POWERGRAMS

34 Knox Series brings cultural experience to east Alabama Knox Concert Series is celebrating 70 years of bringing a high-quality cultural experience to Anniston. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization is among the most storied in the state. The series makes available world-renowned performances at affordable prices. Originating in 1946 out of the Knox Music Club, the series has brought artists through the years such as Glen Campbell, The Temptations, Masters of Bluegrass, New Orleans Philharmonic and LeAnn Rimes to the Anniston Performing Arts Center. "This infusion of diverse cultural experiences into the community is a significant contribution to our citizens' quality of life," said Anniston Mayor Vaughn Stewart. "Knox demonstrates the community's level of sophistication and is a tangible asset in recruiting businesses and professionals to the region." The series has an economic impact to Calhoun County of about $3.7 million, according to a 2013 study by Jacksonville State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research. Alabama Power has been a long-standing partner of the series. Each year the company supports the organization both monetarily and through volunteers. Eastern Division Vice President Julia Segars is on the board of directors and has been instrumental in strategic planning the past several years. Segars, an artist herself, has a passion for helping the series provide east Alabama with year-round cultural experiences. Segars painted the program cover artwork to celebrate the 70th season. Her vision involved a symbolic passing of the Knox musical tradition from generation to generation, illustrated by passing down a quarter note from one hand to another. In many cultures and religions, a circle symbolizes unity and infinity. Webster also defines a circle as "a company assembled, or conceived to assemble, about a central point of interest, or bound by a common tie." "I found both these meanings fitting for our 70th anniversary," Segars said. "Knox itself is a series, repeating itself year after year, and it is a company of volunteers assembled about a central point of interest – that of bringing world-class musical performances to the east Alabama region." Knox provides educational opportunities for diverse audiences, especially young people, to expand their musical tastes and knowledge. Each year, donated tickets to the symphony are given to deserving high school students who have an interest in the arts. Ahead of the performance, Anniston Councilwoman Millie Harris leads volunteers as they visit classrooms to help students understand what to expect and the appropriate audience etiquette. The series' educational outreach is a major focus of volunteers. The series impacts more than 1,600 third-grade students in Calhoun County, as well as others in Talladega and Cleburne counties, by introducing them to classical ballet, with a free performance of "The Nutcracker" by the Alabama Ballet. For more than 400 high school students in the area, the series includes a hands-on classroom presentation and tickets to a performance each year. Longevity in any business, organization or cultural entity like Knox Concert Series is a tribute. It is an indicator of the value of services or product offered. "Despite ever-increasing demands on dollars in a static economy, the community continues to support it – and well," said Patricia Smith, executive director of Knox Concert Series. "The belief and trust manifested by this financial support further drives the leadership and over 200 active volunteers to excel and, once again, series subscriptions for season 2015-16 were sold out." The 70th season is one of the most diverse to date, kicking off last year with country superstar Martina McBride. The award-winning entertainer was followed by the National Circus and Acrobats of China, Celtic Woman and the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra of Gdansk. The season-closing performance of Midtown Men is on April 9. For more information on Knox Concert Series, visit www.knoxconcertseries.org. By Jacki Lowry Anniversary program art by Segars. 2015-2016 SEASON MARKS 70 YEARS OF GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

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