The Carson Center hosted a luncheon on stage to announce a new series of live performances for the 2012-2013 season. It is known as the Myre Series in memory of Jane Carson Myre, who with her husband, Dr. Louis D. Myre, did much to establish this performing arts center. Myre was a lover of all people, benefactor for many, devout Christian, and ambassador for Jesus Christ. The center is named after her father, the late Luther F. Carson. The series will have a faith theme and organizers have priced tickets so reasonably that everyone can afford to come and experience the four performances (listed below).
Representatives from local churches and synagogue heard an overview as Judge J. William Howerton, charged with overseeing the Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation Trust, announced the Myre Series and showed videos to preview what to expect. Actress Evelyn Hinds shared her involvement with the series and performed a moving impersonation as Corrie ten Boom. The crowd of about 50 was enthusiastic and pleased with the quality and pricing for groups. Howerton says it is an honor to represent the Myre family. "I grew up with Jane. I was like a brother and it's an honor to be involved in this series to insure as many as possible can come and experience these performances in this performing arts center."
During the luncheon, the four performances in the Myre Series were previewed and Brian J. Laczko, Carson Center Executive Director, shared the pricing for tickets and subscriptions, and group discounts. "We believe that groups from your church may especially enjoy attending performances together and discussing the shows." To find out more about reserving blocks of 20 or more tickets for your group, email boxoffice@thecarsoncenter.org or call 270-450-4444. Organizers anticipate tickets will go fast.
The Myre Series includes these performances, all of which begin at 3 pm on Sundays:
On September 23, the Myre Series presents Corrie ten Boom Live! A Dramatic Portrayal of Love and Inspiration, with Evelyn Hinds: Mrs. Hinds is an actress, author, speaker, and founder of Arts Touching Hearts, Inc., committed to expressing the message of God's love through the arts. She serves as a spokesperson for the Corrie ten Boom House and Museum in Holland. She portrays Corrie ten Boom, the Dutch woman who did much to save Jewish people in Holland in World War II. Miss ten Boom was discovered and she, together with her family, were sent to a Nazi concentration camp where only Corrie survived. The nation of Israel has honored Corrie Ten Boom with a tree at the Holocaust Museum in Israel. You may have read the book, "The Hiding Place," written by Corrie Ten Boom.
On November 25, the Myre Series presents the Annie Moses Band. This is a family band that performs a blend of fiddle, jazz, and classical influences. The folk-inspired vocals and instrumentals create something special, refreshing, and familiar. The band has delighted audiences on television and in concert halls, and with recordings. They have been on PBS for more than 1,000 hours, and on Christian television networks such as CBN and TCT. The band has performed in all types of venues from Lincoln Center to churches. The group makes Nashville home, and performs more than 80 concerts per year on the road. The band includes parents and children, and is named for the children's great-grandmother. Part of the mission of the Annie Moses Band is to help others capture the creative call God has placed on every person.
On February 24, 2013, the Myre Series will present a very funny lady: Jeanne Robertson, a motivational humorist. Ms. Robertson speaks to thousands of people every year in concert halls, through TV interviews, corporate meetings, and churches. She relates her life experiences in good humor. To Ms. Robertson, humor is far more than a laughing matter. It is a strategy for success. Yearrrrrrrs ago (as she puts it in her Southern drawl) she was Miss Congeniality in the Miss America Pageant representing North Carolina. In 2001, the North Carolina Press Association named her North Carolinian of the Year.
On April 21, 2013, the Myre Series will conclude its first season with an uplifting afternoon of motivation and music with Wintley Phipps, bass baritone gospel singer. He is a world-renowned vocal artist, education activist, motivational speaker, pastor, and CEO and Founder of U.S. Dream Academy. His music is a collection of songs of love for God that touch the heart. A two-time Grammy Award nominee, Mr. Phipps is no stranger to performing in front of distinguished audiences. After attending his concert at the Carson Center, you can add your name to Presidents Bush 41 and 43, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and notables such as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Oprah Winfrey. He has spoken to groups in Australia, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. The National Speakers Association awarded Wintley the prestigious "Master of Influence Award." Other awards include: "The Excellence in Mentoring for Program Leadership Award" from MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnerships; the Oprah Winfrey Angel Network "Use Your Life Award," and "Philanthropist of the Year Award" from The National Center for Black Philanthropy, Inc. Before starting the U.S. Dream Academy to help young people and families of prisoners, Mr. Phipps was a director of Charles Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministry. He promotes the theme, "A Child with a Dream is a Child with a Future."