OUTLOOK - Gathering restrictions and COVID protocols over the last two years has resulted in so many highly anticipated events being cancelled, including concerts and music festivals. So a local committee has worked to put an evening of music together to give performers a chance to be in front of an audience again, and raise some funds for an important project at the same time.
A “Celebration of Music” is being planned by Kristen Friggstad, Lila de Waal and Sheri Lovrod to take place on Friday, May 13 at 7:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Outlook.
Kristen Friggstad explained, “Throughout the past two years of restrictions, youth involved in arts programs haven’t been able to perform; so they have missed out on opportunities for growth that performing for an audience provides. With the cancellation of the music festival again this year, we wanted to give students a chance to showcase their accomplishments, to work towards a goal, and maybe even be inspired by some more established local musicians.”
The evening will include vocals, piano, violins, hand bells, cello, speech arts, musical theatre and more, including a couple of surprises from some veteran performers. Lila de Waal remarked, “Since Outlook has not been able to have a music festival for the last three years, we thought it would be wonderful if we could provide an opportunity for people to share the music they have been working on. We want to share and encourage each other.”
An opportunity to give toward a freewill offering will be made available in support of the Outlook Refugee Resettlement project. Sheri Lovrod explained, “The church is working toward sponsoring a refugee family in our community again. We did this about six years ago and are excited to be in the process again. The first step is ensuring we have funds in place and so an event like this ‘Celebration of Music’ night is a great way to get the larger community involved.”
The committee heading up the resettlement project has drawn up a budget to cover the cost of sponsorship and living costs for one year for the family. A significant portion of the funds have already been raised and this has been encouraging to the committee and congregation since 75% needed to be in place before the application for sponsorship would be evaluated, and 100% before final approval is received. Lila de Waal said the church’s application is now being prepared and they hope they will be approved to resettle a family from central Asia.
Musicians of all ages will be taking part in the “Celebration of Music” from young beginners to seasoned performers. The committee emphasizes this is a community event and encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the performances. “Outlook has lots of talented people who’ve all been isolated in small bubbles for a long time,” Kristen said. “This is a chance to let music bring us back together, and to rediscover each other’s talents.”
