WARSAW — What started as a "Classic Arts Program" 40 years ago that relied heavily on local churches has evolved and is now known as the Community Arts Program of Kosciusko County which attracts people from across the county.

The group’s origins began in 1984 with the Rev. Richard Anderson, who had been tasked by the local ministerial association to organize a large choir from local churches to perform large musical works.

Last year the group changed its name to reflect a broader outlook.

"The word classic was a tribute to our roots where we performed classical choral works and we wanted to bright ourselves into the 21st century so that we are doing diverse work and we're not strictly choral," said Lori Widman, president of CAPS who was joined by Mike Lewis, the group's communications director, for an episode of In The Know.

These days, the group, known simply as CAP, has plenty of participants and puts together four shows, including one that serves as a fundraiser.

The adult choir has upward of 50 people while the spring program has nearly as many. The Youth choir attracts 20-30 children while the preparatory academy (K-2) has two classes and draws significantly from homeschooled families.

They've also worked to expand the focus beyond just signing to include dance and, hopefully, art next year.

This year, the spring show will feature music from All God's Creatures, based on ten poems about animals.

"We thought it would be really interesting for our listeners, young and old alike," Widman said.

As they expand that mission, they're reaching out in hopes of collaborating with other groups to include art and dance in some of their performances.

"There are so many amazing artists in our county and we're just scratching the surface," Widman said. "We don't only want to bring people into work in our events, we want to be able to work in their events as well."

The group has begun hosting an annual fundraiser and has expanded and relocated to larger venues in each of the last three years.

This year, the fundraiser, known, as Java Jive and Pie, will be on Feb. 22, at Rodeheaver Auditorium. The show will feature a live jazz band and singers, dancing and different auctions, some of which will feature pies by Dan Bauer.

Last year, they were at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion but felt the need to move to accommodate a larger dance floor.

Tickets can purchased at CAPWarsaw.com.

Lewis said they’re working toward a robust future

"We're really looking forward to growth," Lewis said. "We've been here forty years and we plan to be here another 40 years and beyond. That's what we're really working on."

Widman and Lewis talked with News Now Warsaw for this week’s In the Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media Radio Stations.

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

The post Community Arts Program of Kosciusko County evolving, expanding appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WINONA LAKE — Community Arts Programs has announced plans to host the annual Java, Jive & Pie event to raise much-needed money for Community Arts Programs.

[caption id="attachment_103794" align="alignright" width="370"] Members of the Community Arts Program’s Vocal Vibes include from left, Marah Grant, Kirt Case, Andrea Texiera, Angela Reichart, Angel Hamilton, Mike Lewis, Lori Widman, Steve Meulink, and director Dr. Ardis Faber. Photo by Marah Grant Photography.[/caption]

This event will be held at Rodeheaver Auditorium, 901 Park Avenue, Winona Lake, on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 7 to 9 pm.

This year, the program will feature songs from around the Midwest, with performances from Vocal Vibes, a select group of singers from within the Community Arts Program Vocal Vision group. A live instrumental jazz quartet will support the vocalists and perform throughout the evening.

The Vocal Vibes director, Dr. Ardis Faber eagerly anticipates this annual event and encourages the community to attend. “You won’t want to miss this evening filled with dance music, familiar ballads, up-tempo vocals from the swing era, and the easy-listening jazz from Wally Brath and Friends quartet!” Dr. Faber continues, “What better way to relax than to enjoy an evening out with friends while listening to some great jazz!”

In addition to live musical performances, those attending are encouraged to dress in the style of the 40s and 50s. During the evening, patrons will enjoy charcuterie, coffee, pie, and a dance floor. A silent auction will feature items donated by community individuals and businesses. The evening will close with the annual pie auction, featuring famous and fresh-baked Dan Bauer pies.

“This is our fourth year conducting the Java, Jive & Pie fundraiser. We are growing it into a premier event,” Lori Widman, Community Arts Program President said.

“We have outgrown all previous venues and hope to fill Rodeheaver Auditorium this year. This will be an evening to enjoy good company, listening and dancing to live jazz music within the Warsaw city limits, all while supporting our artistic programs; you won’t want to miss this opportunity.”

Tickets are available at this website and are $30 for an individual and $220 for a table of eight. All proceeds benefit the Community Arts Program’s mission to provide creative, collaborative experiences that allow people in Kosciusko County to discover, develop, and share their musical and artistic gifts.

For more information email Lori Widman.

The post Java, Jive & Pie event benefits community arts program appeared first on News Now Warsaw.