Free “Ragtime” concert offered to honor Clark State president’s arts advocacy

Free tickets are now available for two performances of the Broadway musical “Ragtime in Concert" at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, a production honoring Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president, and her efforts to expand access to the arts in the region.

 

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 2 and 2 p.m. on May 3 at the Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain Ave. in downtown Springfield. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.

 

Based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, “Ragtime” tells the story of three families in early 20th-century America and explores themes of justice, opportunity and the pursuit of the American dream.

 

Blondin, who is retiring this year, has been a longtime advocate for community access to the arts.  The production recognizes her role in strengthening the Performing Arts Center as a regional cultural venue. The facility draws more than 100,000 visitors annually and serves as a home for community partners including the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Springfield Arts Council.

 

Blondin has described the center as “a gift to the people of Clark County” and has supported efforts to keep performances accessible to the public.

 

­The production is sponsored by Clark State College, the Springfield Arts Council and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra with additional collaboration from the African American Community Foundation, Clark County Public Library, the Gary Geis School of Dance, the Heritage Center, Project Jericho and the Springfield Museum of Art.

 

Tickets can be reserved at pac.clarkstate.edu or by calling 937-328-3874.