The Strand was featured on the home page of 3 websites.   The stories were in conjunction with the simulcast from Iraq this December 11 & 12, 2009.

It was featured on the military’s DVIDS Homepage, WTHR Channel 13 and WRTV Channel 6.

Above Strand Board Member Kurt Von Schakel performs at the annual Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO) Holiday Show.   Kurt is the organist for the event.  2009 marks Kurt’s 17th year as organist, and the event’s 76th year.

The show is presented in the 6000+ seat Elliott Hall of Music on the Purdue University Campus.

Tonight the during the Strand’s holiday show “Stockings by the Fire”, the audience was treated to greetings from Iraq.  Soldiers from the Headquarters Company, 38th Aviation Combat Brigade were on the screen for a live discussion.

The event was covered by WTHR News – Channel 13.   The report, Emily Longnecker, was recruited to be the moderator of the event.   Emily did a great job.

This was a special evening for the Strand.   There will be a repeat performance tomorrow night December 12, 2009.   Special thanks to Comcast for providing the internet connection, Staff Sgt. Les Newport from the ING and the crew at WTHR for highlighting this wonderful event.    The singing was outstanding too!

Our Iraq live feed from the Shelby County troops was a success.  The feed was moderated by Emily Longnecker of WTHR.  If you want to see, watch WTHR, channel 13 tonight at 11:00.   We are highlighted on their newscast.

You can see this amazing technology again on Saturday night.  Please join us.  Tim Spradlin’s “Stockings by the Fire” will not disappoint you either.  It is a phenomenal show.

The Strand volunteers in the lobby after a show.   4 volunteers, 2 laptops and 2 cell phones.   Technology is no stranger to the Strand!

Baby it’s cold outside…

Good line for a song, don’t you think.   The Strand is toasty warm.  We have heat to warm you on the outside and wonderful programs to warm you on the inside.   This week is an especially heart warming event.

On Friday and Saturday night the Strand presents “Stockings by the Fire”.  This is a Holiday Variety show that will have all your favorite classics.   This features Tim Spradlin, Denise Sherman, and our very own Cindy Houpt.   The show starts at 8:00pm.

“Stockings by the Fire” will have two acts.  During the second act (at precisely 9:30) a satellite somewhere in space will receive video images from Iraq bound for the Strand.   The local troops serving with the Headquarters Company, 38th Combat Aviation Brigade.   These are the troops that fly the helicopters out of the facility at our airport.   They will be on the big screen sharing their experiences with us.

This is quite an honor for the Strand to participate in such an event.  Many people have worked very hard to get everything in place.  Comcast donated an internet connection for the month, Ron B. and Steve D. got the cable into the theatre and where it needed to be and Steve F. did extensive testing from our network to the feed from the military.   The only thing we need now is you the audience.   This is an ideal time to come to the Strand for some great entertainment and to show your support for our local soldiers.

The marquee is looking better and better.   Did you notice that shiny stuff on top…yep, that’s neon.   Ron Moenter had that custom made for us.  It will add zing to the top!   Now that all the painted panels are on, don’t they look nice.   What a difference having the north and south reader boards.   So much space, so few letters.   The paint job by Lester’s Body Shop really shines.  There were over 60 pieces and parts to paint, not to mention a hundred or so rivets that all got painted too.   Next time you see Lester, tell him “thanks!”

Rockphoria – One Hit Wonders takes the stage next weekend.  it will a great show.

Thanks for all the support.