Brown Grand Opera House to Celebrate 115th Birthday

The Brown Grand Opera House is celebrating its 115th birthday next month.

In November of 1905, Colonel Brown announced to the townspeople his plans to build a fully outfitted opera house for Concordia.  Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on April 3, 1906.  The formal opening of the Brown Grand Theatre took place September 17, 1907.

At its completion, Brown Grand Theatre Executive Director Melissa Swenson says the $40,000 structure became a priceless jewel in a small town in turn of the century mid-America.

The Brown Grand Opera House is kicking off its historic birthday year with a Birthday Bash on Saturday, September 17th.  This event will take place in two phases.

First, Swenson invites you to join them for the pre-show Birthday Bash and go on a Tasting Tour through the Theatre's history, starting at 5 pm.

Following the pre-show party, the Brown Grand Theatre will then host an amazing concert featuring the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra at 7 pm that night.  The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is one of the nation's preeminent big bands, performing classic and original repertoire in a variety of settings. 

Tickets for the pre-show party and the concert are $50.  Space for the pre-show party is limited to only 75 guests.

Those who can't join the Brown Grand for the pre-show party can purchase concert tickets only for $25 each.

Swenson encourages everyone to wear festive attire.