Bowlus Fine Arts Center Director Dan Kays told the Iola Kiwanis Club on Tuesday about this season of shows and a special dedication that will take place Saturday.
A parking lot southeast of the fine arts center along with two sculptures done by a Kansas City artist will be dedicated in the afternoon, prior to a Latin rock music show that will take place that evening. The Rico Monaco Band, with guest Tito Puente Jr., will take the Bowlus stage at 7 o’clock.
The concert and expansion are two examples Kays used as his vision for the Bowlus Center since his assuming his post a few years ago. He wants the fine arts center to touch more of area residents’ lives than just going to occasional shows inside the auditorium, and Kays hopes his audience is growing to appreciate the lineup of shows he brings to Iola.
“Thomas Bowlus left a great legacy to this community, and I feel our mission is to be more involved in the community and to bring in artists (to which) we aren’t ordinarily exposed,” he said.
Kays noted other unique offerings this season, such as The Queen’s Cartoonists in February 2023, which play music to cartoons shown on screen; a magic and comedy show, The Chipper Experience, in April; and guitarist Luca Stricagnoli in March, who plays two guitars at once, plays a three-necked guitar, and plays with his feet and with a kitchen knife.
The entire season of shows, along with ticket information, can be found on the Bowlus Center website. bowluscenter.org. “The quality of shows we’re bringing in for the prices we charge are just amazing,” Kays said.
The Iola Kiwanis Club meets weekly, noon Tuesdays, at the college and welcomes interest in membership. Call President John Shields, (620) 365-2700, or email [email protected] for more information.
