CHASING the winter blues away are many events that warm the heart.
TOLEDO Opera and the Toledo Spirits Company is hosting a pop-up event, “Get into the Spirit of Opera,” on Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Toledo Spirits Company, 1301 N. Summit St. to celebrate the upcoming performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Featured will be signature cocktails, a performance by South Pacific cast members, and a drawing for two tickets to opening night on Feb. 14 at the Valentine and a $75 gift certificate for Toledo Spirits/Bellwether.
Chatter began about the upcoming South Pacific performance last year.
In December, it was during the Toledo Opera Guild's winterfest tea hosted by J.B. Rorick and Suzanne Rorick, retired executive director of the Toledo Opera at their riverfront home in Perrysburg. Members brought sweet and savory dishes to share. Artistic director Kevin Bylsma, entertained the guests with holiday carols. Co-president Cindy Niggemyer presented an $8,000 check to Jim Norman, general director.
Board members present were Maureen Brown, Marcy McMahon, Ann Sanford, Trina Secor and president, Joel Gorski. Seen were Carol Fadell, Seanna Salgado, Bonnie Wrobel, Amy Smith, Clare Gorski, Gina Pope, Karen Merrels and Mirella Pardee to name a few.
The upcoming South Pacific was also featured before the holiday season during the second annual day of giving, OPERAtunity Day, sponsored by Craig's Pianos and Keyboards with a $25,000 matching gift. Toledo Opera staff and resident artists personally called donors and ticket holders, raising matching support from more than 40 individuals. By the end of the event, Toledo Opera had raised $70,000. The day concluded with Triviata Night at Toledo Spirits hosted by Norman and Bylsma.
A special menu with South Pacific themed cocktails was available for purchase. Teams included Arias of Inquiry: Leah Whitaker, Susan Hartman Muska, Raina Dawson, Kate French, Jay Barman, Hannah Lehmann, Ben Rumpf, and Bethanie Cherry; Whizzers: Brian Shephard, Michelle Shephard, Mike Mecchi, Cheryl Mecchi, Keith Foote, and Andrea Foote; Rockledge Rockstars: Clare Gorski, Joel Gorski, and Amy Smith; The DADA's: Dominique Lash, Asha Barnes, Dee Dolsey, and Angelita Cruz-Bridges; Kocevar: Marilyn Kocevar, Michael Kocevar, Tab Tanner, Sharon Dunn, Paula Dionyssiou, and Christine Diehl; and the winners, WGTE: Brad Cresswell, Maureen Brown, Steve Brown, and Daniel Kleiboemer.
Performed by Toledo Opera for the first time in its 66 years, the Toledo Opera will also host a free pre-opera talk one hour before each show in the Grand Lobby of the Valentine Theatre. Former Toledo Opera resident artist and regional soprano Grace Wipfli, will provide historical context and insight.
THE 20th anniversary of the Robert L. and Posy Huebner Collection, established in 2004, was celebrated at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. The event, hosted by board members Susan Conda and Susan Denny, was on Jan. 16 in the Main Library. The collection, which illustrates the power of storytelling through art, features original illustrations from classic and contemporary children's books. There are national works of art such as Dr. Seuss illustrations and sculptures, but also art from five Toledo illustrators: Drew Bairley, Wil Clay, Denise Fleming, Carrie Hauman, and Ruth Summers. There is also art from books written by three Toledo authors: Nancy Meredith, Jan Wahl, and Mary Helen Wright.
The original Huebner Collection started with 13 donated illustrations and it has grown to more than 240 works of original art that rotate between the Main Library and 12 branch locations. Speaking at the celebration filled with many community leaders was the library's executive director Jason Kucsma.
A VIP preview party Jan. 16 for the Flights of Fancy exhibit at 20 North Gallery, featured the work of two artists, Carrie Hawkins of Temperance and Matt Tisdale of Columbus.
Among the guests were Hawkins and her partner, Clint Eastwood. No, not THAT Clint Eastwood but her significant other. Also seen were Raquel Bravo and Stephen Scarvelis, Lisa Barroso Wahl, and husband Jeff Wahl, Joe and Anna Marconi, Julie Payeff, Jason Sanderson, Kay Weprin with husband Bob Weprin, Craig Fisher, and The Honorable Judge Linda Jennings who was discussing her recent retirement with gallery owner Eric Hillenbrand about options for her first big vacation in many years.
Among the supporters of the featured artists were the Westendorf family: William Westendorf, Jason and Sheryl Westendorf, Eric Fortune, Jarret Breznai, Autumn Ross, Holly Stelzer, and Chelsea Younkman.
It's not too late to mix & mingle with the artists at 20 North Gallery. On Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. is an artists’ talk. It's free but reservations are encouraged.
IN SPITE of the frigid weather last week, the country celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy as the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism during the Civil Rights Movement. United Way of Greater Toledo along with Perrysburg Heights Community Association partnered to host a day of service on Monday in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In spite of the frigid weather, 65 some volunteers came and packed 25 school supply refresh boxes, which included essential items to help restock classrooms in Wood County in the Perrysburg and Bowling Green districts. Additionally, volunteers also assisted with packing food bags. The event, held in Perrysburg Heights, was made possible through support from Vistra Corp. and ServeOhio.
First Published January 26, 2025, 6:30 a.m.
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