Support for the Arts is strong in the Monadnock Region. There is a wide spectrum of cultural activities that may surprise the first time visitor. A quick overview reveals that the Arts abound throughout the region.


MUSIC:

Music is a strong force in the Monadnock Region. Take a trip to Apple Hill in Sullivan one summer evening and listen to master musicians perform in casual splendor. Monadnock Music, another excellent group of musicians, performs throughout the summer at beautiful settings. The Keene Chorale and the Keene Chamber Singers are truly treats for lovers of music. The New Hampshire Symphony stops in Keene yearly. Budding musicians perform in the Keene Youth Orchestra. Opera fans will be tantalized by the Raylynmore Opera Company""'s performances at the Colonial Theater. Even barbershop fans will be treated in Keene to the sounds of the Cheshiremen.

In a category all-its-own is the Colony Mill Marketplace. It is a shopping center, but also a carefully restored historical old mill. Many musicians perform here and artwork is frequently displayed. This jewel in the community is well worth a visit.


PERFORMANCES:

Since 1981, Keene State College's Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond has been bringing outstanding professional music, theater, and dance companies to the region from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. With its three theaters and the state-of-the-art Putnam Film-Lecture Hall, it is the home to many productions by KSC's Department of Music, Theatre, Dance, and Film.
The Colonial Theatre has steadily been bringing quality sell-out performances to Keene. At the Colonial, a majestic and magical old theatre, one may see family productions, popular music celebrities, renowned folk musicians and quality films. The Colonial Theatre is truly a signficant contribution to the arts community.


THEATER:

There are many theater groups in the region. The Peterborough Players, whose schedule runs all summer, provide professional award-winning theater. For those who like to participate in the performing arts, there are abundant opportunities ""- the Branch River Theater, Elm City Players, the Annual Lion""'s Club Production and student performances and classes at Keene State College.


DANCE:

The National Dance Institute provides an annual Event of the Year, and professional Dance Instruction for nearly 300 children in twelve area schools. The Monadnock Dance Ensemble produces an annual dance on the top of Mount Monadnock. The audience actually climbs the mountain to view the performance by the Dance Company at the peak. The Moving Company provides classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern to Ballroom and Swing. Saturday night public dances are very popular.


VISUAL ARTS:
The Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery at Keene State College brings professional, truly inspired exhibits to this area. The Gallery also devotes time and space to faculty and student shows. There are other small galleries and artist studios throughout the Region, including the Church Street Gallery and the Keene Art Association.