Grayling Visitors Bureau

The heart of the multi-faceted use of the Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts is the Performing Artist Series, and the newly structured “Build-Your-Own-Season” ticket program is designed to give patrons who see four or more shows a generous discount, even if they do not buy a full eight-show season ticket. “We know that financially, times are still tight,” said KCPA Coordinating Director Jomarie Gurnow, “We want to give folks a way to use their entertainment dollars for high-quality, live performances without breaking the bank, or being forced to buy tickets for every show.”

“We have engaged performers for 2011-2012, mindful of the type of entertainment that appeals to our Northern Michigan patron base,” Gurnow said. “Before people can experience the exhilaration of a live audience, they have to want to see the artist who is performing.”

When a patron purchases tickets for two or more Premium Shows at KCPA, they may purchase the same seats for two or more Value Shows at half-price.  Premium Shows include The Osmonds, season opener back by popular demand; Legendary singer-songwriter Richard Marx; one of “Comedy Central’s Top 10 Comedians of All Time” – Sinbad; and country favorite Joe Diffie – remember John Deere Green?

Value shows include grand scale illusionist Bill Blagg (think David Copperfield); the spectacular Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre that is a stunning mix of music, dance, color and folklore; the Celtic bombshell musical group Slide that had everyone on their feet for their previous engagement at KCPA; and the family holiday extravaganza, “A Christmas Carol” that will feature food, music, art, caroling, and the show! “We call them value shows because they feature world-class entertainment at an especially low price,” Gurnow said. “No one will leave any performance at the KCPA disappointed. Every show is tremendous.”

With a “Build-Your-Own-Season” package, a person can see a first-class live performance for less than the price of a movie ticket with popcorn and a soda. And the refreshments are still complimentary at the Kirtland Center.

We also offer low-cost child care in the new, nearby, on-campus Children’s Learning Center; date night with dinner available at the Kirtland Grille before Richard Marx, Sinbad and Bill Blagg; a courtesy parking shuttle; and ticket and gift giveaways at each performance.

Our local community partners can take advantage of sponsorships featuring live “commercials” in front of hundreds of patrons at each performance to reach their customer base in a fun and entertaining way. “Sponsoring a show at Kirtland gives businesses a way to build a one-on-one ‘live’ relationship with our audience,” Gurnow said. “It should be much more personal and impactful than running an ad anywhere else.”

Contact: Jomarie Gurnow, KCPA Coordinating Director,

KCPA 989-275-5000 ext. 375; jomarie.gurnow@kirtland.edu

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