TRI-CITY MUSIC
CONCERT ASSOCIATION is
a non-profit, no-loss organization whose
purpose is to provide
quality concerts in Hutchinson County and the Panhandle of Texas.
The concept that Borger
could have professional talent perform on a Borger stage occurred in November,
1948. A group of musically inclined citizens sponsored a concert by the
Amarillo Symphony held in the Borger High School auditorium. The featured
soloist was Virginia Probst of Borger. The evening was a huge success.
Mayor Fred Herbst dedicated
the profit of $121.67 to any group who would organize to bring quality music to
the local area. His offer generated a
meeting of sixty enthusiastic people from various clubs and churches on
January 23, 1949.
Rev. Jimmy Glenn presided
with Mrs. Stanley Goodman serving as secretary. Additional officers included
Wayne Phelps, first vice-president; Weldon Jolly, second vice-president; and Jim
Odom, treasurer. A Steering Committee of
Gene McDonald, Carl Snow, M.S. Flegle, Dan Dudrow, Lee Johnson, Mrs. Bob Gough and Mrs. C.R. Stahl was appointed to investigate how professional
artists could be brought to our area. The new group became known as
TRI-CITY MUSIC CONCERT ASSOCIATION.
The first membership fees
were $6 for adults and $3 for children. People invited people they knew from
their neighborhoods, churches, schools, and businesses to attend local shows.
Within a few years, membership peaked at about 1500.
The association began
independently but later joined the national Community Concert Association, a
network of performing arts presenters. In 2002, Tri-City Concerts changed
affiliation to LIVE ON STAGE LLC, owned by Matt Davenport. Matt
Davenport Productions is known in the entertainment industry for creating and
providing the highest in quality entertainment. Each season, LIVE ON STAGE
provides its network with a vibrant roster of attractions available.
Therefore, we are able to secure the absolute best for our area.
Our organized audience association managed by local volunteers is strong even
though we must compete with television, cable, internet, electronics, sports
activities, other performing-arts presenters, rapid transportation, changing
life styles, etc. In times of economic deprivation, the beauty and meaning of
live performance survives. This is due in part to the Patron program begun in
1984. In 2009, we initiated a Sponsorship program.
For more than six decades,
thousands of people in Hutchinson County have volunteered time, efforts, and
money to sell or renew memberships, to bring national and international artists
to local audiences, and to sustain this association. TRI-CITY CONCERTS has
effectively brought more than 200 live shows to Borger. Reciprocity concerts in
Pampa and Plainview have added another 500 concert choices for our
subscribers.
Additionally, we have Texas
Stars Concerts
that recognize local talent as well as the exceptional talent of musicians who
grew up in the Texas Panhandle and who continue to increase and share their
wonderful talents.
Admission to this season's concerts is open to underwriters, sponsors, patrons,
members, and individuals who purchase one-time tickets at the door.
Copyright © 2008 Tri-City Music Concert Association and Live On Stage Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.