A local Tecumseh family, Rick and Diana Ruhl, recently made a generous $10,000 donation to Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) in memory of Rick’s parents Harold and Jean Ruhl to go toward the renovation of the theater’s Coat Room and sound system located in the theater lobby.
 
The lobby sound system was damaged several years ago from a water leak prior to the roof being replaced during the 2017-2018 season. The theater lobby has been without a functioning sound system for the past four years. The sound system is stored in the Coat Room just off the TCA lobby, will also be renovated. Currently the Coat Room functions more as a storage room then a functioning Coat Room.

“Thanks to the Ruhl family’s support and passion for Tecumseh Center for the Arts, we will begin making updates to the Coat Room during the winter months,” stated TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore. “We want to update the room, add counter space, replace the damaged sound system and ceiling tiles so we can begin using it as a functioning Coat Room once again for theater patrons.”
 
Tecumseh Center for the Arts is excited to move forward with this project and is grateful for the contribution of the Ruhl Family and their generosity to the Tecumseh community. 

The Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation selected Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) as a matching funds grant award recipient for $12,000 in support of this year’s National Touring Season and specifically Rhythm of the Dance (ROTD) coming to Tecumseh March 2022. 
 
Rhythm of the Dance is an incredible live show that creates a new era in Irish entertainment, containing a wealth of Irish talent, featuring World and Irish champion dancers, and some of the finest Traditional musicians and singers gathered together on one stage. Combining traditional dance and music with the most up-to-date stage technology, this two-hour dance and music extravaganza will take the audience on an exhilarating and exciting, energy-packed time trip through the ages. It’s internationally rated as one of the most popular Irish step dance shows in the world making it a success with critics and audiences worldwide.

Rhythm of the Dance is set to arrive on Sunday, March 20, 2022, for a 4 pm show. The group includes 17 Irish Step dancers and traditional Irish musicians to the stage. This show will be one of the largest groups to perform at the TCA in recent years.
 
The Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation strives to support live music and the performing arts to positively enhance people’s lives. The Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation recently celebrated its 24th anniversary (founded in 1997) of enriching Lenawee County’s cultural life through its support of and appreciation for the performing arts.

"We are incredibly thankful for the generous support of the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation," stated TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore. "The organization's passion for bringing music and the performing arts to Lenawee County is vital to the success of many arts organizations in our area. I am overwhelmed by their generosity to enrich the theater's cultural impact in the community.

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) is the recipient of a Project Support Grant from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) for its 2021-2022 National Touring Season. 
 
The award is a matching-funds Project Support Grant in the amount of $12,000, which will be used for this year’s National Touring Season featuring concerts and performances from artists throughout Michigan, across the country and around the globe! The 2021-2022 National Touring Season features a jazz concert, a comedy show, children’s theater, Irish step dancing, a Motown Tribute band, and a Movie Concert featuring Drew and Kin. This year marks the 41st season for Tecumseh Center for the Arts and includes both in-person and virtual streaming options for patrons. Tickets are on sale now through www.TheTCA.org or through the TCA Box Office by calling 517-423-6617.

“Tecumseh Center for the Arts is thrilled to receive this Project Support Grant from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,” stated TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore. “Each season, we strive to bring a wide variety of shows and cultural events to the Tecumseh community. The Project Support Grant allows us to focus on diversity in our programming and bring groups that would normally be out of our price range. We are incredibly grateful for the grant award this season.”
 
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) is the State of Michigan’s lead agency charged with developing arts and cultural policy and grant-making in the State of Michigan. Since 1966 with the creation of the Michigan Council for Arts, the State of Michigan has recognized the value and importance of a vibrant arts and cultural sector.