The Strand has several movies to offer our patrons.  In May 2009 we started what we hope will be a new tradition:   Late Night Saturday Cult Classics at the Strand…or LNSCCATS for short.   The movie Suspiria drew a group from Indianapolis who made the trek to Shelbyville to see this film on the big screen.  Seated in the balcony, they were looking forward to next month’s Barron Blood too!

On Sunday May 31, 2009 some patrons to the Ma & Pa Kettle movie told us they met at the Strand 54 years earlier!  Congratulations from the Strand on their long and happy relationship.

On May 30, 2009 the Strand welcomed veteran performer Mark Bailey with his new band “Tollgate Road“.   The Noblesville natives put on a great show.  They included music from many artist’s top hits.  

The 80 minute set was a great mix of music.  They put on quite a show including some fine tambourine in the background.

The evening started with Albert Nolting and 2 Men at the Wall.   The duo played a solid acoustic set.   Their guitar playing was top flight and the sound resonated in our auditorium.

The show had a few Strand firsts.  Volunteer Coordinator Rhonda Schwegman was pressed into service as a spotlight operator.   With some expert training by Strand Board Member Cody Veerkamp, Rhonda completed her first show admirably.

This week the Strand took part in a very worthwhile project funded by the Indiana Arts Commission.   The Shelbyville High School Music Department in partnership with the Strand applied for and was granted an “Arts in Education” grant.  The focus of our request is to put 21st Century Learning concepts into an educational project involving the arts.   The project that was funded was a series of interviews of local veterans.   The final product will be video segments that we can show before movies or other programs at the Strand.   The partnership allows the students to work side by side with our Strand staff who are professionals in their area of expertise.  

The students composed background music for this project.  It was recorded this week with the assistance of Strand board member Ron Bush of Ron’s Mobile World.  Ron helped the students get a professional recording of their efforts.   For the interviews a list of questions was developed.   Ron Hamilton, our Shelby County Historian, submitted ideas to help guide the students in what questions they should ask.   On Tuesday and Wednesday night, the stage of our theatre was transformed into a studio.   We turned off all our air handlers and made the theatre as quiet as possible.   An interview set was placed on stage and two cameras were used.  Under the guidance of Strand board member Joey Gaudin of Smashed Productions, the students filmed the interviews.   All this was facilitated by Russ Smith.

For the first set of interviews we started with 10 veterans.  As a group, they represented many decades and all branches of service.   Thank you to Bud Wertz, Jack Warble, Rex Hindman, Gordon Hood, Ailene Schlick, Doug Warnecke, Russ Hamner, Dick Fero, Mark Frazee and Bob Schlick for agreeing to be interviewed by the students.   They were the first in what will be two rounds of interviews.   They were asked interesting questions about their experiences and how it related to home.   The process ran smoothly and this summer all the raw footage will be edited and combined with music.   This whole project was conceived by Russ Smith, chairman of the Music Department of Shelbyville High School.   Russ did a great job getting things arranged and produced. 

The project will culminate with a presentation of all the interviews shown on the Strand screen around Veteran’s Day.   We will keep you informed of the progress.   Thanks to all the students who gave their talents and participated in this grant.

This week we have a full slate.   On Friday night the Italian classic “Suspiria” will be shown at 7:30 pm.   On Saturday the Strand welcomes “Tollgate Road” with special guest Albert Nolting.   This Smashed Productions concert will benefit the Strand.   Saturday at 11:00 pm we will be showing yet another cult classic.   This week “Cry of the Winged Serpent” will show after the concert.   Finally on Sunday by popular request, Shelby County’s own Marjorie Main will star in Ma & Pa Kettle Go To The Fair.   I hope you can ‘get around’ to coming.

Work is still proceeding on the marquee.  It is just a long slow process.  We are waiting for some custom manufactured pieces to arrive.  Once those are in hand, we can start putting everything back together.   Soon the lights will be shining on our marquee.

We have a great June line-up.  We hope to see you at the theatre soon.  Thank you for your support.  Your inquiries and words of encouragement mean a lot to the volunteers of the Strand.

In honor of Memorial Day, the Strand advertised the annual ceremony performed at the Courthouse by they American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.   Strand volunteers actively participate in this program every year. 

Speakers included the president of American Legion Post #70 in Shelbyville, Indiana:

Strand performers the Blue River Community Choir:

and Strand performers the Shelby Community Band:

This years program was moved indoors due to rain.  It did not dampen the patriotism or the fond remembrance of those who have fought in war and served in peace.

The Shelbyville Middle School Music Department came to the Strand on May 21, 2009.  Their Jazz Band and Jazz Choir performed on our stage for an audience of almost 200.    The young musicians did great and sounded fantastic.   Thanks to Mr. Allman, Mrs. Crosby and Mr. Kruse for their hard work providing this program to our students.

The Jazz Choir:

The Jazz Band:

The Directors:

The Strand participated in the first annual Volunteer Fair.   This event is a collaboration between many not-for-profit organizations in  Shelbyville and Shelby County. 

The event took place on May 21, 2009 at Girls Inc.   There were two sessions, 9-12 & 4-7.   Strand Board Members Rhonda Schwegman, Steve Frazee and David M. Finkel staffed our booth.  We talked to several interesting people.   The Strand would like to thank the Blue River Community Foundation for facilitating this event.

Below is Strand friend and volunteer Candy from the Shelby County Historical Society:

Inspector General – Rated G

Danny Kaye

1949 – 102 minutes

Directed by Henry Koster

Dawn of the Dead – Rated  R

1978 – 126 minutes

Directed by George A. Romero