 The Consumers Energy Foundation recently awarded Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) $5,000 in grant funding to support the creation and installation of the new TCA Music Park on the theater’s property.
“The collaboration and support for the TCA Music Park has been incredible,” stated TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore. “What started as a dream has become a reality thanks to the generous support of local foundations like Consumers Energy Foundation.” Tecumseh Center for the Arts has raised $100,000 from local foundations, individual donors, and funding through the City of Tecumseh for the TCA Music Park. The community will start to see progress during the months of May and June when concrete is poured and landscaping is installed. The funding from the Consumers Energy Foundation will allow the City of Tecumseh to complete the initial landscaping and plan the ribbon cutting for later this summer. “Exposure to art, whether it’s in the form of music, painting and sculpture, or a beautiful natural space, is not only enriching to us as individuals, but helps to strengthen our communities by bringing neighbors together,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We are impressed and excited by the work TCA has been doing in this space, and are proud to help support this work.” Tecumseh Center for the Arts created an outdoor Art - Music - Sculpture Park during the summer of 2020. The three-phase project includes the TCA Street Art Trail unveiled in 2020, Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden in 2021, and now the third phase, TCA Music Park, which will connect Douglas Bird Kiwanis Memorial Park to the TCA property. The Music Park will feature outdoor, handicap accessible musical instruments, a trail through the woods, and decorative landscaping. The TCA Music Park is a collaboration between Tecumseh Center for the Arts, City of Tecumseh Parks & Recreation, and F & S Landscaping. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the “walk through the woods” as they encounter a large variety of sound sculptures from a harp to lily pad shaped cymbals. Musicians of all ages and skill levels will be able to create music surrounded by specifically designed landscaping that cohesively combines art, music, and nature. About the Consumers Energy Foundation The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.
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 The Lenawee Community Foundation recently awarded Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) with $20,000 to support the creation and installation of the new TCA Music Park on the theater’s property.
Tecumseh Center for the Arts and Economic Development Director Kelly Jo Gilmore requested funding through the Lenawee Community Foundation, showing the design of the Music Park, benefits to the Lenawee County community, as well as listing the financial support received to date and the remaining funds needed to complete the project by summer. “While researching funding opportunities, I felt the Lenawee Community Foundation was an excellent fit for this project,” stated Gilmore. “The Foundation supports projects that focus on the health, happiness and hope of its citizens. I truly believe the TCA Music Park will provide a unique quality-of-life opportunity for community members of all ages to enjoy interactive art and music while gathering outdoors in nature.” With the $20,000 donation from the Lenawee Community Foundation through the Robert & Albert Ward Todd Endowment, the TCA Music Park has raised $95,000 from local foundations, individual donors, and funding through the City of Tecumseh’s Parks and Recreation Department. The project officially started last fall with excavation. Throughout the spring, the community will see more progress as landscaping begins, concrete is poured, and the first sound sculptures arrive. The funding from the Lenawee Community Foundation will allow the City of Tecumseh to purchase the second round of interactive sound sculptures. A ribbon cutting is being planned for summer 2023. “For the past 25 years, the Lenawee Community Foundation has proven to be an important catalyst for enhancing the quality of life in Lenawee County. By partnering with donors and building permanent endowments like the Robert & Albert Ward Todd Endowment, we’re able to support transformational projects like the new TCA Music Park,” stated Lenawee Community Foundation President and CEO Bronna Kahle. “Special projects like the Music Park improve the lives of everyone who lives here—now and forever.” Tecumseh Center for the Arts created an outdoor Art - Music - Sculpture Park during the summer of 2020. The three-phase project includes the TCA Street Art Trail unveiled in 2020, Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden in 2021, and now the third phase, TCA Music Park, will connect Douglas Bird Kiwanis Memorial Park to the TCA property. The Music Park will feature outdoor, handicap accessible musical instruments, a trail through the woods, and decorative landscaping. The TCA Music Park is a collaboration between Tecumseh Center for the Arts, City of Tecumseh Parks and Recreation, and F & S Landscaping. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the “walk through the woods” as they encounter a large variety of sound sculptures from a harp to lily pad shaped cymbals. Musicians of all ages and skill levels will be able to create music surrounded by specifically designed landscaping that cohesively combines art, music, and nature. Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) will host a Titanic Dinner Show on Saturday, April 15. This year’s event is on the move as it “ports” at AJ Smith Rec Center with a brand-new menu from 3 Dudes & Dinner, while featuring the tales of Captain Smith and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown onboard the Titanic.
Guests will join Captain Smith and Margaret “Molly” Brown at the Captain’s party on the fateful evening of April 14, 1912, the night the Titanic struck an iceberg. Suitable for all ages, this drama is both educational and entertaining while dinner guests learn more about Captain E.J. Smith and the unsinkable Molly Brown along with the people, music, fashion, sinking, and aftermath of the Titanic. The drama runs approximately one and a half hours long and incorporates costumes, period music, photographs, and mementos to bring this story to life. Captain Smith and Margaret “Molly” Brown are played by Mark and Margaret Hyre. When first asked to portray Captain Smith at a Titanic dinner hosted by a local Bed & Breakfast, Mark saw a chance to portray an interesting historical character in an unconventional setting. What he didn’t realize is how popular the story of Titanic continues to be to this day. He asked his wife Margaret to join him as “Molly” Brown. Together, the couple has been amazed and humbled while researching these historical figures and learning the compelling story of the ship the world will never forget. Their dramatic presentation is the result of years of careful research. To honor the memory of the Titanic, Mark and Margaret strive for historical accuracy with every word they’ve written. 3 Dudes & Dinner will also board the TCA Titanic and will serve a delectable five-course dinner throughout the show. This year's menu starts with a petite salad of emerald greens tossed in champagne vinaigrette and is followed by a cup of roasted hen broth topped with vegetable confit and orzo pasta. The Dinner entrees include whole roasted CAB beef tenderloin with whisky peppercorn sauce, chicken medallions with forest mushroom sauce, and pan seared Atlantic salmon with bacon jam and fennel leek sauce. Main dishes will be accompanied by miniature roasted vegetables, potato pave, and wild rice. Dinner will conclude with an assortment of European style finger pastries, imported and domesticated cheeses, and accoutrements. In addition, Tecumseh Center for the Arts will be offering a cash bar and additional cruise activities from a Titanic themed silent auction to live music. Guests are encouraged to dress in period attire (though not required) and are asked to come prepared to be swept away with the history and fine dining onboard the TCA Titanic. This year’s Titanic Dinner Show is a fundraiser for Tecumseh Center for the Arts. Price to board is $75 per person and is limited to100 guests. The dinner show will take place Saturday, April 15, 2023, at AJ Smith Center located at 810 N Evans St, Tecumseh, Michigan. The doors open at 5 PM for pre-show activities with the dinner and show starting at 6 PM. Tickets can be purchased at Tecumseh Center for the Arts at 517-423-6617, at the box office located at 400 N. Maumee Street, or on-line at www.thetca.org.  Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) will welcome The Moxie Strings on Saturday, March 18. This dynamic duo is celebrating their newest album “Live & Plugged In”- which debuted #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart.
Hailed by The Grand Rapids Press as “top-notch, instrumental wizardry,” The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s best- known instruments through an electric, innovative lens. Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education, which have given each the technical foundation to explore the limits of her instrument and helped the group build a reputation for musical excellence. Alison performs on a newly invented, electric cello, and Diana on a contemporary 5-string violin. Both use a variety of audio effects pedals. The Moxie Strings compose most of their pieces and arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms. The band’s polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience. Soon after forming in 2007, The Moxie Strings were inspired not only to perform, but also to teach. Having made the exploratory journey from classical music to a world of eclecticism and music creativity, the band has now dedicated their careers to helping young musicians make this life-changing and transformative transition. Moxie clinics focus on musical self-discovery and the importance of incorporating socially and culturally relevant genres of music in the music classroom. They have taught clinics in over 200 schools throughout the US, and present on their research and methodologies to teachers at many music education professional development conferences. During most clinics, The Moxie Strings perform for students on electric instruments, teach music by ear, and introduce non-classical playing styles. The group has researched and created an innovative sequence of activities designed to introduce improvisation to classically trained musicians, which they employ at every clinic. The Moxie Strings deliver their message in a fun, accessible way, and stand before students as the illustration of the many opportunities that music holds. After performing together for the past 16.5 years, this dynamic duo has made the decision to begin their goodbye tour. Their performance at Tecumseh Center for the Arts is one of the few indoor concerts scheduled in 2023 and one of the last times audiences can enjoy listening to Diana and Alison in concert. Tickets are $30-25 and are on sale now. The concert will take place Saturday, March 18 at 7:30 PM with doors opening at 6:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased at 517-423-6617, at the box office located at 400 N. Maumee Street, or on-line at www.thetca.org. This year’s season is thanks in part to the TCA’s 41st Season sponsors Michigan Arts and Culture Council, (MACC), the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation, and Vision Performance Group, National Touring Season Sponsors Robert Fox of Howard Hanna Realty, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, and Carpet on Wheels, and Show Sponsor County National Bank. For more information, or to purchase your tickets, visit www.TheTCA.org or call 517-423-6617, Tuesdays-Fridays between noon and 5 pm.  The Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation recently awarded Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) with a second grant award of $20,000; for a total of $40,000 for the creation and installation of the TCA Music Park in 2023.
During the summer of 2022, the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation (ERWF) awarded Tecumseh Center for the Arts $20,000 for the new TCA Music Park, after the theater received a $10,000 grant award from the Maurice and Dorothy Stubnitz Foundation. The ERWF recommended that Tecumseh Center for the Arts contact their Foundation again in January 2023, about a possible second award. In January Director Kelly Jo Gilmore submitted a second grant request to the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation with updated financials, timelines, and project status; and requesting an additional $20,000 bringing the Foundation’s total contribution to $40,000. On February 5, Tecumseh Center for the Arts was notified that the Foundation’s board had unanimously approved the second grant award. "The City of Tecumseh and Tecumseh Center for the Arts are incredibly grateful to have local foundations that are committed to supporting quality-of-life programming for its residents and musical opportunities for our youth,” stated Gilmore. “The TCA Music Park is a dream come true for many people and organizations, including the theater and the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation.” To date, the TCA Music Park has raised over $70,000 from local foundations, individual donors, and funding through the City of Tecumseh’s Park and Recreation Department. The project officially started last fall with excavation. Over the next couple of months, the community will see more progress as landscaping begins, concrete is poured, and the first sound sculptures arrive. A ribbon cutting is planned for the beginning of June. “The Elizabeth Wilson Foundation is proud to grant a second round of funding to the TCA to implement a unique music project, the TCA Music Park,” stated Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation Board Member Sheri Powers. “Making this collaboration even more special is the fact that Elizabeth herself was on the original board for the TCA and remained an active member until her death. Knowing that this project is accessible to community members of all ages to gather and play music together, the board of the Wilson Foundation is confident that supporting this musical installation to the TCA park aligns with our mission to perpetuate a lifelong love of music.” Confident that music and the performing arts positively enhance people’s lives, the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation seeks to enrich the Lenawee County region’s cultural life through its support of, education in, performance of and appreciation for the performing arts. The foundation’s primary focus is on music and performing arts programs that benefit the Lenawee County community and/or students in the County’s primary and secondary education programs (including post-secondary scholarships in music and performing arts).  Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) is bringing an international performer that specializes in variety entertainment to Tecumseh, Michigan, on February 18. Fantastick Patrick brings his daring feats and jaw-dropping stunts to Tecumseh Center for the Arts, with a show full of comedy and incredible tricks.
Patrick Connor, aka Fantastick Patrick, is a global performer that specializes in variety entertainment. He combines situational improvised comedy with a backdrop of absurd tricks and daring stunts that give life to a truly unparalleled experience. The show will wow guests with something truly incomparable to anything they’ve witnessed before. Each show is entirely unique, because he uses audience interaction to guide the direction of the performance. From a ten-foot unicycle, to improvised songs on the ukulele, balancing step ladders, and swallowing balloons; we never know what’s going to happen at a Fantastick Patrick show, but you can trust that it’s going to be amazing! Come ready to expect a little bit of everything from juggling fire, balls, and swords, to an awesome yo-yo act, plate-spinning, and free-balancing massive objects on his face! Patrick is an experienced entertainer with a ton of hilarity and crowd interaction. It really is a show unlike any other. Patrick keeps the audience fully engaged throughout the entire show, even the smallest of children are enraptured. Patrick has been performing since 2005 to audiences around the globe from Europe to Asia, Canada to South America, across the United States and even on a ship in Antarctica! His diverse travels play into each of Patrick’s shows creating a truly unparalleled experienced. Fantastick Patrick has performed at major corporate events, with performances for: Facebook, Old Navy, Walmart, Ritz Carlton, Port of Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield, Pasadena Rose Bowl, and Dodger Stadium. This show is going to be simply fantastic on Saturday, February 18 at Tecumseh Center for the Arts. Doors open at 3:00 pm, with the show starting at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at 517-423-6617, at the box office located at 400 N. Maumee Street, or on-line at www.thetca.org. This year’s season is thanks in part to the TCA’s 41st Season sponsors Michigan Arts and Culture Council, (MACC), the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation, and Vision Performance Group, National Touring Season Sponsors Robert Fox of Howard Hanna Realty, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, and Carpet on Wheels, and Show Sponsor Tuckey’s Big Boy!  Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) is thrilled to jump start the New Year with the TCA Comedy Show on Saturday, January 21, 2023. This year's comedy show is emceed by Steve Smargon and features headline comedians Khurum Sheikh, Bob Phillips, and Mike Green.
Emcee Steve Smargon: The winner of the National Clean Comedy Challenge, Steve Smargon is known as "The Bipolar Marine." Through his stand-up, Steve has become a mental health advocate whose goal is to show others that they are not alone in their struggles. He has performed multiple times at the TCA and was instrumental in booking this year’s comedians. As emcee, he will keep the show rolling all night long. Khurum Sheikh: Khurum Sheikh is a 25-year veteran of the Ann Arbor Police Department who now does comedy all over the country. Originally from Pakistan, his comedy touches on current events from the hilariously unique perspective of a Pakistan Police Officer in the USA. He has opened for Dave Attell and is currently in a movie starring Mason Pryor--Richard Pryor's son--called Next Generation about up-and-coming comedians. Bob Phillips: Bob Phillips has been performing standup comedy at the country's best theaters and clubs for over 20 years. He talks about everyday subjects, from his Catholic upbringing to growing up in the seventies and the absurdities of modern life. He does so with wicked timing, intelligence, and sarcasm. There are no sacred cows in Bob’s act, and there are no safe havens. Bob has been seen on the Fox stand-up comedy series “Laughs” and is heard daily on SiriusXM satellite radio’s Rawdog, Laugh USA, and Jeff & Larry’s Comedy Roundup. He is one half of the popular podcast, “The Sal & Bob Show. He performs at all the top clubs, theaters, and casinos around the country. From Detroit to Las Vegas, from Fargo to Miami, and all points in between, Bob keeps a busy schedule. Mike Green: Mike Green’s natural likeability has quickly made him one of the top and most requested headliners across the country. Mike has the original jokes and the knowledge to make it all look made up every time. Clever, clean comedy is what he brings to the table. With a strong improv background, he takes you on a “Comedy Vacation”. While developing his own show he was lucky enough to work with such luminaries as Tim Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Titus, & Ellen DeGeneres. Now Mike has a polished act that he has performed in 48 states. He headlines the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana in both Las Vegas and Atlantic city, The Comedy Castle in Detroit, Funny Bone in South Bend, and countless other clubs from New York to L.A. The TCA Comedy Show will shake the winter chill off you on Saturday, January 21 at Tecumseh Center for the Arts. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and military members. The TCA Comedy show is rated mature/adult content. Tickets can be purchased at 517-423-6617, at the box office located at 400 N. Maumee Street, or on-line at www.thetca.org. This year’s season is thanks in part to the TCA’s 41st Season sponsors Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC), the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation, and Vision Performance Group, National Touring Season Sponsors Robert Fox of Howard Hanna Realty, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, and Carpet on Wheels, and the TCA Comedy Show Sponsor H & H Signs.  To complete the Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden, we are looking for individuals, families, and businesses to sponsor unique, permanent seating, in the sculpture garden. These pieces will be created by local artist Jerod Schmidt.
With just six benches being created, each bench will be unique in design and offer visitors a relaxing place to enjoy both nature and art outdoors! Community members can enjoy visiting the TCA outdoors with murals and sculptures surrounded by specifically designed landscaping that cohesively combines art, music, and nature. Just TWO benches remain to be purchased. Special thank you to the following families who have purchased an outdoor bench.
The theater’s outdoor Art - Music - Sculpture Park aims to enrich people’s live through art and music. If you're interested in purchasing a bench, please contact TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore or click the link below.  Season’s Greetings from Tecumseh Center for the Arts!
We are halfway through our 42nd season at Tecumseh Center for the Arts; with just a few weeks remaining of 2022. It's been an incredible year for us as the theater – 2022 saw a return to a more normal calendar of events. We completed our HVAC project, made progress on our new coat room, and began raising funds for the new outdoor music park. In addition, we have a full schedule with a six show National Touring Season, an exciting lineup of Special Events, and most of our renters returning this season. The theater staff is also back at full capacity including four staff members, six high school student technicians, and a growing volunteer usher corp. It fills our hearts with joy to see the TCA family back together again. The Tecumseh community and our loyal patrons from around Lenawee County and beyond, continue to inspire us. Your commitment to this theater, your support of the performing arts, and your passion for its future is incredible. It’s this spirit of community and collaboration that propels us forward and allows us to be creative in our programming. For that, we thank you! As the holidays approach, we are excited to share the stage with Tecumseh Youth Theatre, Tecumseh Pops Orchestra & Community Chorus, the TCA Big Band & VocalAires, Tecumseh Players, Tecumseh Public Schools, and MST Dance Center. If you are unable to attend an upcoming event but would like to support the TCA; we have options available to you.
Information on our upcoming events and these fundraising campaigns can be found on our website. If you’d like to support the TCA this season, simply visit our website at www.TheTCA.org/donate to make an online donation. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you soon at the TCA! Cheers, Kelly Jo Gilmore Director | Tecumseh Center for the Arts | kgilmore@tecumseh.mi.us  Tecumseh Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Tecumseh Players and the TCA Big Band & VocalAires, presents the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol. Back by popular demand, the show harkens back to the days of the Golden Age of Radio, with great swing-era music, drama, comedy, sound effects, local commercials - both current and past, and “news of the day.” With a nod to "Sister Station" and WTCA Radio Show sponsor, WLEN - 103.9FM, it all adds up to a truly unique experience for audience members and performers alike!
Based on radio shows of the 1940’s, the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol tells Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Under the Artistic Direction of Joyce Lancaster, and Musical Direction of Mark Felder, 40 cast members, 25 TCA Big Band members, and 4 live sound effects artists will bring Scrooge and friends to life on the TCA stage. In addition to the radio drama, A Christmas Carol, the TCA Big Band & VocalAires will perform such classics as White Christmas, The Christmas Song, Home for the Holidays, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, and many more. The group, which features a full big band compliments of 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 5 trumpets, 4 rhythm, and 6 vocalists, will pay special tribute during the performance to Big Band great, Glenn Miller, lost over the English Channel in 1944 with the song, American Patrol. There are three opportunities to see and hear this holiday classic performed live on the TCA stage – Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol, are priced at $15 each and are available through the TCA Box Office. Call 517-423-6617 or stop by the Box Office in person at 400 N. Maumee, Tecumseh from 12 (Noon) – 5 p.m. to pick up your tickets. You can also go online at www.TheTCA.org 24-hours a day and make your purchase. Doors open 1 hour prior to each performance, with concessions available for purchase in the lobby. Special thank you to this year’s sponsors including Vision Performance Group and WLEN 103.9 fm. With a multi-generational cast, backed by the TCA Big Band & VocalAires, and members of the First Presbyterian Church Bell Choir, the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol promises to bring all your senses to life. See you at the theater! |
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400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh, MI | 517.423.6617 | boxoffice@thetca.org |
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