One of the non-musical gaps left by Hardy Lieberg in the Minot summer Arts in the Parks program is that of announcer at each of the concerts. His rapport with audiences, generosity toward the Minot Area Council of the Arts and joviality made him a hit in any crowd.
Stepping into those shoes is John Scott, nominated for the position by Alyssa Swiney, the executive director of the Minot Area Theatrical Society.
"He was such a hit when he emcee'd our game shows," Swiney said. "He has the personality and flair for (improvisation)."
Article Photos
Terry J. Aman/MDN - - John Scott, left, shown here introducing the Minot City Band Sunday, has been selected by the Minot Area Council of the Arts to serve as master of ceremonies for Arts in the Parks events.
Scott auditioned for council and they found him "both engaged and engaging." He'll be joining the Arts in the Parks regulars, including the popcorn sellers and the flower bucket contributions collectors, Jan Veikley and Terri Aldrich as "Daisy" and "Petunia."
Today, 7 p.m. in Oak Park
Voices of Note and Avis Veikley
The Voices of Note is a group of some 35 women who have in common one thing, and that is a love of music. Sharing that music throughout the community is their joy, and they have participated in the Arts in the Parks program for many years.
The group is directed by Sharon Strube and Roberta Johnson. Pianist Briana Schwan is accompanying them as they sing, as Aldrich described, "a nice, varied program of '40s, sacred and really classic songs. They make you feel like you want to sing along."
The visual artist is Minot State University's percussion instructor Avis Veikley, showing why she is also executive director of the Northwest Art Center. Her most recent project involves a series of paintings which encode percussion rhythms in an invented musical notation hidden in the paintings' imagery.
Sunday, 4 and 7 p.m. in Oak Park
NoDak Summit Band/Pat Marquard/Diane Slickers
The NoDak Summit Band is a jazz ensemble out of Bismarck headed by saxophonist John Krueger who hosts the jazz program "Hour 23" on Prairie Public Radio. Members are pianist Michael Land, drummer Mike Smith and bassist Mike Harmon will be backing singer Jessi Maker, whose style was influenced by Ella Fitzgerald. The group is in Minot for the weekend, playing as part of the Integrity Jazz Festival on Saturday as well as the Arts in the Parks performances Sunday.
The visual artists are Minot artist Pat Marquard and perennial favorite cake decorator Diane Slickers, who brings art you can not only participate in making, but eat as well.
All Arts in the Parks concerts are in Oak Park and are free and open to the public, and freewill donations are gathered. Aldrich suggests bringing your own lawn chair to enjoy the events. In the event of inclement weather all performances will take place at the Maysa Arena on West Burdick Expressway at the scheduled time.