A quick change in venue didn’t deter the music lovers in the county.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) Kids’ Story Time Quartet visited Carter County Wednesday with a special performance inside the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library – previously projected to take place inside the Bonnie Kate Theater.
In partnership formed with the Knox County Public Library, the KSO string quartet visits multiple library branches throughout the state with performances combining classical music, sound effects and hands-on learning.
Since its inception, the program has continued to grow according to Rachel Dellinger, communications director with KSO.
Geared toward preschool aged children and their families, the storytelling sessions have been able to grow to 20 counties in upper East Tennessee.
“It is certainly important to have these partnerships in place,” Dellinger recently told the Elizabethton Star. “We’ve had 16 to 20 performances in Knox and Blount counties and now we’re excited about the opportunity of coming further into Northeast Tennessee.”
Eileen Weber – part of the education and communities initiatives put in place by KSO – handled the reading of children’s books as the quartet handled playing music and sounds effects for each piece of literature.
“It’s always our goal to see arts and culture grow across the state,” Dellinger added.
Following the stories, children in attendance had a chance to play with different instruments.
While the location was moved from the Bonnie Kate Theater, the facility will have a busy April.
Upcoming productions include:
• The Elizabethton High School Advanced Drama group will perform “Once upon a time … Bedtime Stories (As Told by Our Dad) (Who Messed Them Up)” on Friday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 8, at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the Bonnie Kate for $5.
• “Belle’s Ballet & Tea Time,” a story of Beauty and the Beast, concludes the list of events on Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The festivities will take place in the theater area and Sugar Love Cafe with the library and East Tennessee Youth Ballet taking part.
Funds raised throughout each performance will go toward stage lights needed at the Bonnie Kate.
Each show will have a special-made program, which businesses can advertise in. The funds raised through advertisements will go directly into the Bonnie Kate’s fund for future projects. Interested businesses or organizations looking to promote their work can contact Appalachian Printing, who is handling the printing services at no charge, at (423) 543-2600.
Individuals are also encouraged to make monetary donations, if possible, to the restoration project. To make a contribution visit bonniekatetheater.com or contributions can be sent by mail and be made payable to: Elizabethton – Carter County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 695, Elizabethton, TN 37644-0695.
For more information and updates on the progress of the Bonnie Kate restoration, visit their website or check out The Bonnie Kate Theater Restoration Project Facebook page.