the organization. The Carmi League of Arts officially formed on November 17, 1974, so that’s 50 years of history to get through – in one evening.
Performers were chosen and placed according to what decade the League performed the show containing their song. At the end, several cast members for the summer production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat gave a short revue of the show. The full listing of performances:
- Kelsi Hunsinger – The Sound of Music (The Sound of Music, 1979)
- Ryan Bartley – If I Were a Rich Man (Fiddler on the Roof, 1979)
- Daniel Slaton – Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’ (Oklahoma, 1981)
- Sherry Passmore – Day By Day (Godspell, 1983)
- Emma Legg – Tomorrow (Annie, 1993)
- Mike Erwin – I’m Just a Bill (Schoolhouse Rock, 2002)
- Kregg Winkleman – Won’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now (Smoke on the Mountain, 2008)
- Ellen Legg – Over the Rainbow (Wizard of Oz, 2019)
- Hailey Winkleman – Spoonful of Sugar (Mary Poppins, 2015)
- Niki Lamont – Pulled (Addams Family, 2021)
- Laney York – Part of Your World (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, 2023)
- Hailey Winkleman, Ellen Legg, Sheila Westfall, Mike Erwin – Potiphar (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2024)
- Egyptian Chorus – A Pharaoh’s Story (Joseph… 2024)
- Cast of Joseph – Any Dream Will Do Finale (Give Me My Colored Coat) (Joseph… 2024)
Publicity Officer Hailey Winkleman emceed and shared parts of League history including the full list of shows for each decade up to and including the present. While it was a jam-packed evening of talent and storytelling, it moved quickly and wrapped up in just an hour. It was a great success with a delighted, interactive crowd; many of the songs were known favorites and prompted a sing-along.
The celebration of the 50th continues in September! The League is sponsoring a free showing of the Joseph…Dreamcoat video on the 8th at 4pm; their regular meeting will be on the 14th at 10am; and they are partnering with the Lions Club of Carmi for a community breakfast on the 21st from 7-10am. And, there’s even more planned for the coming months! More information for all of these events is available on the League’s Facebook page.
Although the curtains are covered, the League is continuing fundraising as part of their Curtains Up! initiative for the 50th. All proceeds from concessions or merchandise at remaining League events this year will go toward the CWC Fine Arts Boosters to support our school art programs! We will have stickers and commemorative lapel pins at all events.
Please reach out to Publicity Officer Hailey Winkleman with any questions or if you are interested in making a donation. hello@evileyecreative.com