Three Rivers begins art series

While the Black River Coliseum and Rodgers Theatre in Poplar Bluff are booking headliners for comedy routines, concerts, sporting events and Opry style shows, the Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Three Rivers Community College has created another platform.

The Patrons of the Arts 2009-2010 season kicked off Tuesday with a presentation of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," performed by the Barter Theatre Touring Company of Virginia, The Daily American Republic reported.

"I believe the fine and performing arts are a piece of the fabric in American life that needs to be celebrated," said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Three Rivers, who is a classically trained pianist. "Part of our commitment to the community is to get this college off its 40 acres, so to speak, and let the community know that our facility is certainly available for the right kinds of (venues) in covenant with our vision."

The Patrons is a group of philanthropists whose mission through subsidies is to make music, art, drama and dance, as well as literature, lecture and film affordable to citizens in Southeast Missouri.

The first Shakespeare romantic comedy at Three Rivers, a performance of "The Tempest," debuted in 2001 to a sold out crowd. Since then, the Patrons have contributed more than $300,000, according to Judy Scott, Three Rivers director of advancement.

"It is through the support of the Patrons of the Arts that Three Rivers Community College is able to provide significant cultural enhancements so desperately needed in our region," Scott said.

She said this season's schedule will feature Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" performed by Guthrie Theater of Minnesota. Two 35-member orchestras will perform, the Hollywood Concert Orchestra with singer and actress Shirley Jones of "The Patridge Family" and the London classical orchestra The Academy of St. Martins of the Field. Two bluegrass and folk musicians will perform, Peter Ostroushko, a mandolin and fiddle player and the "Italian king of the flat-pick guitar," Beppe Gambetta.

Buddy and Cindy White of the humanities and performing arts department will deliver the annual TRCC Jazz Festival, "Shades of Blue," with the United States Air Force Band of mid-America as the special guest.

Stephenson, who helps monetarily support the Patrons, revealed that the program was one aspect of Three Rivers that "intrigued" him when he applied for his position. Since 1989, he and his family have traveled to New York City every winter for Broadway shows and now, he said, they will not have to venture far from home to see "world-class acts."

"You have to step out of your comfort zone often to expand your horizons and gain an appreciation for other cultural dynamics so you don't (develop) tunnel vision," Stephenson said. "I left my 33 years experience in my comfort zone of Alabama to come to this great community, so I can say that I have done what I'm encouraging else everyone

to do, with much appreciation."

In an effort to further expand its outreach, Dr. Wes Payne, vice president of learning, said Three Rivers officials would be looking to bring more entertainment to campus in the near future.

Tickets for all Patrons shows are $10 and available at Rutland Library on campus or through the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are also available at the door of the shows, or by calling Three Rivers at 573-840-9620.

Patrons of the Arts schedule:

(all shows begin at 7 p.m.)

Sept. 29 - "Of Mice and Men" performed by Barter Theatre Nov. 12 - Peter Ostroushko

Feb. 11 & 12 - TRCC Jazz Festival featuring the U.S. Air Force Band

Feb. 25 - Hollywood Concert Orchestra featuring Shirley Jones

March 2 - "Romeo and Juliet" performed by Guthrie Theater March 11 - Beppe Gambetta, guitarist

April 14 - The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields