The Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival returns Tuesday to showcase the musical and vocal talents of area youth for the 78th year.
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The festival kicked off Thursday with the hoisting of the service club’s flag at the Civic Center in downtown Chatham, where it will fly until the competition ends April 12.
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This the second year back to live performance after COVID-19 restrictions, and music festival co-chair Julie Collins said the event is looking good
“COVID had an impact, of course, but we’ve remained pretty steady for the last couple of years,” she said.
Instrument ensembles are back, Collins said.
In addition to piano, string and vocal categories, speech arts/musical theater and choral speaking are relatively new, she said.
Many local talented musicians, who went on to successful careers, competed at the Kiwanis Music Festival in their youth, Collins said. One of the most famous is Dr. Benjamin Smith, an acclaimed concert pianist and instructor, who returns to adjudicate the senior piano category.
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“That’s really special,” she said. “We’re really excited to have him.”
Michael Gibbons, who will chair next year’s music festival, will be observing and learning how things run. “Then we’ll see if there is anything new we can bring.”
Noting the music festival is nearly 80 years old, Gibbons said, “We want to really bring into the fore and make it even bigger and better.”
Performances will primarily take place in Studio One at the Chatham Cultural Center and at Holy Trinity/St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
“The public is most welcome,” Collins said.
She added there is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
After the competition, the traditional Grand Concert featuring the top performers will be held at the Kiwanis Theater, April 29 at 7 pm
“That is always the high point for me, I really enjoy that,” Collins said. “We try to include a variety of classes and a variety of styles so there’s something for everyone.”
There are no advance ticket sales for the Grand Concert. Admission is $10 at the door.
For more on the music festival, visit chatham-kentkiwanis.com.
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