Arts on the Green, part II

Aug 26

Arts on the Green, part II: MSO Picnic and Pops

By IVY FARGUHESON • ifarguheson@muncie.gannett.com • August 26, 2010

 

You have to give it to the Muncie Symphony Orchestra. They know how to throw a free arts party on the Minnestrista green.

Forget the ice cream and the nearly perfect weather, and even the gaggle of geese that flew over head without leaving any evidence of their presence. The party was a celebration of the arts.

Well, not only was this a celebration but a reminder that the arts scene is alive and thriving in Muncie.

Artistic Director Bohuslav Rattay made his entrance on a sweet motorcycle while MSO board chairperson Charles Routh conducted the orchestra in “Leader of the Pack,” a phrase that could refer to the MSO presence in Muncie overall.

It would be easy for the symphony to go about their business and let the rest of arts community go compete for attention and dollars.

But under Elissa McDonald’s leadership, they’ve decided to bring the other art genres in the community along to their parade. Wednesday night’s “Picnic & Pop” was no exception.

The Muncie Ballet company performed alongside the MSO during a fun tribute to Henry Mancini, with even the youngest of dancers shimmying along to the theme from “The Pink Panther.”

The Magic City Music Men, an acappella all-male troupe, warmed the crowds with renditions of “Day-O” and the Man of la Mancha’s “The Impossible Dream.”

And who knew Muncie had become such a belly-dancing hotspot? Whether it’s RibFest or a summer celebration at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, the women from Ancient Arts Dance Studio are there and “Picnic & Pops” was the same.

There was even a horse strolling around while Rattay led the orchestra in “The Magnificent Seven” by Elmer Bernstein. A horse!

Where else are you going to see all of this? And for free?

The MSO were the reason why many in the crowd were there and they performed well, playing the songs you’d expect to hear during a circus-themed party.

There wasn’t much more to want during the eight-work concert.

Except to see more people.

What more would it take to bring more of Muncie’s residents out to these art events? Is it simply a case that this old manufacturing town isn’t ready for the arts extravaganza some are trying to create and maintain?

Are free concerns on perfect late-summer days really a thing of the past?

Who knows.

But one thing’s for certain. There is a pretty awesome arts community in Muncie.

Oh, and a second thing, if Wednesday night’s concert is any sign, this year’s MSO season should be a blast.

Whether there’s a packed house or not.