Concerts group gets new name

The Flathead Valley’s longest continuously operating performing arts group is changing its name in time for its 74th anniversary membership campaign.

Flathead Valley Concerts Association is now Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage. Members say the new name better emphasizes the group’s commitment to bringing great live entertainment to the valley at an affordable price.

It’s the second name change for the nonprofit organization, which formed in 1939 as Community Concerts. 

During the Great Depression, small communities could not afford to bring in live entertainers. At the same time, many artists were literally starving.

To solve both problems, Community Concerts formed with the idea of securing money to cover the cost of concerts before they were given, by selling memberships for an upcoming season of entertainment. That approach also brought the cost per person down to a reasonable price for most people.

The group strives for an eclectic mix of performers from a variety of genres, including world music, jazz, classical and pops/Americana. About 15 years ago, the group raised money to purchase a Steinway concert grand piano so they could secure Steinway artists for performances.

The group operated as Community Concerts from 1939 to 2006, when it became Flathead Valley Concerts Association. It split from its parent organization around 2000, tried to operate on its own for several years and recently aligned itself with parent company and partner LIVE on Stage.

No matter the name, the group has been operated completely by volunteers. Current officers are President Betsy Wood, Vice President Danlynne Korn-Smith, Secretary Alma Ramlow and Treasurer Bob Sapp. Board members are Debbie Kirby, Denise Sallee, Laura Smith, David and Patti Ogden, Tom Needham and Teri Moses.

The group also boasts a host of foundation members who sell memberships each spring.

For more information, visit flatheadvalleyliveonstage.org.