An evening of reflection and revelry will mark Mishawaka Amphitheatre’s ongoing 100th anniversary festivities on Friday, March 25, starting with the public unveiling of commemorative artwork at the Downtown Artery and culminating in an indoor overnight at The Mish.
In keeping with the series of celebratory occasions planned for the Mishawaka’s 100th anniversary year, these March outings have historical ties to 1916 events, said Dani Grant, Mishawaka Amphitheatre general manager. “Walter S. Thompson, the original owner, started living on the property with his family in mid-March of 1916,” Grant said. “The indoor dance hall became a community meeting spot for potluck dinners, dances and entertainment throughout the evenings. We wanted to celebrate that community spirit and commemorate that first overnight family adventure with a sleepover of our own, complete with midnight snacks, a breakfast buffet, and of course - musical entertainment. Prepare for a memorable night in the Poudre Canyon, and bring a healthy appetite, sleeping bags and dancing shoes!”
The Velvet Rope will perform at the Mishawaka for all concert guests during the main event, and the evening with continue with sleep-out participants participating in a private after-hours dance party, Grant said, with shuttle service available from the March 25 gallery opening earlier that night in Fort Collins, and back home the following morning.
“The art release at the Downtown Artery earlier that evening is going to be really special,” said Grant, who commissioned a piece by local artist Chris Bates to capture both the historic milestones and meaningful moments of The Mish’s last 100 years. Bates, who has a reputation for creating highly personalized intricate, insightful drawings and murals, will be live painting and talking about the piece during the public art opening, which will include an exhibit featuring local artists along with the reveal of Bates’ commissioned work.
The gallery opening and art party will be open to the public as space allows. Limited tickets for the Mishawaka sleep-out are available at www.themishawaka.com and include draft beer and wine, late-night snacks and a next-day breakfast. As Grant advised, guests should plan to bring their sleeping bags and dancing shoes, but shuttle service from the Downtown Artery is included in the $50 advance/$60 day-of-show price. Should guests want to come up for the show only (and skip the sleep-out), show tickets are $15 advance/$20 day-of-show.
Mishawaka Amphitheatre 100th Anniversary Celebration (current schedule of events)
More details will be released over time on all of the events currently being planned, and perhaps more that may come to fruition. Information will be shared via the Mishawaka website (www.themishawaka.com) and social media channels.
Steak Your Claim: February through September 2016
February kicks off this season-long special restaurant offer. The original property homestead application fee for The Mishawaka property was a mere $18, and Walter S. Thompson paid it in February of 1916. Mishawaka wants to treat customers and the community to a hearty dinner special including a steak, an appetizer and a draft beer -- all for $18. Available February through September 2016.
Sleep-out at The Mish + Chris Bates Original Mishawaka 100 Art Reveal: March 2016
In March of 1916, the Thompson family had their first overnight at the property. In March of 2016, Mishawaka will host a sleepover party with musical entertainment for customers. The sleepover will be preceded by a gallery exhibit revealing the Mishawaka 100th anniversary art piece commissioned from local artist Chris Bates. Details will be announced February 1, 2016.
Season Lineup Video Premier at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery OtterBox Digital Dome: April 2016
Join us to find out what the 2016 season line up has to offer and see the 2016 Mishawaka video filmed by Koi-Fly Productions in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Additionally, see the museum’s exhibit on the High Park Fire and learn more about the survivors and the horrific event that caused so much strife in the canyon. This event will be invitation only with 50% of capacity being distributed to fans of Mishawaka. Details on how to receive an invitation for the season lineup and video viewing will be released March 1.
Odell Brewing Company Releases Mishawaka Ale: May 2016
Odell Brewing Company will release a signature seasonal beer dubbed Mishawaka Ale. The first opportunity for the public to try it will be at our annual season kickoff concert, Head for the Hills “Pickin’ on the Poudre” on May 14. Tickets will be available when the season opens in April of 2016.
Habitat for Humanity and Mishawaka Partner to Raise Roofs: June 2016
In June of 1916, Walter S. Thompson began to build the famous dance hall. In order to get it done, he relied on the mental and physical support of extended family and friends. Mishawaka values the help of family and community to make dreams come true, so we partnered with Habitat for Humanity to raise funds for their organization and celebrate community spirit. Join us in June 2016 for a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser that includes musical entertainment and refreshments by Mishawaka. Details will be announced in April 2016.
Unveiling the Historical Chronicle and Exhibit at Mishawaka Amphitheatre: August 2016
There are many artifacts and media pieces that have been collected over the years by fans and friends of Mishawaka. We are creating a permanent display of these items for the public to enjoy. The details will be released for this event in July 2016. If you have any Mishawaka artifacts or memorabilia to share with us, please contact us at info@themishawaka.com.
