Concert in the Park: Sweet Adelines and MAGIC Quartet

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$748

Project of

Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

July 2015

End Date

July 2015

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Brown

Project Overview

For the fifth consecutive year, the library sponsored a Monday Night Concert in the Park in conjunction with New Ulm Park & Rec and KNUJ Radio. In 2015, the library sponsored the Minnesota Valley Sweet Adelines and the MAGIC Quartet, women’s and men’s barbershop groups that played a 75-minute, all-ages concert in German Park. Legacy funds were sought because this project directly supported the Legacy funding’s mission to “support the arts and preserve our cultural heritage.” With its members based throughout the Minnesota Valley, the Sweet Adelines and MAGIC Quartet feature some of the amazing musical talents found in Minnesota. Being a part of the Monday Night Concert series is an outreach opportunity for the library. The library staff worked with multiple local partners and has a forum to share the library’s mission with people who may not be regular library patrons. The Monday Night Concerts in the Park is an established series that features local musicians. Attendance at these concerts generally exceeds 300 people. By offering music programming in German Park, the library can reach a far broader audience than what would fit in the library’s meeting room (capacity 160). To help promote the library’s involvement in the program, library staff will post a sandwich board stating “Sponsored by New Ulm Public Library” directly next to the group’s performing space. Advertising and a program introduction also will highlight the library’s sponsorship.

Project Details

300

Project Details: 2015 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$748

Other Funds Leveraged

$250

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Based on anecdotal responses and observations, it was expected that a majority of attendees would:
• show their appreciation for a cappella barbershop music by clapping and/or singing.
• indicate they will share their positive experience with others.
• indicate they are interested in attending future library programs.

Measurable Outcome(s)

This librarian observed audience members clapping throughout the program. The program included a rendition
of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” with choreography, which led to responses by some of the younger audience members of “That was hilarious” and “Adorable.” After the program, several people talked with the group members. Many regular library patrons were in attendance. Anecdotal responses to the program included,
“Great.” “I couldn’t always hear what they were saying.” (The evening started out quite windy and it was hard
to hear introductions of members and songs.)

Source of Additional Funds

New Ulm Public Library, o New Ulm Park and Recreation – venue, publicity
o KNUJ Radio – publicity
o New Ulm Community Access Television – filmed event for cablecast
o Local businesses and media outlets – publicity