Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage

To provide an opportunity for area residents to enjoy the music of a native Minnesotan who became a national recording artist, at an affordable price, without having to travel to the Cities. To provide a chance for amateur singer/guitarists and songwriters to meet Michael Johnson up close. To learn how to improve their craft in songwriting, and performance skills, as well as jam with him on stage at Central Square. To bring Michael Johnson's high quality performance to the intimate settings of the activity rooms in the 3 area nursing homes and connect elderly people to the arts. To broaden our audience to include at least 30 people who have never attended a concert here before. To support a concert artist in his career.We will ask people to identify themselves if they have ever attended an arts event at Central Square before when they purchase tickets. We will ask the Nursing Home Activity Directors to write a short essay concerning the comments they receive from the residents about the mini-concert after Michael has performed there. We will ask the participants of the workshop and jam session to complete a short written survey about their experience with Michael. We will conduct two minute interviews of random concert goers as they exit, using Central Square Board Members as Interviewers. Questions will include: 1) What made you decide to attend this performance? 2) How did you enjoy the concert/workshop? 3) What other kinds of arts events would you like to see at Central Square? 4) How do you feel about public funding for the arts, such as this concert which involved grant money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy grant? We will ask the participants of the pre-concert social hour at which there will be discussion of Michael Johnson's music history and genre and concert programming, how that activity impacted or enhanced their experience with the concert.