Minot Symphony Orchestra will host a fundraiser on Sunday, June 30, from 8:30-11:30 p.m. at Minot’s Oak Park Theater, featuring live music by Little Chicago Funk.

A local band, Little Chicago Funk, features several musicians who are part of Minot Symphony Orchestra. Band members Pat Schwan and Charlie Young, along with board members of the Minot Symphony Endowment Fund, proposed the fundraiser to support the purchase of a new set of timpani.

“We are always looking for creative events for the community and ways to raise money to support the symphony. Pat and Charlie came up with the idea and presented it to the other members of the band, who all agreed to take part,” said Ellen Fenner, Minot Symphony Association executive director.

Tickets are $30, and funds raised will be matched up to $10,000 by a challenge grant through the Minot Area Community Foundation’s Chuck and Madge Westlie Fund. The total cost of the new set of professional timpani, or kettle drums, is nearly $60,000. Through a community collaboration with the Department of Performing Arts at Minot State University, more than half of the funds have been raised.

The need for a new set of timpani is due to the number of groups who use the instrument when performing or rehearsing in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the MSU campus. The new percussion equipment will be accessible to MSU Band, MSU Percussion Ensemble, MSU Percussion Students, Minot Brass Band, Minot Community Concert Band, and the Western Plains Opera Company.

MSU also hosts several high school and middle school bands and music festivals throughout the year. Current timpani drums are unable to maintain consistent pitch when being moved for the numerous rehearsals and performances.

There will be games and prizes along with concessions available during the concert.