Harrington Opera House Happenings

June 1, 2016. Due to the elevator installation, ADA access construction and other building rehabilitation projects, the Harrington Opera House Society is starting off their 2016 event season a little later than usual this year.

The good news is that the elevator is in! Unfortunately, it won't be inspected for public use in time for the Bridges Home Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Those who want to come to the concert and see the progress of work on the 1904 building can purchase tickets in advance (by June 3) for only $12. Tickets are available from Davenport Pharmacy, Harrington Food Mart and Harrington City Hall. Order online at bridgeshome-at-hoh.bpt.me or call Linda at 509-253-4719 to reserve. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15. Proceeds after event expenses will go towards continued building rehabilitation efforts.

The Society, with the help of some professional cleaners, cleared out the construction dust enough in time for Cruizin' Harrington on May 21 to host a quilt show coordinated by the Harrington Chamber of Commerce and local quilters; the Stitchin' Chicks. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for two different quilts; a Christmas quilt by the Stitchin' Chicks (won by Kathy Hoob) and a colorful quilt created by Paula Pike (won by Kelli Tanke.) Proceeds from both quilt raffles went to the Harrington PTA school playground equipment project. The lobby and auditorium, with background music wafting from the recently acquired Steinway Boston grand piano, provided a showcase for more than 70 quilts, wall hangings and hand-spinning and other needlework pieces. During the day, state representative Matt Manweller and his family stopped by for a tour. Manweller, fellow representative Tom Dent and state senator Judy Warnick (the latter two having held a Town Hall Meeting in the Art Room the day the first load of elevator parts arrived) strongly supported the State Capital Funds Appropriations Grant Award that the Society received this past year. The completion of the ADA-compliant access area and elevator project would not have been possible without that grant.

Then on Sunday, May 22, before construction resumed, the annual student piano recital was held in the auditorium. Instructor, Heather Safe played the opening number, Sonata Op. 27, No 2 ("Moonlight") by Ludwig van Beethoven. This year's piano students ranged in age from five years to adult, and those who performed at the recital included Katelyn, Justin and Austin Vaughn; Lidia and Bella Mattozzi; Brenna Kiefer and Cody Zellmer; Elaine Van Bell, Steven Lutes and Zachary Bruce. A reception was held in the Art Room following the recital where certificates were presented to some of the students who also participated in the Society's Creative Arts Program held in conjunction with the piano lessons.

Returning visitors to the opera house will notice continued improvements to the building. An opening between the Art Room and lobby was created to assist with ADA access, finishing touches were made to doors, millwork and trim continue to be added, and a restroom off of the second floor auditorium is framed in and awaiting fixture installation. Extensive electrical work, while not as obvious, contributes to major upgrades for the building, and, of course, there's the installation of the long awaited elevator. Unfortunately, it will be at least three more weeks before the official inspection will be completed to allow its use.

So the rest of the season begins at 7 p.m. this Saturday with Bridges Home's soaring vocal harmonies over richly textured instruments with rhythms of old-time banjo or Delta blues slide guitar to get toes tapping and the angelic tone of the Celtic harp to stir souls. The Bridges Home trio, with Tami and Dave Gunter as lead vocalists, are purveyors of Americana, Folk, Celtic, Roots Rock and Originals who are sure to provide an upbeat and eclectic evening of memorable live music.

Other upcoming events include the Bel Canto of Yakima Women's Chorus at 2 p.m. June 25, the Nu Blu acoustic bluegrass group from North Carolina, August 19; The Needhams – bluegrass gospel group, September 23; John Nillson, pianist, October 22 and Scott Kirby with piano and artistic video presentation on November 19. The venue is also reserved for a private wedding on October 8.

The HOHS is proud of all the accomplishments since the building was rescued from potential demolition in 1992. The Society continues to invite new members, volunteers, and supporters as there is still plenty to do, including the installation of additional amenities for the stage and second floor, and additional rehabilitation of first floor and basement spaces. More information on the Harrington Opera House Society and upcoming events is available on http://www.harringtonoperahouse.org, on Facebook or by calling the Society's secretary Linda Wagner at 509-253-4719. Wagner is also the contact to make arrangements to attend the Bridges Home Concert via video-feed in The Art Room for those unable to negotiate the stairs to the second floor auditorium.