In Sunday’s edition of The Ironton Tribune, Lawrence County residents will get their first glimpse of the 1999-2000 season of wonders planned by the Ironton Council for the Arts.

Friday, October 08, 1999

In Sunday’s edition of The Ironton Tribune, Lawrence County residents will get their first glimpse of the 1999-2000 season of wonders planned by the Ironton Council for the Arts.

The council is a group of volunteers who raise money each year to provide a series of entertainment offerings here for those who are interested in expanding their horizons a little bit.

The offerings are pretty diverse – everything from theater to music. You might hear a cello or a fiddle at an Ironton Council for the Arts performance – the idea is to bring you the kinds of acts you want to see.

There are no snooty, music critic selections here. All types of music and performances are appreciated and offered. The audience is left to be the judge as to whether or not the performer will return.

Ironton is very lucky to have its own arts council. Not too many smaller counties do.

And few people probably realize, too, how much work it takes to attract acts, to get the funding necessary to put the performers on a stage and to sell tickets and host performances each year.

The dedicated men and women who volunteer on the Council for the Arts receive no compensation for their efforts and often little recognition.

They deserve our thanks for making sure Irontonians have a place to go for entertainment that is close to home.

This year’s Council for the Arts offerings will showcase a variety of musical styles. We will introduce you to them Sunday.

But, just to prove that the schedule lives up tothe theme "World of Entertainment," here is a little preview of the council’s first performance, which will be Oct. 24.

Opening with The Ballet Gran Folklorico de Mexico, the arts council will bring a traveling company of 35 singers, dancers and musicians to the stage of Ironton High School.

A vivid, fast-paced stage show based on authentic Mexican music and dance, the ballet will present a unique cultural experience with its well-designed costumes, delightful sounds and master choreography.

If you like Spanish music or are intrigued by ethnic dances of all types, you should definitely consider an evening with the Council for the Arts.

But to continue providing such high quality performances, the Ironton Council for the Arts needs your help

Consider becoming a season ticketholder or an arts patron. Or, if you don’t want to buy season tickets, show your support by attending as many performances as possible this season.

Tickets may be purchased from any member of the council’s board or by calling 643-2925.

Individual tickets also may be purchased at the door for each performance and are less than $10 – a bargain for what you receive.

Having a vibrant arts program is a positive sign for a community. Help show the Council for the Arts members that you want them to continue their good work.

Renee Carey is the managing editor for The Ironton Tribune.