On Saturday, October 26, 2024, nine students from the 8th grade band at Litchfield middle school attended the annual Honor Band Festival at Benson High School. This festival brought together 75 students from 13 area schools. The event was capped with a public performance at the end of the day.
Middle School Band Director Dr. Kelly Taylor says this festival gives them a chance to highlight the Litchfield students. He says they get a chance to play with some outstanding musicians, learn from a guest conductor and put together an amazing concert in just a few short hours.
This year, representing Litchfield were Dani Krohse – Flute, Aili Fredrichs – Oboe, Mila Bjorkamn – Clarinet, Olive Caron – Alto Saxophone, Shaelyn Blake – French Horn, Claire Beckstrand – Trumpet, Rachel Morkrid – Baritone, Elijah Ostvig – Tuba and Evelyn Culbertson – Percussion.
The Litchfield High School Drama Department presents “Footloose” October 31st, and November 1st and 2nd at 7 p.m. and on November 3rd at 2 p.m. at the Bernie Aaker Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at the Litchfield High School office, online, and will be sold at the door.
William Pennertz says it’s a musical, so people may recognize some of the songs from the Kevin Bacon movie in the 1980s. He says he’s in the lead role of Ren McCormick who moves from Chicago to a small Midwestern town, and he loves to dance.
Pennertz says even though dancing is illegal in the small town where “Footloose” takes place, there is a lot of choreography in the production. Zariah Haynie says her character, Ariel Moore, is the daughter of the town’s preacher and she rebels against him. There are about two dozen cast members in “Footloose” along with several crew members.
A dinner was held yesterday at the Litchfield Opera House to benefit victims of the hurricanes and floods that devastated the southeastern United States earlier this month. The Thrivent Action Team event raised money for Samaritan’s Purse for direct aid.
Karen Urdahl says Samaritan’s Purse is headquartered in Boone, North Carolina which was kind of in the bullseye of the devastation. She says the organization is constantly helping disaster victims around the world and in other parts of the U.S.
Urdahl says Franklin Graham, the head of Samaritan’s Purse, is one of those with no electricity, water or heat in his home. To make a donation, go to samaritanspurse.org.
On Oct. 25, 1962, author John Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature.
Also in 1964, The Rolling Stones made their first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” So many people complained that Sullivan said he’d never invite the Stones back, but they made another appearance in 1965.
In 1966, actors Burt Reynolds and Judy Carne divorced. They had married in 1963.
In 1973, John Lennon sued the U.S. government for allegedly using surveillance against him in connection with his deportation case.
In 1982, Bob Newhart returned to TV in another sitcom with the debut of “Newhart” on CBS.
In 1991, rock promoter Bill Graham died in a helicopter crash after a Huey Lewis concert in Concord, California. He was 60.
In 1992, entertainer Roger Miller died of cancer in Los Angeles at age 65. He’s best known for the hit song “King Of The Road.”
In 1993, actor Vincent Price died. He was 82.
In 1995, singer Cliff Richard was knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Richard reportedly was the favorite singer of the Queen Mother.
In 1996, singer Paula Abdul married sportswear designer Brad Beckerman in Los Angeles. She filed for divorce 17 months later.
In 2022, Adidas ended its partnership with rapper Kanye West in response to antisemitic remarks he had made online and in interviews.
Today’s Birthdays: Actor Marion Ross is 96. Singer Jon Anderson (Yes) is 80. Singer Taffy Nivert of Starland Vocal Band is 80. Guitarist Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest is 77. Actor Brian Kerwin is 75. Guitarist Matthias Jabs of Scorpions is 68. Actor Nancy Cartwright (“The Simpsons”) is 67. Country singer Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown is 66. Drummer Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers and of Chickenfoot is 63. Actor Tracy Nelson (“Father Dowling Mysteries”) is 61. Actor Michael Boatman (“The Good Wife,” ″Spin City”) is 60. Actor Kevin Michael Richardson (“The Cleveland Show”) is 60. Actor Mathieu Amalric (“The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Quantum of Solace”) is 59. Singer Speech (Arrested Development) is 56. Comedian Samantha Bee (“Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” ″The Daily Show”) is 55. Actor Adam Goldberg (TV’s “The Equalizer,” film’s “Saving Private Ryan”) is 54. Actor Adam Pascal (“Rent”) is 54. Guitarist Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies is 54. Actor Persia White (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Girlfriends”) is 54. Country singer Chely Wright is 54. Actor Leslie Grossman (“American Horror Story,” “Popular”) is 53. Classical violinist Midori is 53. Actor Craig Robinson (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Office”) is 53. Actor Mehcad Brooks (“Supergirl,” ″Desperate Housewives”) is 44. Actor Josh Henderson (“Desperate Housewives”) is 43. Singer Jerome Jones (Romeo) of Immature is 43. Singer Katy Perry is 40. Singer Austin Winkler (Hinder) is 40. Singer Ciara is 39. Actor Krista Marie Yu (“Dr. Ken”) is 36. Actor Rachel Matthews (“Frozen 2”) is 31. Actor Conchita Campbell (“The 4400”) is 29.
