‘Thank You to Friends of the SteamPlant’

I encourage you to say a hearty thank you to members of the Friends of the SteamPlant. This group of dedicated supporters from our community provides much needed support to the SteamPlant throughout the year. Thanks to their efforts, the SteamPlant presents cultural  and special events that benefit many causes in our community. The Friends began presenting concerts for the first time this year, and already have brought a number of great artists to Salida, such as The Wronglers with alternative country legend Jimmy Dale Gilmore.  Members of this generous organization are finalizing details for their annual membership drive. I invite you to consider becoming a Friend of the SteamPlant this year. For more information on how to join or renew your membership, please call the SteamPlant at 530 -0933. In celebration and recognition of all the Friends do, the SteamPlant will host a Members-Only Big Band dance on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in their honor. Join us tonight at 8 p.m. for a concert in the ballroom featuring blues artist Eddie “Devilboy” Turner and his band, the Trouble Twins. The Ernie Hatfield Quartet will open the show before Turner and his band turn up their Afro-Cuban power blues. The concert is presented by the Friends of the SteamPlant. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  The Paquette Gallery has hosted many exceptional art exhibits this year. Another very special exhibit, ArtWorks’ “Valley Visions,” begins Oct. 8 with an opening reception from 4 to 7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and we invite you to stop by for hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live music by Red Tischer and Robert Loewe. The art show runs through Nov. 8. Don’t miss our KHEN-SteamPlant Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 10 p.m. Besides the annual costume contest and great prizes, this year’s party will feature ’60s music by the Strolling Scones band.  The SteamPlant will also host the 6th Heart of the Rockies Bridal Show on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. Twenty-five premier vendors, venue representatives and entertainers will gather in the SteamPlant ballroom and Paquette Gallery to showcase their services and assist with wedding preparations. Local caterers will provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cake tasting.  Local musicians and disc jockeys will alternate performances while the Salida Starlettes and their friends model bridal fashion and formal wear. Local beauty salons will style the models. Brides are invited to participate in the balloon drop to receive gift give-aways from select vendors. You can now follow the SteamPlant on Facebook and Twitter. You can find links to both on our website at SalidaSteamPlant.com. Michael Varnum, Director