Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

Last Saturday, Art’s Alive offered its first performance, featuring a band called RikeR, in the High School Performing Arts Center.

Art’s Alive was founded in 2019. It was started as a community effort by Dr. Klaver, NCMC President, alongside several other key community figures who helped to organize the initial conversations and get developments started. Dan Maxey served as the first president of Arts Alive and made many contributions to the initial success of the organization. Now, Amy Guthrie is the new president and plans to help make a positive impact on the community.

“Arts Alive was created because we love the arts,” Guthrie said. “We know the importance of the arts in creating thriving, healthy communities. The mission of Art’s Alive is to present affordable entertainment, promote education in the realm of the fine arts, and provide exposure to the arts in its many forms to residents of Grundy County and surrounding areas.”

“Two earlier organizations had made a great impact in previous years (the Friends of the Arts and the Trenton Theater Guild). Because both of those organizations were no longer active, our hope was to create a new outlet for the arts in our region.”

Arts Alive hosted the Band RikeR at the performing arts center. The band’s lead singer, Stephen Riker, sang a mix of popular songs from every genre and era of music. Songs such as “Till summer comes around” by Keith Urban, “Don’t be cruel” by Elvis Presley, “As it was” by Harry Styles, and even the Theme song from the 90’s show Friends.

Their performance had people, both young and old, singing along, and many dancing in their seats. All culminating in their last song, which received a standing ovation from the audience.

Mayor Jackie Soptic was in attendance.

“The performance was great and presented top-notch musicians,” she said. “So thankful that Arts Alive is working to bring the arts back to the community. “

The band is from Milan, Missouri, but has performed across the country and has shared the stage with major artists such as Night Ranger, 38 Special, Florida Georgia Line and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“Performing locally is really special because we get to see so many familiar faces and catch up with the many friends we’ve made through the years,” Singer Stephen Riker said. “As a bonus, we often make new friends we didn’t realize were right in our own backyard.

Art’s Alive’s next performance will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, in the Trenton PAC. Art’s Alive will be hosting Gilly & the Girl, a husband-and-wife duo that will be playing songs from the 1960s to 1980s.

“Gilly & The Girl showcases the synergy of Mike Gill on guitar/vocals, and his wife, Charity, on lead vocals and hand percussion,” Guthrie said. “They offer a heartfelt and enchanting musical experience featuring seamless harmonies and soulful performances. With a repertoire that spans genres and eras, they bring a unique blend of timeless classics and contemporary hits, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Charity has a musical career spanning decades and showcased her vocal prowess as ‘Elphaba’ in the production of ‘Wicked’ at Universal Studios Japan. Mike is a seasoned actor with over 10 years of experience in more than 30 professional productions.”

Season tickets are available until Oct. 6 at Hy-Vee’s Customer Service desk or at Dynamic Tax and Accounting. Individual show tickets are also available.