Staff Writer
CARIBOU — A new red oak plaque, commemorating the Caribou Performing Arts Center’s 20th anniversary has been hung in the entrance to the city’s premier performing arts facility, listing the businesses and individuals who have donated to CPAC’s celebration activities. For two decades, the facility has staged numerous presentations, including world-famous acts and musicians. Locally produced productions and school functions also have been part of the CPAC’s offerings.
Several special performances are planned for the year, beginning with the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on Tuesday, May 20 with a concert at 7 p.m.
Other activities include a concert by the Kentucky Headhunters, a country-rock band, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.
Among the other celebratory concerts is Chapter 3, a jazz a cappella ensemble and Gadell, a Celtic group from Prince Edward Island. The year will end with the traditional ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Robinson Ballet in December.
The new donor plaque is made of red oak and was constructed by the Caribou School Department’s maintenance staff. It measures four by five feet.
It is divided into segments for the five categories of giving: gold level ($1,000-$5,000), the silver ($500-$900), the bronze ($200 – $450), the friend ($75-$150), and the member ($25-$65).
There are 132 metal plates on which the name of each donor will be engraved. To date, although less than forty plates have been used, over $5,000 in corporate and private donations has been received.
“I’m pleased with the level of giving, “ says Ginny White, CPAC director. “Obviously, there is still lots more room for other donors, especially those businesses and individuals who are not yet aware of this campaign or its purpose, which is to help promote the programming in the fall 2008 season.
“Furthermore, all corporate sponsors who have given donations of $300 or more, will be included in at least one advertising campaign for September – December 2008.
Corporate donations made after August 2008 may be applied to advertising campaigns in 2009 at the discretion of CPAC’s performing arts director,” White said.
Gifts from corporations and private citizens will be honored on the twentieth anniversary donor board until all the space in each category has been claimed. The names of all donors also will be listed on each program for events presented by the Caribou Performing Arts Center and the Council for the Arts.
“I am very pleased with the level of giving,” said White. “Their generosity is a clear testimony of the value the greater community of Aroostook places on this venue and on the cultural programming it provides. Not only will such donations enable us to bring at least three top-notch shows to this venue in the fall, it will also enhance my successor’s purchasing power during the 2009-2010 season.”
White plans to retire in June.
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, conducted by Larry O’Brien, is being sponsored by the S.W. Collins Company, Katahdin Trust, and Russell’s Motel. Tickets are available in Van Buren at Ezzy’s Music Shop, in Madawaska at Robert’s Jewelry, in Fort Fairfield at the Harvest Market, in Presque Isle at the Aroostook Centre Mall, and in Caribou at the Dead River Convenience Store and at Caribou One Stop.
Please call 493-4278 for ticket information.
