The Americana Project at Pagosa Springs High School will be hosting the dynamic husband/wife duo Ariella for its guest artist concert on May 1.
The show will be held in the high school auditorium starting at 7 p.m., with students from the Americana Project class opening.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors and free for 12 and under. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only available at the door.
The Americana Project class began in 2008. A need was established to reach those students who had a love for music but may not necessarily be involved in band or choir. Grants were written and a team of educators and administrators, as well as community members, was established.
Money from the grant was used to hire Brad Tisdel from Sisters, Ore., to spend two days mentoring the team on how he originally created and established the program at Sisters High School. Of particular interest was how to engage the community in support.
This was at a time when school districts all over the country were cutting the arts programs due to economic recession. Our school board bravely stated that the arts would not be cut and gave the go ahead to add the Americana Project class. Fundraisers were organized by community member Christine Funk to purchase equipment as well as bringing in professional musicians to work with the students.
Guest artists have included Victor Wooten, Pete Kartsounes, KJ Denhert, Sway Wild, Anna Tivel and Jeffrey Martin, Bo DePena, Joe Craven, Joseph Wooten, Thom Chacon, Caleb Hawley, Jaden Carlson Trio, Elder Grown, Good Time Travelers, Beth Wood, Songs of the Fall, Nathaniel Talbot, Vicki Genfan and Gary Morris.
The Americana Project is an elective class that uses music, performance and creativity to foster self-expression and self-confidence. There is an incredible amount of talent in Pagosa Springs and this class is another opportunity for students to discover and express that.
Please show your support by coming out for an evening of wonderful music May 1.
