It was about 1½ years ago we began a process to do something great for Marion and Grant County, and, at the same time, to process plans to make better use of the F. Ritchie Walton Performing Arts Center at Marion High School.

With a wonderful partnership at the Marion Community Schools, unbelievable support from the community, support, encouragement and teamwork from the Community School of the Arts, Marion Civic Theatre and the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra, while working to coordinate with Phillippe Performing Arts Center at Indiana Wesleyan University, we are making it a success.

A small group of interested in community members and community leaders comprise the Walton Center Arts Society, and with their enthusiasm, programming for 2005 is complete, and plans for 2006, 2007 and even 2008 are in the works.

Current members of the council include Mark Draves, Mark Fauser as consulting member, Heidi Folley, Karen Herrera, Delaine Highley, Bette Jump, Conni Newby, Bobby Owensby, Jason Pra-ter, Lowanda Prosser, Tam-my Pearson, Dave Rees, Pamela Schlechty, Stu Secttor as consulting member, Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold, Debi Shepler and Jeff Thorne.

1964 - The Tribute, acclaimed the best Beatles show in the world, comes to Marion on Friday night. The show starts at 7 p.m.

A recent article from in Entertainment Weekly magazine stated, "The Faux Four ... are an ... impressive replica of the real thing. ... The minute John's harmonica kicked in on From Me to You, I was sold.

"1964 ran through the hits. Tell Me Why, Eight Days a Week and Help! were most convincing, and one balding man in the balcony sobbed his way through In My Life."

1964 - The Tribute recently performed in New York City at Carnegie Hall.

Before the show, the four men donned in original Beatles-style apparel, carrying original Beatles-style guitars, amplifiers, drums and equipment, will spend some time with MHS music, art and drama students to provide an educational experience.

In every event possible, the Walton Center Arts Society plans to create an educational opportunity for our students to interact with artists in the performing and visual arts.

For future seasons, the organization plans to book shows such as Tap Kids national dance team, An Evening with Groucho, the Four Tops, Clay Aiken, Frankie Avalon, David Phelps, the Smothers Brothers, and many more.

This community has supported us in an amazing way and it has been so strong that it has pushed us forward to provide some of the best entertainment and educational opportunities we have seen here in a long time.

The Community Foundation of Grant County supported us to get us going, too.

Years ago, the Marion High School auditorium was active with shows and performances galore.

We now take the time to revitalize the efforts to entertain and educate.

Because of all the support, all of this can only benefit our community with great arts experiences.

David L. Rees, a Marion businessman, is a member of the Walton Center Arts Society.

Originally published March 28, 2005