Public TV, radio and education events planned for Chadron June 13-14

Monday, June 13, a “Nebraska Stories” screening will be at 7 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center. It will feature segments about Agate Fossil Beds, Toadstool Geologic Park, local artist Mary Tejeda Brown, bullfighters and trail rides. Plans include having several of the show’s subjects in attendance. Registration is required for this event.

Tuesday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., following an 8 a.m. town hall meeting with NET leadership at the Bean Broker, local guests will appear with host Genevieve Randall for a taping of “Friday LIVE.” The public is invited to attend. The program will then be broadcast on Friday, June 17, at 8 a.m. on KCNE 91.9 FM in Chadron.

From noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jet Propulsion, the lead character in the PBS children’s program “Ready Jet Go,” will appear at the CSC Child Development Center. Hands-on activities will include coloring sheets, button making, an iPad lab, play with wooden blocks called Keva planks. All area families are welcome to attend the free event. Children will receive a number of give-away items. No registration is needed.

CSC accompanist Bobby Pace, music faculty members Brooks Hafey and McKay Tebbs will be among the guests appearing with Randall during the recording of “Friday LIVE.”

Pace said he anticipates speaking about the strong points of the CSC music department, multiple performing ensembles, and expertise of faculty as well as discussing the intricacies of playing duo piano with Hafey.

“While pianists often collaborate with other musicians and ensembles, such as in my job as accompanist, pianists rarely collaborate with each other. It helps to be working with a musician that you trust both musically and professionally,” Pace said.

He said he hopes to also emphasize the importance of having staff accompanists.

“Every institution I attended as a student did not have staff accompanists and my fellow students had to pay to hire accompanists for their musical studies,” Pace said. “I think having a professional staff accompanist is an important service we offer our music students and shows our commitment to offering our students a valuable education at an affordable price.”

Tebbs will be performing a jazz guitar arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner. His version incorporates such jazz techniques as swing, walking bass lines, and a rubato feel. The song will be featured on his new CD “Patriot Dreams,” set to be released in July.

Tebbs said the inspiration for recording his CD is tied to his ideals.

"America was founded on principles of worshiping God, protecting families and preserving freedom. I believe strongly in these values and recorded songs with the hopes they will be meaningful to others and help preserve these freedoms for the future," he said.