Gabe Stark
Reporter

Art’s Alive is building on the success of its first full season of programming with a new lineup of concerts, community theater and family-friendly events planned for 2026-27.

The nonprofit organization recently previewed the upcoming season, which will include four concerts, a community theater production and the fourth annual holiday gingerbread contest. The season is presented in partnership with the Trenton High School Fine Arts Department, with most performances scheduled in the Trenton Performing Arts Center.

Art’s Alive began in 2019 by organizing one event at a time before expanding into its first complete season last year. During the season preview, organizers looked back at the performances and activities that helped the organization reach new audiences and provide more opportunities for local artists.

The past season included touring musicians, the French Family Band, a production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the annual gingerbread contest and a St. Patrick’s Day concert by Winsome and Friends.

Organizers said the French Family Band attracted visitors from throughout the region, including people who traveled from St. Joseph, Omaha and Hannibal. The group has since returned to the Grand Ole Opry and released another album.

The season also created opportunities for area performers and directors. Elizabeth Hackathorn made her directing debut with “The Mousetrap,” while Winsome and Friends closed the concert season with a program featuring local musicians and Irish-themed songs.

“I think that’s been a really special thing for our series, to get to do something that is local,” Elizabeth Hackathorn, an Art’s Alive representative said.

Local talent will again be featured during the coming season through a production of the comedy “Play On”

Art’s Alive is a nonprofit organization led by a 15-member board of directors. Its stated mission is to provide affordable entertainment, promote fine arts education and expose residents of Grundy County and surrounding communities to the arts in their many forms.

At Art’s Alive recent appreciation banquet, the organization’s leaders thanked the community for supporting the cause through donations, which make the performances possible. Organizers said Art’s Alive has raised nearly $20,000 in sponsorships in the past three years.

“It really does take more than season tickets to be able to afford to put a season on like this,” Director Amy Guthrie said. “We do need sponsors to make it work.”

Sponsorship letters are expected to be mailed soon. Sponsors are recognized at each event and may receive season tickets depending on their level of support.

The 2026-27 season will begin with “It Takes Two — A Legendary Duo Revue” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the Trenton Performing Arts Center. Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann of Letters From Home will present a musical and comedy tribute to famous duos, ranging from Johnny Cash and June Carter to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Lindley Creek, a family bluegrass band from southern Missouri, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. The group combines traditional bluegrass with modern influences and features Kathie Greer, John Greer, Katie Greer and Jase Greer.

The community theater production “Play On” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Directed by Hackathorn, the comedy follows a theater group desperately trying to stage a show while its author continually revises the script. The increasingly chaotic rehearsals lead to a final performance in which nearly everything that can go wrong does.

The fourth annual gingerbread contest will be held Friday, Dec. 4, during Trenton’s downtown Christmas festivities sponsored by Trenton Five Points Alive. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, and visitors will vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Ventriloquist and comedian Todd Oliver will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, 2027. Oliver’s family-friendly show features Irving the Talking Dog and a rotating cast of characters, along with comedy, magic, music and audience participation. His television appearances have included “America’s Got Talent” and “The Tonight Show.”

The season will conclude with local favorite Slow Leak at 7 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2027. The band blends bluegrass, folk and acoustic harmonies with original songs inspired by heartbreak, happiness, triumphs and difficult times. Members include Cree Mullenix, Sean Cleary, Bob Gass, Dirk Ellis and Travis Mullenix.

Tickets will be sold at the Trenton Hy-Vee customer service desk and Dynamic Tax & Accounting. Individual tickets will be offered approximately two weeks before each event.