Month: June 2021

Photos taken by Karen Cotton andCharles Conroy

Live music is back and better than ever! And Foreigner’s concert in Casper last night was Epic!!!! More to come soon!

Jill Pope, author and lover of the paranormal, has published a brand new book, “Gracious Ghosts of Cheyenne.”

She graciously took time away from her busy schedule as a campsite host to answer some questions about her new book release. 

Q: How did you come up with the idea of your book “Gracious Ghosts of Cheyenne”? 

Pope: I have been collecting stories of the paranormal for 20 years as part of my previous job as Manager for Cheyenne Street Railway for their October Frightseeing Tours. I published two books with the scary stories I had  but felt more drawn to share some of the positive events.

Q: Can you tell me how you did your research ? 

Pope: I have worked closely with several paranormal investigation groups and psychics over the years. I collected stories from people every opportunity I had. I gained a reputation for my work and people began sending me stories or contacting me directly. I research buildings and history at the WY State Archives and County Assessor’s office as well as the internet and history books.

Q: How long did it take you to write it? 

Pope:  I generally write up stories as I get them. It took me about a year to compile and refine the stories I wanted to include in Gracious Ghosts.  It takes awhile to take or find photos for the book. Some are current and some are historical photos from the archives. 

Q: Where is it available for purchase and how much does it cost to purchase it?  

Pope: The books are available at local venues in Cheyenne. I dont have a list from my publisher yet, but I beleive they are sold at the museum giftshops as my other 2 books are, the Depot Museum, The State Museum and the Old West Museum. Can be ordered from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. ibooks and kindle. Walgreens carried my previous books so hopefully they will carry this one as well. Price: $21.99

Q: Why do you like the subject of your book and why did you feel compelled to write it?

Pope: “I have always been drawn to the unknown  and paranormal.  I wanted to share the positive encounters people have experienced from loved ones, and angels and explain that sometimes just because something unknown frightens us doesn’t mean it is dark or evil.”

Q: Have you written and published other books? What are they? 

Pope: My other books: Haunted Cheyenne (2013)  and Haunted Warren Air Force Base (2014), both published by History Press~Arcadia.

Q: What are you currently working on ? 

Pope: I have been compiling paranormal stories and about things unknown in the state of Wyoming and am contemplating doing a book.

Q: When are you going to do some book signings?

Pope: “I am going to be in Michigan until October but am going to do a podcast through History Press and may do some virtual presentations.” 

A POLAR BEAR IN THE SNOW WINS BULL-BRANSOM AWARD

info courtesy of the National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art announced the Bull-Bransom Award recipient for 2021 is Shawn Harris for his cut-paper illustrations in “A Polar Bear in the Snow,” written by Mac Barnett. In the book, readers follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human. Readers can connect to the polar bear as a wild animal in its natural environment and ponder – where is the bear going and what does he want?
Harris says, “I created dioramas out of white paper that I lit and photographed. I wanted to see if I could use uncolored paper, lighting, light, and shadow to create an Arctic universe.” The book’s unique white-on-white cut paper collages are defined by the contrast of shadow and light, a perfect complement to the compelling minimal writing style distilled to essential words and phrases.
Shawn Harris got his start illustrating album art for bands he met while touring the world as a musician. His first picture book, Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, was the recipient of seven starred reviews. His other books for kids include What Can a Citizen Do by Eggers, Everyone’s Awake by Colin Meloy, and most recently, his authorial debut, Have You Ever Seen a Flower?
The Bull-Bransom Award is given annually to recognize excellence in the field of children’s book illustration with a focus on nature and wildlife. The award is named after Charles Livingston Bull and Paul Bransom, who were among the first and finest American artist-illustrators to specialize in wildlife subjects. Both had a tremendous impact on younger artists and both illustrated numerous children’s books. Museum Trustee
Emerita and Bull-Bransom Award Founder, Lynn Friess started this annual award in 2010. The Museum will announce upcoming events and a visit by Harris to local elementary schools in spring 2022. Stay tuned for more information.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art, a nonprofit founded in 1987, is a world-class art museum holding more than 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world. Featuring work by prominent artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Robert Kuhn, John James Audubon, and Carl Rungius, the museum’s unsurpassed permanent collection chronicles much of the history of wildlife in art, from 2500 B.C. to the present. Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the museum received the designation “National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States” by order of Congress in 2008.

Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Announces Contract Extension for Maestro Intriligator
The CSO Board of Directors announced a 5-year contract extension for Music Director and Conductor, William Intriligator, to commence during the 2022-23 performance season. This contract extension, through the 2026-27 season, makes Intriligator CSO’s longest serving Music Director and Conductor, since the orchestra transitioned into a professional ensemble in the early 1980’s. This is the 5th time his contract has been renewed.
“To say we’re thrilled at the prospect of Maestro Intriligator leading and conducting our Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra through the 2026-2027 season is an understatement”, said Sheila Bush, CSO Board President. “Through the years, CSO has grown musically, widened our audience reach, and flourished as an organization in great part due to the energy and passion Intriligator brings to our community. Cheyenne is fortunate to have the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and eager to see where our Maestro will lead us in upcoming seasons.”
Intriligator responded, “I am extremely happy to continue my relationship with the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and the Cheyenne community with this contract extension! I love working with the talented, dedicated musicians in the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, and I feel lucky to get to work with a ‘dream team’ of the CSO staff. The orchestra‘s Board of Directors have provided outstanding leadership and guidance during my 13 year tenure, and I look forward to working with them, the staff, and musicians to continue to increase the orchestra’s presence in the community, to reach ever-new artistic milestones, and to continue the success and financial stability of the past years.”
“Among the achievements in my tenure, I am most proud of accomplishments such as the Mahler and Strauss performances, the Raiders of the Lost Ark in concert, ballet productions, family matinees and concerts of film music, collaborations with local choirs like the Cheyenne Chamber Singers and All-City Children’s Chorus, our expanded education programs, the concert for the Cheyenne Latinx community, and the Romeo and Juliet production involving the symphony, theater, ballet, and opera,” Intiligator continued. “I’m also proud to have introduced some of our favorite guest artists such as pianists Ilya Yakushev, Jon Nakamatsu, Antonio Pompa- Baldi, violinists Gareth Johnson, Michael Ludwig, Miriam Fried, and Dino De Palma. I’m proud that we have worked with Grammy Award winning cellist Zuill Bailey several times too. I’m so excited for what the future holds as this contract allows me to continue with the orchestra for my 15th – 19th seasons as Music Director and Conductor.”
WWW.CHEYENNESYMPHONY.ORG 307-778-8561

Http://Www.cfdrodeo.com for tickets

FOREIGNER: THE HITS ON TOUR

Where: Ford Wyoming Center, One Events Dr, Casper, Wyoming

When: June 29, 7:30 p.m. 

Website of the venue: https://www.fordwyomingcenter.com

Ticket info: This is the rescheduled show. Tickets for this new date are on-sale now and they start at $42. Previously purchased tickets from past rescheduled dates will be honored for the new date.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.SinclairTix.com or by visiting the specific event page at https://www.FordWyomingCenter.com

Or In-person at the SinclairTix Box Office (Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or By phone at 800-442-2256 or 307-577-3030 (Thursday & Friday 10 am to 5 pm)

*Tickets purchased via charge by phone or online are subject to additional ticket processing fees. Some events may charge additional ticket processing fees at the box office window.

Foreigner facts according to a press release from the Wyoming Ford Center 

• Foreigner’s catalog sales hit Top 40 in Business Insider’s Best Selling Music Artists of All Time, ahead of Britney Spears, Bob Dylan, Phil Collins, Prince, Queen, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard.
• Foreigner has 9 Top 10 hits – that’s the same as Fleetwood Mac and more than Journey and most of their Classic Rock peers.
• The 2018 orchestral album spent 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard classical chart. It generated sold out US and international concerts including a spectacular night at the Sydney Opera House.
• Over 500 million YouTube views.
• Streams approaching 10 million per week.
• Digital downloads of ‘Juke Box Hero’ and ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ certified platinum by the RIAA indicating Foreigner’s resonance in the new era.
• Foreigner’s connection to a younger demographic is illustrated by the massive increase in streaming generated by the band’s song uses in such hit movies and TV shows as ‘Good Boys’ and ‘Stranger Things’.
• Breaking the record in Billboard magazine, ‘Waiting For A Girl Like You’ was #2 in the Top 10 for 14 weeks and landed Foreigner at #49 on Billboard’s Hot 100 All Time Top Artists chart above The Eagles at #54, Fleetwood Mac at #73 and Aerosmith at #90.
• Foreigner ‘4’ sat at # 1 on the Billboard charts longer than any album by any artist in Atlantic Records’ 70-year history.
• Foreigner, consistently in the Top 20 at Classic Rock radio, has more airplay than Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, U2, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Bad Company and more.
• Foreigner’s leader and founder, Mick Jones, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.
• Jukebox Hero, a musical based entirely on the hits of Foreigner, was launched in Toronto in 2019. With a book by the writers of The Commitments and The Tracey Ullman Show, the show tells a witty tale of rock and redemption.
• Mick Jones produced/co-produced every Foreigner album, as well as Billy Joel’s ‘Storm Front’ and Van Halen’s ‘5150’ and has written hit songs with Ozzy Osbourne and Eric Clapton, with whom he wrote ‘Bad Love’. Eric received a Grammy for that one!

The Foreigner catalog has sold more than 80 million albums. Foreigner has 16 Top 30 hits:

I Want To Know What Love Is (1) Waiting For A Girl Like You (2) Double Vision (2)

Hot Blooded (3)

Urgent (4)

Feels Like The First Time (4)

I Don’t Want To Live Without You (5) Say You Will (6)

Cold As Ice (6)

That Was Yesterday (12)

Dirty White Boy (12)

Head Games (14)

Blue Morning, Blue Day (15)

Long, Long Way From Home (20) Juke Box Hero (26)

Break It Up (26)

By Karen Cotton 

Foreigner: The Hits on Tour will perform at the Ford Wyoming Center, after several rescheduled dates due to the Sars2 coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 that shut everything down across the world including concerts, like this one, that many fans were anticipating. But, Foreigner fans don’t have to wait anymore. The new Ford Wyoming Center date is this month, June 29, at 7:30 p.m. 

I was lucky enough to do an in-depth phone interview with an old friend, Michael Bluestein, the keyboardist of Foreigner. 

I also  interviewed Brad Murphy, over email about the show. Murphy is the general manager of the Ford Wyoming Center, which was formerly the Caper Events Center.  

Here are the Question and Answers with Brad Murphy:

Q: How does the Ford Wyoming Center feel about finally getting the Foreigner show performing live after rescheduling due to the pandemic?

Murphy: ​The show has been rescheduled three times. We have had tickets on sale since October of 2019.  To have the show finally playing is a huge relief.  We greatly appreciate our fans being so patient and understanding.  The band and their management are very excited to come to Casper, we are one of the first plays on this tour so we should see a great show with a lot of energy. 

Q: What are the safety protocols in place? ​

Murphy:We continue to work closely with the Casper Natrona County Health Department.  All cleaning, air control and safe health standards are in place. Sanitization stations and covid awareness signage are located throughout the building.  The health and safety of our patrons, employees, participants and clients are of the utmost importance. 

Q: How have ticket sales been going? ​

Murphy: Fantastic! We still have a limited number of tickets available.  

Q: Why Foreigner?​ 

Murphy: Classic Rock and Roll is very popular in our community, an iconic band with a great number of hits.  It will be a lot of fun for all ages. 

Q: And who else is coming to the Ford Wyoming Center? ​

Murphy: “ZZ Top will be here on August 12, 2021.  Ticket sales are very strong, a lot of excitement for the show.  Also a big announce on June, 11, 2021 for an upcoming concert in October.  A big time comedy act will be announced in the near future.  It is going to be a great Fall at the Ford Wyoming Center.

Interview with Michael Bluestein, the keyboardist of Foreigner

 By Karen Cotton

Cotton: What did Foreigner do during the pandemic?

Bluestein: “We had a YouTube channel. We did a bunch of beer shows. We had special guests, who were special friends. We brought a lot of special musicians around. We had beer brew masters, stuff like that, mainly musicians and fellow touring and studio guys who tour with us.

I also run a home studio, so I did a lot of work here. I produced and wrote a lot of stuff for TV and film. My girlfriend and I have a duo. We put out some singles. I kept busy.” 

Cotton: “What is your duo called?” 

Bluestein: “It’s called  Tina Blue. We have a  new single coming Tuesday June 8. It’s called “Summer Style.” It will be out on all the usual suspects Spotify , Apple Music, stuff like that.   I have been staying busy. It was a good chance to do stuff that the touring thing usually takes me away from. So, we did lots of creative work, which was wonderful.”

Cotton: “Did you spend time with family last year too?”

Bluestein: “Well, my brother lives in Burbank just kind of down the road here in the L.A. area. Everybody was pretty locked down. He has a six-year-old daughter, so, there was a lot of concern about that kind of thing during quarantine, but you know we had plenty of Zoom meetings. My parents are on the East Coast, so I didn’t see them a ton, but we managed to stay in touch with everyone.”

Cotton: “ Did you tutor your niece?”

Bluestein: “ I did a little bit of music with her over Zoom.”

Cotton: “How does it feel to be back out on the road?” 

Bluestein: “We had four shows in Florida that we just did. Those were the first shows that we did in 14 months. We did two shows in Orlando and two in Tampa. It was nice. It was great. It was just like getting back on a bike again. We have done so many of them. It was like that old familiar saddle that we were back in, and it was fun. The fans were psyched. There’s a lot of pent up demand, as they say.”

Cotton: “Did Foreigner have the chance to work on any new music at all last year? Did you meet at all over zoom or in person in a studio?”

Bluestein: “We met over Zoom. There’s no new music. There were some performances, they were online performances, that were put together,, but there was not much in the way of new music.”

Cotton: “How do you feel about playing a show in Casper, Wyoming?” 

Bluestein: “I’m psyched to get to Casper. I’ve never been there, so it will be fun exploring and doing hikes. I love fishing. My girlfriend is coming out. We’re going to go exploring.”

Cotton: “Who would Foreigner like to collaborate with? Have you heard about any collaborations you guys want to do.”

Bluestein:” I am always down for that. I don’t know if there’s anything in the books.  As far in the Rock n’ Roll world. Hip hop is also so big. I actually have a friend in the band Dirty Honey. That is an up and coming band that’s going to open for the Black Crowes this summer. I don’t know. I’m trying to keep my radar up, and keep aware of some of the newer bands that are coming out. But, we have nothing in the works for collabs. If you have any ideas let us know …

Cotton: What about Billie Eilish ?

Bluestein:  “She’s awesome. She’s great. She has a new album coming out. I just watched a video clip of it. Yeah, she’s really amazing, that would be cool. What’s funny is Billie Eilish, she lives in Highland Park L.A. I owned a house for a while down the street from her, where she grew up. She’s amazing. She’s doing really well. That would be fun.” 

Cotton: “Foreigner should also try collaborating with Garth Brooks, that would be awesome …”

Bluestein: “Yeah, why not?”

Cotton: “Garth Brooks covered Billy Joel’s song, ‘Shameless…”

Bluestein: “That’s right..  “

Cotton: “Garth Brooks is playing at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Foreigner should come play that festival.”

Bluestein: “Well, I am psyched to come to Casper because I have never been to Wyoming.  We have two days off there, so I’m looking forward to exploring the outdoors and doing some hikes.” 

Cotton: “There would be a lot of great hikes on Casper Mountain. Do you like fishing, too? There’s the North Platte near Casper.

Bluestein: “I love fishing. I used to do it when I was younger, but I haven’t in years. I would love to explore Casper and also do some fishing.” 

Cotton: “Back to music, How old were you when you first started playing the piano/keys and why do you like it?”

Bluestein: “ I was nine years old. There was a beat up old upright piano that was in the house that we bought. The previous owners didn’t want it and they left it. My mom was always listening to 70’s music when I was growing up; Cat Stevens, The Bee Gees, Paul Simon, Carol King, all that stuff. I would sit down and play along with the melodies and that part of it was natural.  I went from there. My mom, she was always into the arts. She  studied painting and art in college, and she was always into the arts, and she was thrilled when had an interest in piano.”

Cotton: “Do you remember your first piano teacher?”

Bluestein: “My first piano teacher was Pat Keminski, this woman who lived a few towns over. She had a musical family, her son played, too. I was so obsessed with it. There were these piano books, John (W.) Schaum. I tore through them like in months. I got through the first four or five books in six months to a year. That part made sense to me. That was fun. I was obsessed from the beginning.” 

Cotton: “Where did you go to college?”

Bluestein: “I went to Berklee College of Music in Boston.”

Cotton: “How did you get hooked up with Foreigner?“

Bluestein: “I got a chance to audition back in early 2008. A friend of mine is a big time musical director for the TV show, ‘The Voice.’ I worked with him in a different group that I was working with him in 2005.  He was playing keys for Foreigner at that point that I saw him. He was only a temporary solution for their keyboardist, and he was told he needed them to help them find someone. I ran into him in a music convention in Anaheim, California, and he said he could get me an audition for Foreigner.”

Cotton: “It’s all about who you know isn’t it?” 

Bluestein:  “Exactly.” 

Cotton: “If you could give young musicians any advice about landing a professional touring gig what kind of advice would you give them?” 

Bluestein: “I would just say, just first off follow your muse. Just being true to what really moves you  musically and go after what that is. That’s  the most important thing.  There’s a lot of pressure to conform, or be like someone else, or sound like a different singer, or artist, or whatever.I don’t think that’s important. I think the world needs originality more than ever. So, follow your own vision, your path is really important. Then in the face of that, the music business doesn’t always support that statement of being versatile, or being true to what moves you, too.

As a working musician for me first, being able to play classical or jazz, reading music, knowing soul, or funk, gives you more opportunities to work in music. Today, being more technically savvy, being able to record and produce your own stuff, is important. You don’t have to be the most world class engineer. You just need to record yourself well, and have a good finished product. It’s not as simple as playing your instrument well these days.” 

Cotton: “Did you ever go to the Berklee summer camp.” 

Bluestein: “In high school, the five week program, I did that when I was in high school.”

Cotton: “Would you recommend it?”

Bluestein: “Absolutely yes. It  was great. I was just  starting to dabble in jazz piano and it helped me realize how much I didn’t know and how much I had to learn. Berklee was great for me. That was a good push, of course. When I did the four year program is when I got much more serious.” 

Cotton: “Did you ever get to meet any musicians who you idolize?”

Bluestein: “I did get to meet Herbie Hancock briefly.  I’ve also gotten to meet Keith Emerson from Emerson, Lake and Palmer.  Foreigner was doing a show for the  Jay Leno ‘Tonight Show’ spot. I’m glad I  got to meet him before he passed because Foreigner was doing a show.”

Cotton: “I was lucky enough to interview B. B. King in person. Did you ever meet him?”

Bluestein: “No, I didn’t get to meet B. B. King, but he was a legend for sure.”

Cotton: “Have you ever written any songs for Foreigner? What is their songwriting process like?’

Bluestein:  “I haven’t gotten the chance to do that. I’m not part of that. I  would like to do some arranging, and I’m  not sure of process. Mick Jones is the founder of the band, that made it all happen and wrote the songs.”

Cotton: “Does he still write?”

Bluestein: “I haven’t heard about him doing writing recently.”

Cotton:  “Who are your musical idols ?”

Bluestein: “I’ve got a lot of them, but the  most obvious one is the piano player Herbie Hancock. I am also a huge Steely Dan fan. I love Billy Joel, and Ben Folds.”

Cotton: “What about Elton John …?”

Bluestein: “Of course, he’s up there. He’s  huge for me.”

Bluestein: “I  love jazz classic jazz pianists, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson , Chick Corea, who died recently. I love lots of classic rock, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones.”

Cotton: “What about Prince?”

Bluestein: “Yes, definitely. He’s huge. I love funk and soul music, too, lots of 70s stuff, the Hudson Brothers,  Earth Wind and Fire …”

Cotton: “Do you guys ever play pranks on each other while you’re on tour?” 

Bluestein: “Yes, there are plenty of pranks going on.”

Cotton: “What’s one of the best ones?”

Bluestein: “Let’s see so, there’s so many of them. A funny one is I was in a store, well, this might be perceived as dark, but we were in an airport and I was with Jeff Pilson. He loves to prank people, and this was about six months after Michael Jackson had died. We were in a Hudson News shop and there were all of these magazine covers, Time magazine, News Week, there were all of these magazines doing tributes to him. Then Jeff got this confused look on his face and he said, ‘Did something happen to Michael Jackson?” He said it really loud, so everyone could hear, and the store person,  too. He’s like, ‘What the hell happened?’ He pretended like he had no idea, and everybody is looking at him like, ‘What’s wrong with this guy?,’ If that gives you an example.” 

The movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in concert with the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra

When: Friday, June 11, 7 p.m. 

Matinee performance: Saturday, June 12, 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Cheyenne Civic Center, 510 W. 20^th Street

Tickets: Range in price from $12 to $55. 

More info: www.cheyennesymphony.org

Symphony at Sunset 
Join the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra for a free pops concert

When: Sunday, June 13, 7 p.m. 

Where:  Lions Park Amphitheater, 4603 Lions Park Drive 

Tickets: None required. The performance is free to the public. 

More info: Spradley Barr Toyota brings you this fantastic concert featuring Colorado Symphony Orchestra principal trumpet, Justin Bartels. With light classics, movie music, patriotic tunes, and more, there’s something for everyone! Bring the whole family, plus lawn chairs or a blanket; food trucks will be on site for food purchases.

By Karen Cotton

Symphony fans rejoice. Three Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra concerts are taking place this weekend, June 11-13. The highly anticipated “Raiders of the Lost Ark” performance that was supposed to take place last year, but was rescheduled due to the Pandemic, is now taking place this Friday and Saturday. There will be two concert performances, rather than the original concert performance date that was scheduled for last year. 2020. The year nobody wants to repeat.  Tickets are still available for both shows but are selling quickly. So get yours now! These are concerts you don’t want to miss! 

And on Sunday there will another show stopper. There will be a free pops concert at the Lions Park Amphitheater with the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. This concert features the Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s trumpet player, Justin Bartels. The Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra will play light classics, patriotic tunes, movie music, and a lot more. You’ll need to bring your own lawn, or camping chairs, or blankets. Food trucks will be on hand, so come hungry because there are a lot of great food truck choices in Cheyenne. All three Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra concerts will be conducted by Maestro William Intriligator. He took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for Sweet as Cotton Candy.
             Q: “How excited are you and the symphony’s performers about Raiders of the Lost Ark actually happening now? 

Intriligator: “I’m super excited!  This is a first for Cheyenne, having film with live orchestra playing the soundtrack, and also a first for me, personally!” 

Q: “Also what was it like when the symphony couldn’t perform live much last year due to the height of the pandemic?” 

Intriligator: “I was disappointed, but it was also a relief knowing that we rescheduled it and that I’d have more time to prepare this challenging music.” 

Q: Why was “Raiders of the Lost Ark” postponed? 
Intriligator: “We had to postpone it during the pandemic because, even though we returned to performing in August 2020, we had to space out the orchestra with social distancing, and Raiders calls for a very large orchestra.”  

Q: Can you tell new fans to the symphony why “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is going to be such an awesome experience and what exactly will take place at the two concerts? And why they NEED TO GET TICKETS! 
Intriligator: “This classic film has an incredible soundtrack by John Williams.  The orchestra part is amazing, huge, thrilling, and very creative. The players get to do unusual effects with their instruments, too.  Tickets are almost completely gone, so people should call the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra office right away to get tickets!” 

Q: And is it an all ages show ? 

Intriligator: “Yes, although really little toddlers might not be able to handle the length of it.  It’s the full film split into two almost-hour-long halves with an intermission.” 

Q: “Why did the symphony decide to do two performances of Raiders instead of the original one?”

Intriligator: “Because the decided to do some social distancing of the audience. We are only able to sell about 500 seats instead of the full capacity of 1,500.  So this way, with two performances, we can get 1,000 tickets sold.”  

Q: Are tickets still good for the “Raiders of the Lost Ark: show if people already had purchased them back in 2020? 

Intriligator: “People who bought tickets when we only had one performance were contacted by the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra office and they were offered first dibs to keep their Saturday tickets or switch to Friday.  Many actually seemed to prefer Friday evening.  So, we got everyone taken care of.”

Q: Also how many tickets are available right now for both shows? 

Intriligator: “Very few.”

Q: “And why did you choose ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ to perform to and not any other movie?” 

Intriligator: “We wanted a classic film that would appeal to all ages.  There was also a consideration for the expense of the rights of the film, and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was the perfect fit for our budget and what we were looking for.” 

Q: “What other movies will the symphony choose in the future or are on your radar?” 

Intriligator: “We can’t commit that we can do this again down the road, as we can only afford this thanks to the extreme generosity of Bob Womack and Spradley Barr Toyota.  But, if we can do it again, I’d love to do a ‘Star Wars,’ or ‘Harry Potter,’ or ‘Lord of the Rings’ film; but, again, I’m just dreaming here…”

Q: “How long did it take to prepare for the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” concerts? How much practicing, securing film rights etc. to show it?”

Intriligator: “It has taken us two years to prepare for this.  For me personally, I’ve conducted through the entire film about 25 times and pored over the music for countless hours.” 

Q: Will the concert feature the entire “Raiders of the Lost Ark” film or just components of it?”

Intriligator: “The entire film.”

Q: “Who is featured in the symphony (which sections etc.) ? Are there soloists we should look out for?” 

Intriligator: “The trumpets and French horns have insanely demanding, virtuosic, huge parts!  It will be awesome!  Every section, actually, is challenged in this score; there are demanding parts for everyone.”  

Q: “And tell me about the symphony’s Sunday show in Lions Park ….” 

Intriligator: “The Symphony at Sunset concert will feature classics like ‘Procession of the Nobles’, ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King,’ and the ‘1812 Overture,’ as well as film scores selections from ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘JFK,’ and Western themed music like Copland’s ‘Hoe-down,’ ‘Wyoming Voices’ by Anne Guzzo, and ‘Susannah’ by Ashtyn Brown.  It will also feature trumpet soloist Justin Bartels (Principal Trumpet of the Colorado Symphony) in a number of great pieces, too! And local psychiatrist JJ Chen will guest conduct one piece, ‘The Washing Post March,’ too!”

Q: “And why are you doing a Sunday free performance?” 

Intriligator: “It’s great to have a free concert for our community, and again, it’s thanks to SPRADLEY BARR Toyota.”  

Q: “What is coming up  with the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra next?” 

Intriligator: “Next season kicks off with the Gala on Sept 18th then a Masterpiece concert in October.  It will be a great season, with a focus/theme of women composers.” 

Q: “And when will the 2021-2022 season announcement take place?” 

Intriligator: “The season has already been announced to our subscribers, for season ticket renewals, and the announcement to the general public will be happening soon.

Q: “And again, really how excited are you that Raiders of the Lost Ark is actually happening?

Intriligator: “Very excited!”

Q: “And how has the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra been affected financially by the Pandemic and how can people help?” 

Intriligator: “We had to be very limited in ticket sales because of socially distancing the audience.  People have been very generous with their donations, and we are always in need of donations. Thank you.”  

Q: “Will there be anymore fundraisers?”

Intriligator: :The next big one is our Symphony Gala on Sept. 18. 

Q: “Are you doing a classical conversation with the two concerts coming up ? Are they live-streamed or in person?” 

Intriligator: “No Classic Conversations and no live streaming, sorry.”

Q: “Will ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ be live-streamed or only in person?”

Intriligator: “Only in person.” 

Q: “Will the Sunday show be live streamed or in person?” 

Intriligator: “Only in person.” 

Q: “And please add whatever you’d like here ..”

Intriligator: “Don’t miss the Sunday concert, which will also have a cannon from F.E. Warren Air Force Base to help us perform Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture.’” 

Coming soon are two stories to Sweet as Cotton Candy … a Foreigner feature about their rescheduled Casper date on June 29 at the Ford Wyoming Center and an interview with Maestro William Intrilligator about the three Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra this weekend.

Foreigner is performing a rescheduled show in Casper this month at the Wyoming Ford Center. I was able to catch up with Michael Bluestein, their keyboardist. The interview is coming soon!

As of today meeting rooms at the Laramie County Library are open at full capacity. The indoor play place is also now open! All of this information is according to a press release that came out today, June 1 of 2021.

Laramie County Library System’s meeting rooms are now operating at full capacity. Community members are invited to book the Cottonwood Room, Willow Room, Windflower Room, or Sunflower Room for their meetings, events, presentations, and more. With equipment such as projectors, microphones, and pianos available for check out, the library’s meeting rooms are versatile to meet any organization’s needs. To reserve a meeting room and find a full list of available amenities, please visit https://lclsonline.org/services/meetingrooms/.

All seating that was removed throughout the facility to enforce social distancing has now been replaced, along with tables and book displays. Some seating has been added back to The Library Café as well. The Commons, a communal gathering space on the first floor is open and available for use. Board games, puzzles, coloring sheets, and the library’s large chess board are now all available to enjoy throughout the building. 

My Library Place and the interactive bookmobile, just outside the Early Literacy Center on the 2^nd floor, are also open to the public. The indoor play place is specially designed to help teach early literacy skills and capture children’s imagination as they explore the interactive area. The library’s Early Literacy Center will reopen on July 1, 2021. Children and parents are also invited to pick up interactive crafts, event kits, or Summer Reading cards from the 2^nd floor during their visit.

With in-person outdoor events and book clubs, virtual offerings, meeting room space, a Summer Reading Challenge and take-home activities, the library is a one-stop-shop for summer fun! Masks are recommended for library visitors, especially for those who are not vaccinated. Visit LaramieCountyLibrary.org to discover everything the library has to offer.