The Lincoln Theatre's official 10 Year Anniversary Celebration will be held during the weekend of May 16-18.
The spring season is in full swing at The Lincoln Theatre in downtown Marion, Va. With featured performances including classical and jazz, blues and bluegrass and live theatre, The Lincoln has made strides in diversification of their programming and audience appeal. This year marks the 10 year anniversary of The Lincoln's reopening, and plans have been made to ensure that the celebration year is one to remember.
"When the doors to The Lincoln were opened in 2004, I doubt anyone knew that we would grow into what we are today," said Executive Director Kristin Untiedt-Barnett. "The Lincoln is an anchor for Marion's downtown historic district, a driver for tourism and economic growth, and a nationally known brand with our Song of the Mountains bluegrass concert series. These are great accomplishments that have positioned us well for the future." Untiedt-Barnett credits the volunteers, board members, and donors for making The Lincoln a success: "We would not be here today without the vision and passion of this community."
It is in the spirit of community that The Lincoln will celebrate its anniversary year. Conducting locally driven fundraising performances, recognizing volunteers, and growing the youth and educational programming are all a part of the plan for 2014. The theatre had great success with the first of their anniversary fundraising events: Dancing with the Stars, Smyth County. The nearly sold out performance showcased local talent and leadership for supporting the non-profit arts organization. Additionally, 2014 marks the first year that The Lincoln is serving as a satellite campus for Barter Theatre's Youth Academy program. Local students now have more opportunities than ever before to explore their interests and talents in performing arts. These programs are just a sample of what The Lincoln has added to their schedule.
The Lincoln Theatre's official 10 Year Anniversary Celebration will be held during the weekend of May 16-18. The celebration will offer three days of arts and entertainment, along with special recognitions for community support. Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group will return to The Lincoln stage for a special performance Friday, May 16. "Back in 1998, when The Lincoln was still in development, Robin & Linda Williams headlined the first fundraising concert for the organization," said Untiedt-Barnett. "We are pleased to be able to bring them back to kick off our anniversary weekend." Robin & Linda Williams are Virginia-based performers who tour all across the United States. They are known for their robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time, and acoustic country that some may call "Americana," but these two musical masters were performing long before it became a popular music format.
The celebration continues Saturday, May 17 with a performance honoring not only The Lincoln's anniversary, but also the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion. Live from Las Vegas, Yesterday: A Tribute to The Beatles, will perform all eras of Beatles music in their original key, wearing drainpipe trousers and playing authentic instruments. Audiences will be singing along with their favorites from the Fab Four, including "Hard Day's Night," "Help," "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "Revolution."
After reliving the British Invasion, patrons are invited to return to The Lincoln for the final weekend celebration performance Sunday, May 18. Relive The Lincoln!: An Anniversary Tribute will offer a look back at the past with memories and reflections from The Lincoln Theatre's early years. Featuring music from regional performers and special songs with The Lincoln Theatre Children's Chorus, the Anniversary Tribute will recognize the history of the theatre, the volunteers who rebuilt the facility, and the supporters who have kept it going for so many years. The performance will also serve as one of the anniversary fundraisers, moving The Lincoln closer to their goal of a "decade" of fundraisers.
The Lincoln Theatre is offering special weekend packaging for the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration, and offers group rates for groups of 10 or more. For details and information, contact The Lincoln Theatre Box Office at 276-783-6092 or visit the website www.thelincoln.org.
