Prairie Rose Rangers

PRAIRIE ROSE RANGERS

@ The McPherson Opera House

McPherson, KS

© Lydia Lowe 5/12/2012

                        

 Prairie Rose Rangers . . .The McPherson Opera House was built in 1888 during the era of the cowboy and on Saturday, May 12 the venue came full circle by hosting Kansas' Favorite Cowboy band, The Prairie Rose Rangers.

The group consists of: Orin Friesen on bass, Kim Coslett on guitar who also sings lead vocals, Jolynn MacIntyre on violin, and Jesse Friesen on guitar.  This group performs regularly in Benton Kansas at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper where you can hear cowboy music while you enjoy a chuckwagon supper on Saturday evenings.

The first part of the evening consisted of well-known cowboy songs as well as a few I'd not heard before.  Ghostriders In the Sky was a standout, as well as Jolynn's solo on Jerusalum Ridge.  Jesse did a reading of Cinderella, entitled RinderCella and cautioned the audience at the end of the story that "if you want to capture your prandsome hince, don't forget to sop your dripper".

After a short break the group was back again with Kim Coslett singing a few Patsy Kline songs from her Patsy Kline show that she does as a tribute to the singer.  Kim's full Patsy Kline tribute band was not here for the performance but I think The Prairie Rose Rangers with the help of Annie Friesen on drums, did a superb job of backing her up.  Kim was wearing 1940's clothing for the Patsy Kline portion of the show and when she was through, she attempted to change out of her heels and back into her cowboy boots, but the shoes wouldn't cooperate, they got stuck somehow.  It was a humorous moment.  The show must go on, and it did, but without the cowboy boots.

This was a great show.  It combined a variety of different styles and music from different eras with lots of humor and fun.  Truly it reflected the era of the cowboy and the vaudeville show format.  Check out the Prairie Rose Rangers in Benton Kansas when you get the chance.  This is a show for the entire family.

More Fabric Art Collage

More Fabric Art Collage

Rebekah Meier 

© Lydia Lowe  5/15/2012

     What do you get when you combine all your favorite art supplies: paint, stencils, rubber stamps, felt, paste, ink, etc., with new art supplies: Lutradur, Tap transfer sheets, mul-tex, etc., then throw in some buttons, beads, and jewelry findings?  You get "More Fabric Art Collage". 

     If you can create a collage art piece with paper you can do the same, only better, with fabric.  Fabric is much easier to work with.  Fabric gives easily, you can twist it, roll it, and manipulate it with ease.  This book shows you how to do that and more.  Think batting is just for sandwiching between your quilt top and backing fabric?  Think again.  There is an entire section on batting and what you can do with it besides using it as a quilt filler.

     Have you seen those new products out on the shelves, such as: Lutradur or Tap Transfer Sheets and wondered how to use them with your quilting?  Rebecca shows how to use these supplies and so many more with easy to advanced techniques, including loads of step by step instructions. 

     If you have basic crafting knowledge, basic quilting knowledge and enjoy a challenge; this book is for you.  If you have advanced crafting knowledge, advance quilting knowledge and are looking for the next great thing; this book is for you.  Let loose, let go and dive into learning new techniques.  You'll learn a lot and have a lot of fun.  When you're done and all your friends exclaim, "Wow, that is amazing, where did you buy it?"  You can say, "Buy it, I made this myself".

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks-a book discussion

Monday Night Book Discussions

"THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS"
(written by Rebecca Skloot)

Salina Public Library

Salina, KS

© Lydia Lowe  5/14/2012

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks . . . I think that this book is probably an excellent book.  I started reading it and it draws the reader in right away.  The topic is unique as it discusses cell research in the early days, as well as human testing done in secret by the government. I had never heard this story and I'm sure the average person knows nothing about this research, either.  I think this is a very important book.  Everyone needs to know about this topic.   However, I have a very queasy stomach and there are a lot of medical practice issues discussed.  The farther I got into the book, the more my stomach began to hurt, I got nauseous and I just couldn't continue. 

Art a la Carte

Today for Art a la Carte: The Kansas Wesleyan University Chamber Orchestra

Directed by: Ken Hakoda

Next week: Teresa Hernandez plays her cello.

Salina Symphony Update!

SYMPHONY AT SUNSET

June 2, 8 P.M., Eisenhower Presidential Library Campus
Abilene, KS

Featuring Patriotic Favorites and Popular Classics!

Here is the schedule:

5:30 - 7:30 Picnic & Tunes
• Variety of food vendors & beer garden
• Music by The Blades

6:30 - 7:30 "Meet & Greet" Reception & VIP Concert Seating
• $20 per person
• Reservations required by Thursday, May 24. Mail check to Eisenhower Library, PO Box 339, Abilene KS 67410, Attn: Symphony program.

8:00 Symphony at Sunset Concert
• Visitors are invited to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the "Symphony at Sunset."
Concert admission is by donation

Salina Symphony

TIMELESS ROMANCE

May 6, 4 p.m., Stiefel Theatre

Ken Hakoda, Conductor

Featuring guest soloists Leslie Mangrum and Joseph Perniciaro,

the Salina Chorale and the KWU Philharmonic Choir

The Symphony bids a fond farewell to our “Season of Romance” with a collection of love songs from your favorite musicals and operas!

This was quite a concert.  I had never heard the Salina Symphony play before.  I really enjoyed it . . .the music was delightful and the soloists were superb.  The overall effect pulled the listener in and you were carried away on the emotion of the moment, the music, and the singing.  While I enjoyed all of the selections, some of my favorites: "Green Finch and Linnet Bird " and "Johanna" from Sweeney Todd, and "Were You Not to Ko-Ko Plighted" from The Mikado, this was just too funny, the entire audience was laughing. 

The symphony is doing a unique performance this year, which really appealed to me as I love to go to the park and hear great music in the open air. . .the program is entitled, The Symphony at Sunset Concert, June 2, at the Eisenhower Museum and Library in Abilene, Kansas.

Here is the schedule:

5:30 - 7:30 Picnic & Tunes

• Variety of food vendors & beer garden
• Music by The Blades

6:30 - 7:30 "Meet & Greet" Reception & VIP Concert Seating

• $20 per person
• Reservations required by Thursday, May 24. Mail check to Eisenhower Library, PO Box 339, Abilene KS 67410, Attn: Symphony program.

8:00 Symphony at Sunset Concert

• Visitors are invited to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the "Symphony at Sunset."

Concert admission is by donation.

Art a la Carte

Today for Art a la Carte: The Sensations from Salina South Middle School

Next week: Kansas Wesleyan University Chamber Orchestra.