Symphony on the lawn
The Wichita Symphony will play a concert Friday, Sept. 30 on Botanica’s Grand Lawn in what’s envisioned as a new annual fall event. The concert’s first half will feature symphonic music on botanical themes, while the second half covers music from Broadway and Hollywood shows including The Phantom of the Opera, Gladiator, Star Wars and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults and $10 for students and children. Buy tickets online at wichitasymphony.org or botanica.org, or call the Symphony box office at (316) 267-7658.
New docs on PBS
PBS Kansas this month debuts a new local documentary on Kansas ghost towns as well as a new three-part documentary by Ken Burns exploring the United States’ response to the Holocaust. Kansas Ghost Town premieres at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6. It was produced by Chris Frank, who previously produced Kansas Baseball and Wichita: The Air Capital. Burns’ new documentary, The U.S. and the Holocaust, airs 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 18, 19 and 20.
A little afternoon music
The Thursday Afternoon Music Club is inviting the public to three free concerts this fall:
Sept. 8—Dr. Jeb Wallace, horn professor at WSU and principal horn with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, in recital at Central Community Church Chapel, 6100 W. Maple, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 13—Anna Jeter, organist, teacher, and member of American Guild of Organists, in recital at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Road, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 10—The Silent Voices Project, which seeks to raise awareness of women composers, with bassoonist Sarah Taylor Lee and friends. Central Community Church Chapel, 6100 W. Maple, 1:30 p.m.
Dinking do
The pickle ball extravaganza known as PicklePalooza returns to Chicken N Pickle Sept. 13-15. The event features matches in the afternoon followed by a mixer each night at 5 p.m., with proceeds going to benefit programs such as Meals on Wheels and The Alzheimer’s Association. For information, contact Chris Heiman at (316) 267-0302, ext. 215, or email chris@seniorservicesofwichita.org.
Docent training
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity and love art, the Wichita Art Museum has a spot for you. WAM will offer docent training on Tuesday afternoons starting Sept. 20. For more information, contact Mat Buckingham, curator of education, at buckingham@wichitaartmuseum.org.
Swing your partner
MAIZE — Lessons in modern western square dance are being offered by Sheldon Lawrence, a square dancer caller and instructor for more than 50 years and member of the Kansas Square Dance Hall of Fame. Classes are held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Maize Recreation Commission building, 10100 Grady Ave. The first session runs from Sept. 13 through Oct. 20, and the second session goes from Oct. 25 to Dec. 22. The cost is $30 per person for people who live within the Maize school district and $35 for everybody else. To register, visit the commission office or website, maizerec.com, or call (316) 729-7818.
Depot dinners
BELLE PLAINE — Unique food, music and setting are the draws for the series of dinners at the Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine. Called “Live from the Whistle Stop,” the locally sourced dinners are made by a group of arboretum volunteers known the Soil Sisters. Gypsy jazz music is played by guitarist Kentucky White, violinist Shelby Eicher and others. The dinners take place in an old railroad depot that was moved to the arboretum from Oxford, Kan., and restored. The next two dinners are Monday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Oct. 3. The cost is $50 per person. For reservations, email info@bartlettarboretum.com or call (620) 488-3451.
State Fair Senior Pack
HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair has introduced a Senior Pack for people 60 years and older. The $35 pack comes with two gate admission tickets, $20 in food tickets, two round-trip Sky Ride tickets and two railroad tickets. To buy a pack, visit kansasstatefair.com and click on “buy tickets” or call (620) 669-3600.
Lunch and learn
The Riordan Clinic’s free Lunch & Learn programs are returning in person. Dr. Ron Hunninghake will talk about nutrients at noon Sept. 15 at the clinic, located at 3100 N. Hillside. The talk will also be carried on Facebook and YouTube. Registration is required to attend in person. To register, visit Riordanclinic.org or call (316) 927-4791.
