Exceptional value in concert series

Concert-goers in Omaha can't believe it when you tell them the cost of a season's ticket for concerts in McCook. The price -- which gets you into four musical performances -- is $30. "The people in Omaha (and other large cities) pay that much to attend one concert," said Mary Eklund, a long-time member of the McCook Concert Association board.

Because of the reasonable price and the quality of the featured performers, the McCook Concert Asociation is looking forward to another banner year. "We did real well last year with more than 500 memberships," said Alice Harpst, who is again heading up the membership drive. "We had 458 adult members, 74 family memberships and 20 students in 2003-04, and we're hoping for even more this year."

Early returns are encouraging. "A number of new memberships have come in this week," Mrs. Harpst said. Many more are expected. Throughout the area, a total of 46 people are selling tickets, with the goal of contacting all who bought tickets last year, plus any other area residents who have expressed an interest.

And -- if the ticket-sellers miss you -- it's easy to obtain tickets. You can call the president of the Concert Association board, Ann Trail, at (308) 345-5181, or me at (308) 344-5303, Mrs. Harpst said. "We will make sure someone gets in touch with you with a set of tickets," she said.

Or, if it is more convenient, you can stop by Hershberger's Music Co. at 201 West First, or you can pick tickets up next week -- Tuesday, Sept. 21 through Friday, Sept. 24 -- at Top Office Products, located at 319 Norris Ave.

The McCook Concert Series is an exceptional opportunity to hear live music. "That's the joy," says Floyd Hershberger, who is in his 50th year of concert association participation. "Music is nice on radio, tv and recordings, but it's particularly special when it is live. You get to mingle with the artists; ask them questions; and get their autographs. The memories live on years after you see a special performance."

This season will be another winner. The featured concerts include the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band, Oct. 24; Angela Jia Kim, a pianist, Nov. 2; the Boni Pueri Czech Boys Choir, Feb. 19; and the Synergy Quintet Brass Ensemble, April 26.

Join the crowd. Even though McCook is far removed from metropolitan America, we are fortunate to have the privilege of enjoying live concert music at a reasonable cost.