HARRINGTON OPERA HOUSE SOCIETY
News Page
|
|
Saturday, October 28, 2017 - 7:00 PM The Harrington Opera House 25th Anniversary Celebration The Harrington Opera House Society was founded in January 1992 to rescue the historic Harrington Opera House and Bank Block Building. The dedicated HOHS members have worked diligently for 25 years to rehabilitate the grand old structure Dr. Jody Graves, pianist, maintains an exciting, diverse and active performing career, with concert and speaking engagements throughout the United States and abroad including Austria, Norway, France, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and Japan. She is recognized for her creative ability to engage audiences with anecdotes and humor, and has been referred to by the press as “Victoria Borge”. We were honored that she is returned to the Harrington Opera House to share her talents and inspiration and to help celebrate our 25th year.
HOHS Rummage Fundraiser - September 23, 2017 The Needhams - September 22, 2017 - 7 PM Christian/Gospel / Country from Murfreesboro, TN returned to the HOHS stage, Friday night of Harrington Fall Festival! Sponsored by the Harrington Church of the Nazarene. They were well received by the crowd and made plans to return again in September of 2018. Bridges Home - August 25, 2017 Bridges Home, a trio of vocalists and multi-instrumentalists returned to the Harrington Opera House on August 25, 2017 to perform transformed Americana, Celtic, Roots - and many original compositions for an audience of about 50. Dave Gunter spoke for the group for most of the event and introduced his wife, Tami, who was originally from South Dakota, and their son, Paul Gunter. He wasted no time as he explained that his wife was from Cando, SD, when they began with their hit "Can Do Girl". This was followed with "In Bed With the Blues". With each song, these talented musicians traded instruments from their unique collection which included: guitar, tenor ukulele, clawhammer banjo, accordion, octave mandolin, cigar box guitar, resonator slide guitar, bass, Irish whistles, bodhran, stompbox and washboard. Between songs Dave explained some of the uses of the various instruments and would select a song to highlight the use of each. At one point in his dialogue, Dave spoke of a restored building in Sand Point and compared it to the Harrington Opera House, and stated: "It speaks well of a community to have a treasure like this opera house." Celtic, Bluegrass and Americana tunes flowed for nearly two hours and included such titles as "Heaven Bound", "Here Comes the Sun", "Love Is A Long, Long Way" and "A Buffalo Nickel". The latter song was played to exalt his Honduran Cigar Box Guitar. It would have taken a professional to detect if the audience was hearing Joni Mitchell or Tami Gunter in "Joni Mitchell Days". The ending song of their final set was a tribute to a recently departed family member entitled "Farther Down the River." Following a standing ovation and calls for "encore" the group performed "Shenandoah". "Exploring Freedom" - Solo Piano Recital by Rebecca Hardy HOHS Activities on May 20, 2017- Cruzin' Harrington Day
HOHS Piano & Art Student Recital & Recption Heidi Muller and Bob Webb
Heidi Muller and Bob Webb (BIO) cross the musical boundaries between original songs and traditional tunes, blending each other’s influences from the Pacific Northwest to the Appalachian Mountains. Featuring dulcimers, guitars, mandolin, electric cello, and Muller’s crystalline vocals, they have released four duo recordings: Dulcimer Moon, Light the Winter’s Dark, Seeing Things, and their new release Up Hurricane Creek. "Russian Masterpieces" Concert performed for a small but appreciative audience on April 7, 2017. Attendence was by donation and ALL funds collected went into the HOHS funds for operations and continued venue rehabilitation and enhancements. Kevin and Darin graciously performed at not charge to the HOHS! Podcast of interview with Verne Windham on KPBX 91.1 on, April 6th! http://spokanepublicradio.org/post/studio-music-russian-masters
Miss Harrington Pageant - March 26, 2017 The Harrington Homemakers coordinated this opportunity for three young Harrington ladies to showcase their poise and talents. Watch for photos coming soon! Hometown Country Christmas
Gospel & Bluegrass Concert Santa Visit and Holiday Rummage - Saturday, December 3, 2016.
Scott Kirby - Saturday, November 19, 2016 Check out the short slide show preview from Scott's presentation on Thursday, Nov. 17th to Harrington School students. Slide show does not include the local photos that were included in the Nov. 19th show. facebook slide show Watch for more photos of event attended by an enthusiastic audiance of 75 people!
Award winning Oregon pianist and internationally known recording artist John Nilsen, known for combining elements of folk, classical and jazz, was one of our first event performers to use the 7'1" Boston designed by Steinway grand piano recently acquired by the Harrington Opera House Society. Watch for photos from the event which was attended by a small but appreciative audience.
Find out more about John at: http://www.johnnilsen.com/JohnNilsen.html
GALA: Piano & Elevator Dedication Celebration - Saturday, October 1st A Gala Celebration and Dedication on the afternoon of October 6th was attended by about 45 members, patrons, and supporters of the Harrington Opera House Society. With the assistance of Gordon Herron, HOHS building engineer, Senator Judy Warnick, Representative Tom Dent and Representative Matt Manweller cut the ribbon to the new elevator entrance to begin the festivities. “Going up” with the legislators in the first elevator load were long time HOHS supporters, Elaine Cronrath and the urn of the late Gene Cronrath. Linda Zellmer of Davenport played during the reception prior to a program to officially dedicate the acquisition of the new 7’1” Boston designed by Steinway grand piano. Mark Stedman, former president of HOHS, opened the program and introduced Senator Judy Warneck, Representative Tom Dent and Representative Matt Manweller who each spoke briefly about their support and assistance to garner funding necessary for the elevator and ADA project. Billie Herron, current president of HOHS, explained the efforts over the years to acquire a concert quality piano and introduced the afternoon’s featured performers. Heather Safe, HOHS piano instructor, played "Shreveport Stomp" by Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, a syncopated ragtime piece. Rebecca Hardy, who coordinated and played for several “Grand Interlud” HOHS piano fundraising events over the years, performed Gershwin’s famous "Rhapsody in Blue.” Several attendees had an opportunity to tickle the ivories following official program. Rebecca Hardy playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue at the Gala, video courtesy Stephen Hardy. More photos coming soon. The Needhams HOHS Rummage Event, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Nu-Blu Concert - August 19, 2016 With wheat harvest still underway, a smallish crowd of about 50 were treated to another outstanding performance by this national touring bluegrass band. Band members: Clint White (fiddle & mandolin),Carolyn Routh (bass), Daniel Routh (guitar), TJ Honaker (bango & guitar.)
Reflections of Nu-Blu in Harrington Opera House auditorium window. Student Violin Recital - August 14, 2016 Sky McCauley of Edwall, WA, presented her first student violin recital at the HOH on Sunday afternoon, August 14th. Her instructor is Jeanne Bourgeois and the family invited the public to come listen and celebrate Sky's accomplishments as a talented musician and a budding performer. Attendance was free but donations were accepted to help offset the expenses of auditorium use. HOHS Rummage Events Bel Canto of Yakima Bel Canto of Yakima returned to the HOHS on June 25, 2016 to present a concert titled "Music is What Feelings Sound Like". They last performed here with the Tapestry choral group in April, 2010. A small but enthusiastic audience enjoyed their collection of patriotic, American standards, spiritual, and show tunes. Donations by attendees were split between the Bel Canto Music Scholarship Program and the HOHS for continued rehabilitation projects and operations. This was the first event to use the newly installed elevator and the third event (after background music for the Quilt Show and the HOHS Piano Student Recital) to use the new Boston Grand Piano by Steinway.
"Bridges Home" The Bridges Home trio, with Tami and Dave Gunter as lead vocalists and Paul Gunter primarily on base treated the almost 50 audience members to an awesome performance. They are not only amazingly talented musicians but also wonderful people to work with. It wasn't till the start of the performance under the hot lights on an unseasonably hot day that we discovered that the auditorium HVAC unit was not working as a result of recent elevator installation work. They didn't miss a beat and were so gracious. But the best part was their music - from traditional folk & Celtic standards to incredible original music. Tami, with her clear soprano voice "channeled" Joni Mitchel in their "Joni Mitchel Morning" song in the style of "Chelsea Morning." Then there was the hauntingly beautiful instrumental Ashokan Farewell and a beautiful arrangement of Shenandoah as their encore number. In between they delivered a wide variety of styles and textures, many with 3-part harmony. And it seemed like no two songs had the same instrumentation as they alternately utilized a wide variety of instruments - from traditional guitar, banjo, and mandolin to accordion, Celtic harp, harmonica, Irish whistles, Irish ukulele, percussive washboard, even a cigar box guitar - and there was more! We look forward to their playing at our Harrington Opera House again! And next time the elevator and the HVAC system will be in service! Photos coming soon. HOHS Piano Student Recital Harrington Opera House and Heather Safe's piano students played their selected pieces on the newly acquired Boston grand piano during the annual HOHS Student Recital on Sunday, May 22nd at 4 PM. Light refreshments were served and Certificates of Participation were presented to the youth who also took part in this year's HOHS Creative Arts Program. Quilt Show and Rummage
Event During Cruizin' Harrington, area quilters displayed their handiwork in the lobby and auditorium with the use of the newly arrived Boston by Steinway grand piano provided for occasional background music. Donations from Quilt Show visitors went to the PTA playground equipment project. The "Rummage Room" was open from 9 am to 3 pm on the ground floor with collectable jewelry pieces available for donation in The Art Room. It was one of the most successful Rummage events so far with donations to the HOHS exceeding $800.
Santa Visit & Rummage/Jewelry Sale Elevator Fundraiser Stage Reading of "Our Town" Peter Davenport - Presentation on the The National UFO Reporting Center The Spokane Magic Club Fall Festival Events
Annual Dog Wash HOHS Piano & Art Student Recital & Reception The 4th Annual Piano & Art Student Recital & Reception was held Saturday, May 30, 2015. About 40 people attended the event which featured selections played by 6 of the HOHS Arts Program students as well as this year's instructors; Rebecca Hardy & Heather Safe. Because the HOH auditorium floors were still curing from the recent refinishing, the recital & reception was held at the Harrington Church of the Nazarene.
Cruzin' Harrington Events at/for the HOH - May 16, 2015 A very succesful Rummage from 9 to 4 generated over $500 for the HOH Elevator Fund. Visitors were very complimentary of the photography & art display in The Art Room. Exhibits from local photographers; Stacey Rasmussen, Ed Haugan, David Michaelson, & Karen Roberton; Seattle photographer Skip Smith; and art prints of Charlotte Schacher, Tina Fisher Turner & Bev Doolittle were included. Ed Haugan hosted many visitors to the HOHS Museum. Due to the auditorium floor refinishing project still in progress, the Chamber of Commerce Quilt Show, from 9am to 3 pm, and the Riley & Friends Jazz Concert at 4 was moved to the Harrington Community Church. HOHS Piano Fund Benefit at the Steinway Gallery of Spokane A benefit performance for the HOHS piano fund by EWU students, faculty, and alumni held on April 18th at the Steinway Gallery of Spokane featured chamber music written after 1900. People from as far away as Montana attended! The Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band Returned to the HOH on March 20, 2015 Almost 100 people were treated to another outstanding performance by the awesome Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band. The audiance also enjoyed the return of Dave McClure, author, cowboy poet, composer and musician from Nespelem, Washington. The Horse Crazy Cowgirls clearly deomonstrated why they were the winners of the 2014 Western Music Association Best of the Best Harmony Award! The group arranged for a portion of the proceeds after expenses to benefit the ongoing rehabilitation projects for the Harrington Opera House!
Reflections of an outstanding concert!
Santa Visit and Elevator Fund Raiser Christmas Rummage Event For the 6th year in a row, Santa included a stop in at the Harrington Opera House in his busy pre-Christmas visiting schedule. With his reindeer resting up somewhere out of town, Santa hitched a ride in a Harrington fire truck to arrive at 10 am. In just two hours of twenty-two sittings in the HOH lobby, forty-seven young and young-at-heart people visited with Santa. Most had photos taken of their visit. All youth received goody bags provided by the Harrington Chamber of Commerce. Some of the 5 to 7 year olds have been visiting with Santa at the Harrington Opera House every year since they were infants or toddlers. With this year's Rusty Lark Winter Bazaar in the Memorial Hall across the street, there were several new faces in the crowd as well. Around the corner in The HOH Art Room, business was steady for the collection of vintage to modern Christmas items in another successful Elevator Fund Raising Rummage Event.
Friday evening, Nov. 7, Tayla Lynn and Eric Tingstad performed at the Harrington OperaHouse to an audience of more than 110. President Mark Stedman of HOHS introducedTayla Lynn, a granddaughter of the country star legend, Loretta Lynn. Tayla grew up in the heart of Tennessee. She introduced Eric Tingstad, a Grammy Award winner, who had previously performed in our opera house as Tingstad and Rumble. The free flowing program seemed to be decided moment by moment as they interacted with each other, sharing, cajoling, verbally jousting between songs with Eric Tingstad playing the guitar. After two of her own songs, the audience was treated to two Loretta Lynn songs, You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man and Don't Come Home a Drinkin' with Lovin' on Your Mind. Although Tayla Lynn prefers keeping her own identity, several commented after the program that they could tell it really wasn't Loretta Lynn, but you knew they were kin-folk. Prior to intermission Tayla Lynn shared some of her personal stories of abuse, and rather than stopping on a rather depressed note, she continued singing and dialoguing another fifteen minutes. Given the opportunity to rest between sets, she spent the intermission time meeting and greeting and autographing much as she had done prior to going on stage, an occurrence that simply would not happen in a larger venue. Here one could be "up close and personal". She came back from the intermission with congratulating the hostess for the food that was prepared for the evening and continued her singing, allowing time for Eric Tingstad to perform only one solo for the event. Among the songs that Tayla sang were Coal Dust, Proud Mary (Rolling on the River), Honky Tonk Girl and concluded with O Lord, Don't Give Up On Me. With a little coaxing she returned to the stage to please the entire audience with Coal Miner's Daughter.
NE District 4-H Teen Rally
The Harrington Nazarene Church sponsored the return of The Needhams - on Monday, September 22, 2014.
Another Successful "Grand Interlude" was held September 14, 2014
The concert, attended by about 100 people, featured favorites by Beethoven and Grieg, as well as musical theater selections and music from Spain and Latin America. The guest performer, Andres Jaramillo, from Colombia, South America; enthusiastically shared and explained examples of music from his country. As in the previous 2 Grand Interlude concerts, donations after expenses continued the fund raising for a concert-grade piano for the Harrington Opera House.
Harrington Opera House was the chosen venue for another wedding! Dan Brown & Kitty Johnson-Woods wedding - September 13, 2014 The June Rummage Elevator Fund Raiser was held June 17th The Tuesday date coincided with the Harrington Library Used Book Sale and the Mobius Science Center event and kick-off of the Summer Reading Program. The featured Artisan was Renay Calhoun with her Zentangle inspired work In Art Room
Recital & Arts Exhibit - May 4th The HOHS Music & Art Students were featured at a recital and reception in the HOHS on Sunday, May 4, 2014. The event began with music performances in the auditorium, followed by reception and slide show in The Art Room.
Harrington's Spring Festival -2014 The Stitchn' Chicks held their popular Quilt and stitchery show in the Harrington Opera House on April 26th during Harrington's Spring Festival weekend. Proceeds from this year's quilt raffle will go towards a new picnic table for the Harrington City Park. Ron Hall's 360° photo of Quilt Show! Another succesful Rummage event was also held during Harrington's Spring Festival on April 26th. and metal arts, framed art prints, and farming quilt patterns were offered by Artisans in The Art Room. HOHS volunteers also assisted many of Harrington's Spring Festival visitors, including a bus-load from Spokane's Corbin Senior Activities Center, with touring the HOH activities and museum.
"Foggy Dew Western Review" The HORSE CRAZ A sizable crowd enjoyed the hilarious trip down the memory trail on March 21, 2014 The Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band and Dave McClure created an old time radio show format. Through KMOO Radio, the live audiance enjoyed memorable original musice and beautiful harmonic renditions of American & Western classics. Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band, with Lauralee Northcutt, Jennifer Epps, and Judy Coder, backed up their amazing vocals with guitar, harmonica, light percussion, and in one song a Native American flute. Dave McClure, cowboy poet and author used local residents, Robert & Kristy Mielke, as foils for many of his zaney jokes. He also presented some impressive original piano compositions. Photos, currently on facebook, will be posted here soon. Author, Artist, & Photographer: David Michaelson was the Community Artisan in The Art Room - on February 8, 2014. Dave displayed his books, wooden toys, and framed B&W photos of Lincoln and surrounding counties including some guildings that are no longer standing! His photos are still available for viewing on The Art Room walls. David's books are available on www.emjaypublishing.com
2013 Santa Visit - Saturday, December 7 Santa and one of his elves arrived at the Harrington Opera House on one of the coldest days of the year. Many children and their parents braved the freezing weather to visit with Santa and have their photos taken. Thanks to Dave Nighswonger (aka Santa) Lanessa Simmons (Elf) and others who assisted with the event.
The Coulee Community Choir, a group of about 20 people from 5 different small towns in our area presented a beautiful concert of joyful Christmas music on the afternoon of Sunday, December 8th. The Wurlitzer piano used to accompany the chourus was generously donated to the Harrington Opera House by chorus member, Sue Shear. It will help fill the need while fundraising continues towards purchase of a Steinway grand piano.
A small but enthusiastic crowd enjoyed marches, show tunes, patriotic songs, old time melodies, and a humerous MC on October 20, 2013. - music for the whole family. No tickets were required, but donations (after expenses) were divided between the Harrington Opera House Elevator Fund and The Shriners Hospital for Children. Rummage Sale 
Many collectable items from at least 2 different estates were included in the rummage sale held on Sept. 28th and Oct. 5th. A few items were "priced" but most were available for any donations. Proceeds were dedicated to the HOHS Elevator Fund. Tina Lee Turner/Fisher Gallery Show - September 28 Lincoln County artist Tina Lee Turner/Fisher exhibited her work in The Art Room at the Harrington Opera House on the rainy Saturday of the Harrington Fall Festival. Tina’s tag line, “Your Idea Painted to Life,” gives a view to her clients' cherished and personal memories and the stories behind the paintings in her exhibit are fascinating. She paints on many surfaces and sizes, from miniature to mural.
Also at the Harrington Opera House on
Saturday, September 28, 2013 . . James E. Clarkkson, a career investigator in the legal realm and in the mysterious world of UFOs presented some of the most compelling cases he has encountered over 30 years of study. Presenters - James E. Clarkson, State Director of the Mutual UFO Network in Washington State and local Ufologist, Peter Davenport, Director of the National UFO Reporting Center are dedicated to the logical analysis of UFO reports for the benefit of everyone. MORE information.
"A Grand Interlude" September 22, 2013 "A Grand Interlude" was a delightful afternoon concert, full of folk songs, musical theater selections, familiar classical music by Chopin, Gershwin, and even some jazz! A Steinway piano,from the Steinway Gallery of Spokane, was featured as a solo instrument (pianists Rebecca Hardy and Riley Gray) and as the accompaniment to vocal works performed by Stephen Hardy and Dr. Randel Wagner and The Bella Noctis Trio with Emma Mortensen, violin; Mikaela Elms, cello and Rebecca Hardy, piano. Stephen Hardy showed his virtuosity by playing saxophone in a duet with Riley at the piano.
Nona Hengen returned to the Harrington Opera House A dozen paintings, exquisitely framed by John Wolfrum, also received their first public showing at this event. The evening included the "Aftermath Video" by William Shatner (as seen on the Biography Channel.) Sara Weaver explained her perspective and growth since the horrific Ruby Ridge incident. Donatations benefitted the Food Bank and the HOHS. Sara's website Harrington Opera House Piano Student Recital Friends and supporters of Harrington Opera House Piano and Art students were treated to a recital and reception in th Harrington Opera House auditorium on May 15, 2013. HOHS volunteer Billie Herron has been providing Wednesday afternoon lessons in The Art Room of the Opera House with all proceeds donated back to the Harrington Opera House. During the afternoon piano lesson time, quiet arts & crafts projects have also been offered by HOHS volunteers Carol Giles and Amy Yirak. Chase Concert A full house enjoyed the down-home country sound of Chase and 2 opening songs by Harrington's Ellie Hedreen on Sature, May 11, 2013. Check out Chase's website and his sound clips. Harrington School Concert - April 23, 2013 The Harrington School bands, under the direction of Dave Nighswonger, performed their Spring Concert to a packed house on Tuesday, April 23rd. Harrington Community Day - April 27th
The Stitchn' Chicks brought their Quilt Show back to the Opera House this year. It was a glorious display - filling the entire auditorium and lobby with beautiful fabric arts. Proceeds from this year's raffle quilt will go to the Harrington Opera House elevator fund. Art Show - Artist, Leslie LePere, exhibited some of his work in the Harrington Opera House Art Room on April 27th. Described as a gentleman farmer and artist extraorinaire, he grew up nearHarringon and returned to his farm in 1981 after spending 8 years as a grahpic artist in Seattle. Known for his colorful cover art for author Tom Robbin's books, he continues to spend his non-farming time creating detailed images for event posters and business graphics. Over 100 people stopped in to view his work on the 27th.
The Pages of Harmony Barbershop Chorus - April 20, 2013 The Pages of Harmony, Spokane's Men's Barbershop Chorus celebrated In this third visit to the Harrington Opera House they created a mini-musical, "The Barbershop Radio Hour," to tell the story of the founding and history of the Barbershop Chorus organization. Photos com
2012
Santa visited the Harrington Opera House on December 1st. Art projects for kids were availabe in The Art Room.
Click on photos above for large view. "Talk & Tunes" - Was A Memorable Evening of Music, Instruments & Stories Tuesday, Oct 16 @ 7pm in the Lobby of the Harrington Opera House On October 16, 2012, Nancy, well known for her music with Tingstad & Rumbel, shared the history and use of many of her interesting handmade ocarinas and a few other unique instruments from around the world. She demonstrated and explained how she wrote and used the ocarina tor the BirdNote theme music heard on KIBX, KPBX, and KYRS.
"Never Little Miss Nothin' " With all of our Harrington Opera House performances, sharing refreshments and visiting with each other and the performer(s) are part of the event. This was no exception and many continued tripping down memory lane, recounting music, TV shows, hairdos, clothes, attitudes and more from our growing up years - no matter how recent, how long ago, where in the country, or what economic status, Pam Stark's one-woman show helped us to connect with and share our memories.
 Once again Mr. Davenport capitivated the audience on Saturday, October 6, 2012 with his presentation focusing on several of the most dramatic, and most well-documented, cases that have been submitted to the UFO Center during Peter’s tenure as Director, to include:
The lecture is was jointly sponsored by both the Harrington Opera House Society, and the LincolnCounty ARES/RACES “ham radio” Repeater Group. The latter provides emergency radio communications to the residents of LincolnCounty, working in co-operation with the LincolnCounty Sheriff’s Office.
Open House The Needhams in Concert Sunday, September 9, 2012
An enthusiastic audience had a grand time at the concert of solo piano music, duets, and vocal selections at the Harrington Opera House featuring a 9' grand piano loaned by the Steinway Piano Gallery of Spokane. A local Brass Quartet (Loren Rux, Steve Brewster, Dave Nighswonger and Rob Harper) provided music as the audience settled in. Performers for the main event were Rebecca Hardy, piano; Dr. Jody Graves, piano; Dr. Randel Wagner, baritone; and Stephen Hardy, baritone. Refreshments were provided by the Harrington Opera House Society. Donations for attendance initiated the beginning of targeted fundraising to purchase a concert-grade piano for the Opera House.
Support for the project was provided by Carpenter, McGuire & DeWulf, P.S. Attorneys at Law; Davenport Family Dentistry - Dr. David Turner; Davenport Family Foods; Davenport Good Neighbor Pharmacy; Eastern Washington University, Hernas Dental, Leffel, Otis & Warwick, P.S. - Certified Public Accountants; Lincoln Health Mart. Pharmacy; The National UFO Reporting Center; Odessa Union Elevators, Peak Fitness - Michael Van Pevenage, and RPT; Scott's Tire Service. will be bringing a out for this event.
Dog Wash & More Humanities Washington Program by
Jim Kershner well attended
Jim Kershner Visit and Article
Jim Kershner and Spokesman Review photographer Dan Pelle visited the Harrington Opera House on June 6th. The resulting article appeared in the Spokesman Reveiw on June 24, 2012. Article in the Spokesman Review
Piano Recital The Coulee Community Choir Quilt Show - April 28th Other Events at the Opera House on April 28th At 7:00 pm, the Christian Heritage School Piano Recital was held in th auditorium. Eight of Billie Herron's Christian Heritage School piano students shared pieces demonstrating the musical skills they have developed during the past school year. "Three in a Row - a Game Show " The Ritzville Community Theatre group generously donated ALL proceeds from the evening to the Harrington Opera House, even returning the modest expense check they had been offered. The MC also donated his honorarium from RCT to the Harrington Opera House. Additional support for the production was provided by The Lincoln Advertiser, The Odessa Record, and the Ritzville Journal. Tingstad & Rumbel Celebrated St. Patrick's Day at the
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Usher, AJ, announces prize winners |
Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel played to an enthusiastic crowd in the Harrington Opera House on Nobember 4, 1011. We were honored to host this amazing guitar & woodwing playing duo.
|
|
Over the Rainbow MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband) from the CD "A Moment's Peace" |
San Antonio Rose |
|
The Soda Creek 3 folk trio returned to perform at the Harrington Opera House, on Friday, September 23, 2011. This year, Paul Deuber joined Jack Harroun and Stan Timperley to provide a wonderful evening full of great folk tunes and humor.
 Click for more photos |
Also on Friday, September 23rd, Templin's Country Corner catered a
Gourmet "Old World" Spaghetti Dinner FUNDRAISER
for the Harrington Opera House
at the Harrington Memorial Hall
(accross the street from the Opera House). Thanks to generous donations of food, and labor, the dinner was a success and raised approximately $580! Thanks to all who helped, attended, and supported!
Was held 9:00 am to Noon - prior to and immediately following the Fall Festival Parade on Saturday, September 24th. Quite a few people stopped by for a tour or refreshments including people "just passing through Harrington" took time to stop and visit. Several young folk also enjoyed the arts & craft activities in The Art Room.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
FREE program was held at the Harrington Opera House Auditiorum
Friday, September 16, 2011 - 7:00 PM
Contemporary life in the American west is profoundly influenced by our rich heritage in the legend and lore of the early cowboys and cowgirls. In song, poetry, and story, this colorful program relates expressions of the work ethic, hardships, and joys of frontier life. These traditions continue and are strong and vibrant in present day agricultural life. Bruce & Susan Matley brought the vibrancy of this tradition to life with a musical and poetic presentation. This program was made possible by Humanities Washington. Also, the Ritzville Friends of the Library collaborated to help bring this program to the area. It was a small audience, but those who were there were totally engaged and captivated by the music, history, and presentation.
More Information on this program Bruce & Susan as Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue
About the Humanities Washington’s Speakers Bureau
The Speaker’s Bureau brings Washington’s finest scholars,
authors, musicians and storytellers to communities for engaging free & public presentations. For more information visit humanities.org
The Ryan Larsen Band played Country and Country Rock music for a small but enthusiastic crowd on Saturday, September 10th at the Opera House. The Band members really seemed to enjoy the venue and connected with the audience from the very first numbers, keeping the energy going for the whole evening. Awsemoe musicians, awesome performers! Visit their Official Website or find them on Facebook
 |
 |
 |
 |
Historic Preservation Presentation
Kristen Griffin, Historic Preservation Officer for the City and County of Spokane, Gary Lauerman board member of the Spokane Preservation Advocates, and Jim Kolva, a land use and historic preservation consultant provided an informative and interesting presentation to a small but enthusiastic audience at the Harrington Opera House on August 20th. The presentation, sponsored by the Harrington Historic Preservation Commission (HHPC) was FREE and open to the public. After the powerpoint presentation and question and answer session in the Opera House auditorium, Jim Kolva narrated a short tour of some of Harrington's downtown historic buildings. He described original uses and architectural features of many of the buildings and explained the value for the owners and the community of returning some of the buildings to their original look. Jim is willing to provide suggestions for options to consider when modifying, rehabilitating, or restoring Harrington's historic buildings and homes to help preserve Harrington's historic character. Harrington's relatively intact early 19th century downtown 3 block area is an economic development asset and potential attraction for new businesses and residents. For more information contact HHPC members Karen Allen at 509-244-5995 or Margie Hall 725-1170.
Charlotte Schacher is a
well known artist and
an admired art
instructor in the
Lewiston-Clarks ton
Valley gave her third art workshop in the Harrington Opera House "Art Room" on May 13th & 14th. Seven students enjoyed the landscape in oils class. Charlotte brought a finished landscape painting and then worked through the steps to create it with the class. It was amazing how unique each student's painting turned out, even though working from the same scene. Charlotte agreed to return in the fall if a class of at least 6 students could be guaranteed.
Those interested in future art classes, please contact us at 253-4719 or info
harringtonoperahouse.org for more information.
Charlotte's Elkhorn Gallery Website Youtube video of some of Charlotte's work
"Ride Along the Oregon Trail
with 'Aunt Phoebe' Judson."
A FREE Humanities Washington sponsored program by Mary Michaelson was held at the Harrington Opera House on Friday, evening, May 13, 2011.
Mary Michaelson is the sole proprietor of “Aunt Phoebe’s Corner,” a company which conducts historical research about Phoebe Goodell Judson and other pioneers in the Pacific northwest, as well as other related subjects. She gave a very interesting slide presentation focusing on the trials & tribulations of getting and staying with a wagon train.
About the Humanities Washington’s Speakers Bureau
The Speaker’s Bureau brings Washington’s finest scholars,
authors, musicians and storytellers to communities for engaging free & public presentations. For more information visit humanities.org
|
There was a good turn-out for the energetic bluegrass music provided by the Panhandle Polecats on Saturday, April 30, 2011. The Panhandle Polecats are top performers in the Inland Northwest Bluegrass scene. The lightning picking, tight vocals and infectious stage presence of these five siblings have won them a devoted following throughout the region. |
|
Handful of Luvin' A small but enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the "fiddle driven roots rock" quartet from Seattle. Their sound is described as a cheerful blend of folk-rock, reggae and world rhythms, and Celtic influences with catchy pop hooks. Handful of Luvin' was voted top 5 local band of Western WA 3 yrs in a row through King 5 tv station. |
Click on pictures above for large view. |
The HOHS Annual Meeting
Attendees of the January 10, 2011 meeting at the Harrington City Hall, enjoyed delicious refreshments during the presentation of the Annual Report accompanied by Power Point slides. A short business meeting followed the report presentation.
Report (Word) Report (PDF) Power Point (Click to advance slides)
All Welcome to attend the next Harrington Opera House Meeting:
Monday, February 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes and More on Meetings
2010 Events
Harrington Grade School Concert - 12-14-2010 |
Harrington High School Band Concert - 12-20-2010 |
|
Santa and his Helpers. Click photo for larger view. |
 |
Bronn & Katherine Journey
in the Harrington Opera House - Oct. 14, 2010. Click on picture for larger view |
Thursday, October 14, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Bronn and Katherine Journey returned to the Harrington Opera House on Thursday, October 14, 2010. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the performance, including Bronn's humorous quips, his virtuosity on the harp, and Katherine's exquisite voice. Selections included some Broadway tunes, some movie and TV themes, some classical, and some folk tunes. They usually include a little bit of "music education" and this time was no exception as they shared some beautiful Welsh tunes and background information.
This was the first audience to see the newly installed ceiling in
the auditorium.
Building Rehabilitation Update October 31, 2010 - The floors have been leveled, and ceiling in the lobby and auditorium us up!!! New wall sconces have been added to the auditorium walls. Also, exterior wood trim work is being repainted! Photos coming soon!
|
Recently, much of the original equipment from the Harrington Palm Barber Shop was discovered for sale on the Internet. The items, dating from the early 1900's, were quite "pricey" and beyond the Opera House's budget. Rather than risk losing these historical items for all time, arrangements were made to acquire them.
Click HERE for a list of the items and how you can help the Harrington Opera House keep a part of Harrington's History available for public display.
A Presentation and book signing by John Soennichsen, Cheney author, was held in the auditorium of the Harrington Opera House on Friday evening, September 24th. The audience was not large in size, but all seemed to enjoy the interesting slide show and explanation of how geologist, Bretz, preserve red to convince the scientific community and the public that these unique channels were formed by cataclysmic flood rather than over eons of glaciation.
Kathy (Thiemens) Walker, author of The Loving Family Tree, appeared at the Harrington Opera House on Saturday, Sept. 25th from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Kathy,a 1971 graduate of Harrington High School, shared her childrens book, a true story of childhood memories. A portion of the book sales were donated to the HOHS.
|
Doggie Days
The 2nd Annual Doggie Days on 21st. was a success. Several dogs received baths, grooming, and pedicures while a few owners visited the museum and Art Room. The day generated over $100 in donations.
Art Workshop!
Seven students enjoyed the Charlotte Schacher landscape painting workshop - June 25 - 25, 2010 in "The Art Room" of the Harrington Oera House. All would like to schedule another workshop later this summer or in the fall.
Harrington School Band Concert
Director, Monte Swenson, led our Harrington youth musicians in an outstanding performance in the Opera House auditorium on April 19, 2010. The concert included selections played by the Fifth Grade Band, the Middle Schoole Band, The High School Band, and the "Combined Band" (Middle & High School.)
| Click photos for larger view | |
|
|
| Attendance by dontation to Band Trip Fund | The Bands played to a full house! |
Tapestry Women's Choir, based in Colfax
and
Bel Canto of Yakima 
filled the historic Harrington Opera House with beautiful music on April 17, 2010.
Jayne (Ottmar) Beauchene, a 1965 graduate of Harrington High School and current member of the
Bel Canto chorus, instigated bringing both choruses together for a wonderful afternoon of song and fellowship to benefit Harrington Opera House rehabilitation projects.
Click on photo for larger view. More photos soon.
Destination for Tour Groups
Inland Empire Tours brought a group of 11to visit the Harrington Opera House on April 11th. The tourists, originating from Spokane, were also treated to visits to local gardens, arranged by Harrington Opera House volunteer, Ed Haugan. The tour guide was very impressed with both the historic Opera House & Bank Block Building and the yard/gardens and plans to arrange another tour in the summer.
Wedding at the Opera House!
On Saturday, March 20, 2010, Jordan Wagner and Heather Yirak celebrated their wedding in the historic Harrington Opera House.
Click on
Britton Photography -Heather & Jordan Wedding Link
for beautiful photos of event.
A few "non-professional" photos (Click on photos for larger view)
|
 |
|
Building Update Recent work included replacing the curtain covering the "Box Office" in the lobby with sheet rock. Eventually, wainscoting may be added to the bottom portion of the wall, replicating the historical decorative styling from the Opera House auditorium. |
 |
 |
Clint Dinwiddie working on "Box Office" Click for larger & more views |
||
HOHS featured on Cathy McMorris Rodgers August 2009 Web Page
Become a Fan!
Visit our new FaceBook page & invite others to become a fan!
The Annual Meeting
on January 11, 2010 was well attended. Gordon Herron, President, presented the 2009 Annual Report. Word Document PDF accompanied by PowerPoint slides.
The February meeting was also well attended, and the next meeting is Monday, March 1, 2010 - 7:00 p.m. in the Opera House or Harrington City Hall, depending on weather.
New members welcome! Click HERE for more
Grant Received!
OnMonday, December 7, 2009, the Lincoln County Commissioners awarded the Harrington Opera
House Society with a grant of $9,000 which will go towards installation of lighting in the Opera House auditorium and stairways.
2009 Events
Santa & one of his elves
|
|
|
|
Hot Chocolate & Coloring Activities for kids. |
 |
Harrington School Bands |
||
|
 |
Click photos for larger view  |
A wonderful evening full of great folk tunes and humor. The trio donated all proceeds to the Harrington Opera House! They also played in the park the next day during the Harrington Fall Festival BBQ. |
|
Historical Group Visit
|
|
 |
Dog Days of Summer Dog Wash & "Yard Sale" August 15, 2009 Elevator Fundraiser |
 |
|
 |
 |
||
Photo by Karen Allen |
On Friday, August 14, 2009, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Photo by Peter Davenport |
to the Left: Cathy McMorris Rodgers signs the Opera House Guest Book Right: Volunteers and Cathy McMorris Rodgers on
|
 |
Afternoon Tea with Presentation and Book Signing by Author/Artist Nona Hengen was held in the Harrington Opera House July 18, 2009 |
 |
Images |
Article by Karen Allen More about Nona at: |
|
Thanks to Alan Whitman and Washington Window & Door in the Spokane Valley
for the donation of the replacement window in the South wall of the lobby!
And thanks to Alan & Ed Haugan for the installation!
Thank you to
Spokane's Pages of Harmony!
"Broadway, Barbershop Style" on June 20th was a wonderful evening.
 |
 |
Click for larger view |
|
The Harrington Opera House
A shining star in the heart of Lincoln County
Click HERE for article by Karen Allen,
printed with permission from the May 2009 issue of Wheat Life,
the official publication of Washington Association of Wheat Growers.
Recent Grants Received
4,500 from U.S. Bank
$2,500 from the Avista Foundation
to be applied to our lobby & auditorium heating projects.
Thanks to Billie Herron for writing the grants and
to Avista & US Bank for their support!
Wanda Buddrius helps with the bathroom tile project
Two Day Oil Painting Workshop
with Charlotte Schacher
May 15-16
Charlotte Schacher is a well known artist and an admired art instructor in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Along with wildlife paintings, she paints portraits and a wide variety of custom paintings. Her work has earned her numerous awards and has been featured in private galleries in the Pacific Northwest. |
 Charlotte Schacher (left) gives student, Renea Larmer, some oil painting pointers. U.S. Bank managers observe progress. |
 Wanda Buddrius, U.S. Bank Manager, Harrington Branch, checks out class progress on Friday, May 15th in the Harrington Opera House "Arts Room." |
Debra Hendrickson, 2009 Harringon Opera House Events Chair, posing with some of Charlotte Schacher's paintings in the lobby of the Harrington Opera House.
Click photo for high resolution file |
The Harrington School Bands & Chorus
under the direction of Monte Swenson
entertained a full house on Thursday, April 16, 2009
Click Photos for larger view
On Saturday, March 21, 2009
A fascinating evening in support of the Harrington Opera House! Thank you Peter, and ALL who attended GREAT turn-out! Watch for story in The Inlander! |
Harrington Opera House Annual Report
December 31, 2008
Word PDF
| Thanks to the joint efforts of the Harrington Opera House Society and Davenport Theatrical the audience enjoyed a great show of music, comedy, and a little bit of choreography. Davenport Theatrical brought in professional lighting and sound system to help "set the stage" in the historic old auditorium. |
Bronn
Journey Concert
IN The Harrington Opera House!
12/6/08 Bronn not only coaxed his harp to sound like a whole orchestra, but his sense of humor and his awareness of his audience was so entertaining that even spouses who were "drug" to the concert found themselves enjoying the performance. And Katherine's exquisite voice was purely joyful to behold. Their selections ranged from Broadway to Celtic and Christmas, with snippets of Johnny Cash and even a Bronn Journey original, "Ode to My 401 K", thrown in to the obvious appreciation of our mostly rural crowd. And speaking of the crowd - the room was packed to capacity with Eastern WA folk as well as groups that traveled from Montana, Oregon, and Seattle! Quite a draw to this little town of Harrington! And thanks to all the people who were ready to pitch in and help at a moment's notice when the night before the performance we had a false fire alarm! An alert Harrington citizen noticed "smoke" coming from the Opera House roof and saw an orange glow through the auditorium windows. Turns out, it was one of the first nights for our newly installed heating system. There was a bonfire on a hill outside of town that was positioned at just the right angle to reflect off of the windows. With the smoke/steam and the fiery glow, a 911 call set off a flurry of activity and an outpouring of instant support. What a scary way to discover how many people treasure our efforts to resurrect this grand old building and monument to our cultural heritage. We still have a long way to go and major funding is still needed to renovate the auditorium and stage. Now that we have the required bathrooms, electrical service, heat, and the beautiful 2nd staircase, we can begin to use the building for concerts, art shows, dances, weddings, receptions, etc. Still rustic, with her history showing, the bare bricks, flaking plaster, and open rafters, are both reminders of her rich past and the amount of work that lies ahead.
|
The HOHS at dusk the week before the Bronn Journey Concert held on December 6, 2008
Annual Report - For an overview of HOHS activities in 2007, read the 2007 Annual Report.
Word Version PDF Version
The Lincoln County Economic Development Council (EDC) Annual Meeting, "Evening for the Arts,"
Sponsored by Lincoln Co. EDC & Century Tel on March 27th,
was a gala evening. Held in the Harrington Memorial Hall, attendees enjoyed a sumptuous dinner hosted by the Harrington Opera House Society. Visual arts exhibited included the works of Joseph Goldberg, Jim Bauer, Edward Haugan, and Les Lepere. Pam Kelley, EDC Director, facilitated the evening with mini-presentations by sponsors and spokespersons for PDA projects throughout Lincoln County. Eileen Paulson, accompanied by Sara Jane Johnson on piano, provided interludes of music with Eileen giving an encore from the stage of the Harrington Opera House at the end of the evening.
HOHS members did a great job planning, cooking, and serving the meal which received numerous well-earned compliments. Thanks to HOHS volunteer efforts, the upstairs auditorium was equipped with temporary lighting so that the EDC meeting guests could experience the amazing acoustics while enjoying Eileen's encore musical numbers. Visit the Lincoln County EDC News page for a few photos. More photos coming soon.
Harrington Opera House Society Awarded Grant
Excerpt
from Davenport Times, 1/10/08
The Lincoln County commissioners agreed to help fund five local
projects recommended by the local Economic Development Council.
Grants were awarded
to . . . (and to the) Harrington Opera House Society - $12, 150 to
complete renovation of
the lobby area.
1/7/08 - Building Restoration Update
Temporary heat was recently set up for "work days" in the bank corner. The contractors working on the stairs need the heat to be installed in the lobby to finish woodwork. Gordon Herron is gathering bids for the heat installation.
Work was stopped after Christmas on the bathrooms. 2 more walls and ceiling joists need to go up before wallboard can be put up.
Gordon reported that some damage was done to the roof during the last wind storm and there is leaking. HOHS is looking for a contractor to repair the roof.
8/18/07
- Building Restoration Update
Remodeling of the bathroom adjacent
to the dance studio on the first floor of the opera house has been
completed except for painting. Labor for new sheet rock, flooring,
& new toilet installation was done by Tim Hampson of Davenport
Washington in conjunction with Warner Construction Co.
Mr. Mark Wetjen of Harrington, Wa. donated labor & materials to
do the wiring in the bathroom and throughout the rest of the South
West end of the ground floor.
Grants
breathe new life into Opera House project From the Davenport TIMESFebruary 15, 2007 Easter came early for members of the Harrington Opera House Society. Two grants received from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INCF)* and the Lincoln County Economic Development Fund (EDF) for $29,337 and $10,000, respectively, will breathe new life into the society's plans to renovate the facility so it could be ready for performances in three years. Society treasurer, Billie Herron, said she and her colleagues were encouraged by the grants, which will go a long way toward constructing a second entry/exit stairwell from the second floor Opera House to the downstairs area that once was the "bank" of the "Bank Block Building." Click HERE for more |
|
| Bank Block
Bulletin - January 2001 PDF File (slow to load - best for printing) HTML File |
May 8, 2001 News Article |
|
|
|
PO Box 618, Harrington, WA 99134
Friends of WhoFish.Org
|
Saturday, October 26, 2019 - 9 AM - 3 PM
Scott Kirby - Piano and Media Presentation
* * * * *
that was built in 1904. Approximately 80 attendees toasted the succesful accomplishments in developing this regional venue for community events, arts, and culture. 
Heidi and Bob, contemporary folk musicians, included songs from their recent CD release in an awesome concert on on April 29, 2017.
John Nilsen - Piano - October 22, 2016
Coulee Community Choir Concert: Christmas Wish 
. 
From Ruby Ridge to Freedom In Forgiveness, a presentation by Sara Weaver
