Art Song Festival | Ashland, NE | May 19-25, 2024
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If you can believe it (we know we can’t) the first Salt Creek Social Club of the season is just around the corner. Set against a stunning waterfront backdrop, this multi-course Spanish dinner will feature the enchanting mezzo-soprano Alejandra Sandoval and classical guitarist Malachi Million. Grab some friends and join us on Saturday, September 7 for this unique blend of gourmet cuisine and captivating music!
Thinking back to last week’s coffee chats where we had the chance to hear from our artists and dialogue about poetry, music, and life!
It was such a joy to dig into WALDEN with and and explore Thoreau’s iconic text as we anticipated the evening’s performance in collaboration with the and choreographed by -
Needless to say, it did not disappoint!
📷 Aric Vyhmeister
We couldn’t have imagined a better way to end our “it’s about time” season. We are forever indebted to the sublime work of our artists and deeply grateful for the support of so many people and organizations. Here’s a few we can’t help but mention -
press
It’s hard to believe that it is already day seven of Salt Creek Song Festival!
The warmth, power, and irresistible clarity of soprano Alyssa Nance’s voice left us speechless in two stunning performances with pianists Alejandro Avila (pictured) and Aric Vyhmeister, but we are already preparing for one final concert tonight!
Come help us close out our “It’s About Time” season with the world premiere of Philip Daniel’s “Song of Myself” tonight at 7 PM at St. Stephen’s. Sponsored by i3 Bank, this concert features baritones Brandon Bell, William Shomos, and Jared Hiscock singing Whitman’s sprawling poetry with the composer at the piano. Can’t wait to see you there!
Dark days bring clarity -
After a full day of rehearsals, outreach concerts, workshops and more, we’re back tomorrow with another incredible day of concerts from mezzo-soprano Lauren Cook and pianist Alejandro Avila’s interpretation of Copland’s “Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson” to our Art Song After Hours at Willow Point Gallery featuring Bolero’s from tenor Genaro Mendez.
For complete programming information please check out our festival program - link in bio.
That time of evening -
Pretty certain our post concert ice-cream social on the porch of The Roost would have made Agee and Barber proud. Thanks to all who helped make the opening night of Salt Creek Song Festival 2024 such a smashing success, but most especially to our fabulous artists .crane and -
Already in love with this week and can’t wait to spend more of it with you. For all the details check out our festival program. Link in bio. Cheers!
Had the best time chatting with Genevieve Randall about the Salt Creek Song Festival on Nebraska Public Media this past Friday. Thank you for having us on Friday Live!
Hope you’ll all come join us for a concert or two this week, starting at 4 PM on Sunday, May 19 at St. Stephen’s in Ashland, NE. Cheers!
Genevieve Randall and guests have lively conversations about the arts and humanities across Nebraska.
It doesn’t get much better than cold beer, beautiful weather, and anticipation of good times just around the corner. Eagerly waiting for next week to share so many beautiful moments of music and gathering with you. Can’t wait to see you soon. Cheers!
-It’s about time-
Quietly (and without pomp) our third festival season is announced and, boy, what a special one she is. Captured in the powerful and whimsical in-progress work of Nebraska painter Kristin Kwan, this season’s theme, “it’s about time,” speaks poignantly to our relationship to the passage of time and our interconnectedness across time in both simple small ways and cosmic.
We are immensely grateful to the many artists, collaborators, supporters, and community who have made this season possible, with special thanks to the Nebraska Arts Council, Ashland Creative Arts District, i3 Bank, The Beanery, and Ashland Arts Council.
Can’t wait to see you all May 19-25!
Taking a moment amid the hustle and bustle of social club prep to enjoy just how beautiful the little package of menus I just picked up from .press looks in the soft morning light of - nothing could be finer.
Spring has sprung and it’s got us jonesing for long evenings spent with friends, family, and everything Italian…
Be sure to head over to our website to reserve your seats for our final Social Club gathering of the season coming up Saturday, April 6th. You bring the friends, we’ll bring the wine!
Big announcement coming in hot -
Thanks to the incredible support of the Ashland Arts Council we are proud to share that the Salt Creek Song Festival is officially in-residence at St. Stephen’s!
Built on unbroken prairie land in 1872 by the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska this Gothic Revival style church remains an architectural landmark in Ashland’s Flora District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and restored by the Ashland Arts Council in 1992, St. Stephen’s provides a stunning intimate space for art song in Nebraska’s first creative arts district. We are so honored to be a part of the tradition of community building through the arts that anchors our little town.
Cheers!
You won’t want to miss our final social club event of the season coming April 6th! Inspired by springtime in Italy, this family affair will feature the art song of Paulo Tosti performed by soprano Gretchen Crane and pianist Stacie Haneline along with exquisite handmade Italian dishes from William Crane and Damie Elder-Hiscock. Follow the link in our bio to reserve your seat today!
We’d really love to warm up with an Harp & Fare Public House Irish Coffee right about now…
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for our Winter Social Club and to The One Dan Band for the photos. Let’s do it again soon and in the meantime stay safe out there!
What an amazing night! We are so thankful to partner with Harp & Fare for the second Winter Social Club in a row. Very much feeling the holiday warm fuzzies! 🥰 🎄
Call it a Christmas tradition. Our Winter Social Club is December 16, and we are thrilled to collaborate once again with Harp & Fare Public House and Damie Elder-Hiscock whose whimsical yet rich dinner will be paired with lieder performed by festival co-founder, Jared Hiscock, and pianist Anne Madison.
During our VIP Hour guests will learn how to craft a perfect Irish Coffee or Viennese Hot Chocolate, enjoy additional music, and have the opportunity to learn more about the inspiration for the evening.
Tickets can be reserved at the link in our bio or by reaching out to [email protected].
📷 by Jessica Levey
We’ve been a little quiet over here on social media and thought we ought to take a moment to introduce our board secretary Elizabeth!
Elizabeth Field, Esq., is a litigation associate at Kutak Rock LLP in Denver, Colorado. Prior to law school, she obtained an undergraduate music degree in classical piano, specializing in chamber works, and she is an active performer throughout the Denver metro area. She enjoys blending her dual interests in music and law by being involved with nonprofits who promote and facilitate music outreach.
Elizabeth has been an incredible source of support and encouragement throughout our two festival seasons and we continue to be so grateful for her ongoing work with us!
Salt Creek Social Club does not disappoint and last Saturday’s gathering was no exception!
We were blown away by the many collaborators that came together to support the arts here in Ashland - the care of our gorgeous hosts Kelly Kunkel and Nelson Kunkel the sultry music of Alejandra Sandoval and Aleia Gonzalez Gulino, fine tequila from Ashland Wine & Spirits, wines from Fariner Bakery, local wagyu beef from Raikes Beef Co., rich flavors of Erick Landa, BBQ Tourist, and Damie Elder-Hiscock, hand calligraphy menus of Laura Capp, and to top it all off stunning photography by Wai Chan.
Can’t wait to do it all again in December!🥂
📷 by Wai Chan
In only one week Aleia Gonzalez, classical guitarist from Paraguay and Salt Creek Song Festival Board Member, will join us for our first Social Club of the season!
Some of you may remember Aleia Gonzalez from her incredible performance of “Confiding” during our first season or pop-up concerts (our personal favorite). A frequent performer and collaborator she enjoys playing pieces from her home country as well as music by living composers.
Be sure to nab one of our last few Social Club seats via the link in our bio to hear her perform alongside Alejandra Sandoval on October 7!
On Saturday, October 7 the Salt Creek Social Club returns with an exquisite Latin American inspired evening.
Sponsored by Raikes Beef Co. the evening will feature a stunning array of collaborators as well as a brand new VIP event which will include the chance to get up close and personal with our musicians and chefs to learn more about the inspiration behind their artistry, enjoy an adventurous amuse-bouche, and a tequila tasting!
Reserve your ticket today via the link in our bio or by sliding into our DM’s.
Alejandra Sandoval
Aleia Gonzalez Gulino
Centi
BBQ Tourist
Damie Elder-Hiscock
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📷 by Jesslynn Bach
Here we go!!!
Salt Creek Song Festival has officially received 501(c)(3) status! Huge thanks to everyone who encouraged us to work towards this goal most especially Helen Raikes and Jerry & Barb Froistad along with our amazing board.
If you’re feeling extra celebratory this Labor Day weekend head over to our website to make a tax deductible donation.
Cheers!
📷 by Aric Vyhmeister
It’s all in the details.
Looking through pictures from only a few weeks ago and feeling excited about the future. After a short hiatus for bachelorette parties and family vacations we’re back at it planning for the upcoming year of Salt Creek Song Festival. If you want to be sure to be in the know sign up for our newsletter today (link in bio)!
Cheers!
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⛓️ courtesy of Sidrony Jewelers
📷 by Aric Vyhmeister
Thank you from the bottom of our heart.
Reflecting on a really special week of gatherings and concerts with some of our favorite people, like this coffee chat hosted by The Beanery with composers and performers Kurt Knecht and David von Kampen -Twenty eight events, twenty local sponsors, twenty artists, seven host families, and two world premieres is no small feat. We are amazed by all the dedication and generosity of our partners, volunteers, artists and audiences.
What was your favorite part of the festival week?
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Cheers to the Salt Creek Song Festival!
What an incredible week it’s been. We are so grateful to all the festival artists and our Ashland community for the many ways they have joined with us to make this week a smashing success.
Join us Cellar 426 Winery at 4 PM for our final Pop-up and tonight at 7 PM at St. Mary’s Church for the world premiere of “In the Dark Times” performed by, Gretchen Pille, violinists, Jenna Ferdon & Ronnie Zanella, violist, Clark Potter, and cellist, Elizabeth Grunin. All the love to Chris Nellis at CMG Financial and Alex White for underwriting tonight’s concert!
P.S. Also, might have a little bit of a crush of Postscript …
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📷 by Aric Vyhmeister
This week’s concerts have all been swoon-worthy and today’s are no exception!
Join us today for two amazing gatherings- first find us on the patio of Fariner Bakery for afternoon treats and a short pop-up concert at 3 PM with tenor Genaro Mendez and guitarist Aleia Gonzalez - second, we’ll be at Ashland United Methodist at 7 PM for “Home Again” featuring the work of two beloved Midwest composers, Kurt Knecht and David von Kampen who will be joining Naomi Brigell and Timothy Madden at the piano! In a super fun twist, Naomi and Timothy will be wearing jewelry curated by the incredible Sidrony Jewelers!
We are so grateful to Sidrony Jewelers for underwriting tonight’s concert. Please be sure to give them a like and follow!
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📷 by Nicole Corrine
Moving performances of H.T. Burleigh and Ricky Ian Gordon from Brandon Bell, Naomi Brigell, and Alejandro Avila last night left us breathless!
Join us tonight at 7 PM for more incredible music from Aric Vyhmeister and Alyssa Toepfer with original artwork by Fernando Montejano at the Ashland Public Library - Nebraska (with a fun little after party hosted by Postscript to boot).
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📷 by Aric Vyhmeister
We had a great time yesterday prepping for performances throughout the week!
Thanks to the fantastic work of Great Plains Piano Co owner, Morgan, we are tuned up and ready to go (if you’re in the business for a piano or technician, he’s your guy).
Be sure to find us through the day starting with our coffee chat at 10 AM The Beanery, kid friendly open dress at 1 PM and free concert at 7 PM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal, and to top it all off our first ever Art Song After Hours at Willow Point Gallery with cider generously donated by Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery at 8 PM!
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A few perfect Lawn Party scenes from Sunday’s world premiere of “Americana” for your Monday.
Huge thanks to the Ashland Historical Society, The Roost, Golden Goat Pizza, and most especially composer and pianist Stacey Barelos and soprano Grace Manley for making this gathering such a delight.
See you tomorrow for more music and fun! For more information be sure to check out our 2023 Festival Program. Link in bio.
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📷 by
Curious to hear more about Salt Creek Song Festival from co-founders Gretchen Pille and Jared Hiscock? Check out this beautiful piece from KVNO and Gabriel Escalera!
Two years ago, two local professional singers put their dedication and work into creating the 'Salt Creek Song Festival, the first song festival in Nebraska.
so much fun!
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Our season announcement event is only a few weeks away! Reserve your seats to this special benefit concert and help us unveil our pilot season (link in bio). Concert features soprano Gretchen Pille and guitarist Aleia Gonzalez Gulino. Huge thanks to Boyd Jones for hosting us at the gorgeous Café Postale. ____________ Video by zackpost_design.
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