4 minute read
ARTS & MUSIC
MUSIC ARTS &
BOHEMIAN CITY The community’s vibrant arts scene is woven into the fabric of Emporia. With galleries, live music, public art and events, Emporia will win over any art enthusiast.
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MARQUEE GLAMOR The glitz of the historic Granada Theatre (807 Commercial St.) makes every event glamorous. This 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival theatre has been completely restored and has an atmosphere like no other place. Catch a concert such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Scotty McCreery or Wyclef Jean, or rent the facility for corporate meetings or events.
ART FOR EVERYONE The Emporia Arts Center(815 Commercial St.) is central to the Emporia art scene. View exhibits from local and regional artists in the Trusler Gallery or shop in the Don & Mary Glaser Art and Gift Shop. The Performing Arts Series has hosted distinguished artists, such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Shanghai Acrobats, and the Dinosaur Zoo Live.
NO COAST FILM FEST The No Coast Film Fest showcases Emporia as an art-house destination with this festival of short films. Visit with local and international filmmakers about their craft and with fellow film lovers as part of this day long event.
FIRST FRIDAYS Emporia’s monthly Art Walk (emporiafirstfriday.com) is held on the first Friday of every month. Visit with local artists and musicians in downtown venues. Most businesses offer special discounts to ArtWalkers and there is a monthly drawing for prizes. See the bohemian side of Emporia.
Emporia State University is the perfect place to start your art tour of Emporia.
GALLERIES View works from students, faculty and nationally known regional artists at the Eppink & Gilson Art Galleries(1301 Market St.) on the Emporia State campus. These free galleries are open when classes are in session. THEATRE Going strong for over a hundred years, Emporia State University Theatre(1301 Market St.) has one of the oldest and strongest theatre programs in the country. Shows are performed year-round.
MUSIC Beach Music Hall(120 E 12th Ave.) was originally constructed in 1926. Performances include symphony orchestra, jazz ensemble, community chorus and more.
PUBLIC ART Walk among the massive chiseled limestone pylons at the Prairie Passage Stone Sculpture Garden (Industrial Rd. & Hwy 50). Depicting Emporia’s history, the sculptures range in height from 10 to 15 feet and weigh 5 to 9 tons each.
MURAL TOUR Stroll through downtown and see the many murals that bring color to the city. (visitemporia.com/place/ downtown-mural-tour).
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MUSIC ARTS &
EXCITEMENT YOU CAN HEAR
HALFWAY TO EVERYWHERE FESTIVAL H2E is a one-day music and arts festival hosted in downtown Emporia, Kansas over Labor Day weekend. Kansas Free For Arts will be presenting over thirty bands to perform on four stages, fine art displays, vendors, food trucks, and tons of fun for the whole community. The nightlife in Emporia has a tendency to spill on to the streets. Revel in the vibe of Emporia as you enjoy one of the many acts that come to town.
KANSAS FREE FOR ARTS Kansas Free For Arts(7 E. 7th Ave) aims to inspire Kansans through the arts. KFA events are open to the public and are often free. Events include, community concerts, professional demonstrations, workshops, pop-up studios and more!
KFA CONCERT SERIES Kansas Free for Arts brings fantastic regional bands to Emporia throughout the year. Go to visitemporia.com/events to discover new and amazing music.
LIVE IN THE LOT The streets are alive with music in Emporia. Hear local artists at Live in the Lot, an outdoor music series on Fridays in June and July. Listen to regional music in a fun atmosphere.
FLINT HILLS MUSIC Make your own music at Flint Hills Music(715 Commercial St.). Supporting Emporia’s vibrant cultural and musical community, this music store offers instruments and lessons to people who love music as much as they do.
CRAFT BEER AND SCOTCH Discover great live music at this art friendly bar. Voted best bar in the Flint Hills, Mulready’s Pub(717 Commercial St.) is the place for craft beer and scotch aficionados. Mulready’s bartenders serve up over 70 craft beers and 140 whiskies, scotches and bourbons from around the world.
LOCAL INSTITUTION Founded in 1992, Town Royal(405 Commercial St.) is an Emporia institution and is one of the town’s most beloved bars. Stop by on St. Paddy’s Day for this mainstays annual party.