VTA Event Announces Fund Named After Retiring President

Victoria Theatre Association announces a special farewell event in honor of retiring VTA President and CEO Ken Neufeld and his wife, Lesley. A Midsummer Soiree will feature wine, food and special live music from Grammy Award-winning musician John Paul White on Sunday, July 22 from 6-9 p.m., in the Wintergarden and on the James H. McGee Plaza of the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. All proceeds from A Midsummer Soiree benefit the new Ken and Lesley Neufeld Innovative Programming Fund which will support new and innovative programming for VTA venues, especially the new Arts Annex, opening this fall. The event is open to the public and can be purchased online at TicketCenterStage.com or by calling 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630. Learn more about the event and new programming fund at victoriatheatre.com/soiree.

"Ken and his wife Lesley have been such inspirations in the Dayton community," says Martha Shaker, VTA Board of Trustees President. "Throughout his tenure at VTA, Ken has been willing to take chances with unique programming, so creating an Innovative Programming Fund in his and Lesley's honor seemed completely appropriate. The VTA Board of Trustees, as well as VTA staff, are excited to see how this fund grows over the years and how the new President & CEO, in partnership with the senior leadership team, uses it to bring fresh and innovative programs to the greater Dayton region."

A Midsummer's Soiree embraces a "Sip, Savor, and Celebrate" theme encouraging guests to enjoy an evening filled with music by the local bluegrass duo Snapp & Clarke and critically acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter John Paul White of The Civil Wars. Citilites at the Schuster Center will cater the evening, pairing delicious summer hors-d'oeuvres with even more delightful wines. Festive summer attire is encouraged.

Ticket sales are open to the public and can be purchased online at TicketCenterStage.com or by calling 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630. Tickets are $100 per person and include entry to the event, summer hors-d'oeuvres, entertainment, one complimentary drink (beer or wine), and complimentary parking in The Arts Garage. $70 of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

For more details about A Midsummer Soiree or to donate to the Ken and Lesley Neufeld Innovative Programming Fund, visit victoriatheatre.com/soiree.

About John Paul White

John Paul White is a singer-songwriter who resides in Florence, Alabama. As one-half of the critically acclaimed The Civil Wars, he toured the world and introduced millions to his music. The duo also won the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Now, together with co-founders Ben Tanner, keyboardist for Alabama Shakes, and Muscle Shoals native Will Trapp, Mr. White runs Single Lock Records, a Florence-based indie label that has released records by some of the Yellowhammer State's finest, including Dylan LeBlanc, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, and legendary songwriter Donnie Fritts. Mr. White's latest album, his first solo recording in nearly a decade, is titled, Beulah. Released in 2016, it's an assuredly diverse collection spanning plaintive folk balladry, swampy southern rock, lonesome campfire songs, and dark acoustic pop.

For more information about Victoria Theatre Association's 2018-2019 season, visit victoriatheatre.com.

Photo courtesy of Ron Valle

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