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Looking back at 2018: The Local Arts makes Headlines.

As the year winds down, WGIL is taking a look back at some of the biggest stories from 2018. 

One of the most historic buildings in Galesburg completed its renovations but also said goodbye to the man who helped bring it back to greatness. In 2016 the Orpheum Theatre celebrated its 100th birthday while also announcing an $850,000 capital campaign – which was met in four short months. Over the course of two years, the historic theatre got a facelift to the facade, improved HVAC and fire safety systems made roof repairs, and installed new carpeting and flooring throughout.
In November, the Orpheum’s Executive Director Kevin Maynard announced his resignation. In Maynard’s tenure, the Orpheum went from a $70,000 deficit to surpassing the capital campaign by $70,000 to $920,000. The venue nearly quadrupled the number of shows as well as attendance. Events included a popular documentary series, comedian Henry Cho, Stray Cat Lee Rocker, Kathleen Madigan, Aaron Tippin, and Kevin Smith. Maynard accepted the Executive Director position for the Quad City Arts in Rock Island.

In October of 2017, Maestro Bruce Polay kicked off his final season with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. Polay was hired by Knox College in 1983. His final performance with the symphony was the Concert on the Lawn at Knox College in June. Over the course of his career, Polay was awarded three times the Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. With his retirement, an international search for his replacement began in late 2017. Since then, the symphony has been lead by guest conductors vying for the position. Christopher Stanichar lead the orchestra in October, Vlad Vizireanu will be featured next in April.
One of the biggest names in recent history took the Orpheum Theatre stage in April 2018. Comedian Kevin Smith, after suffering a massive heart attack in February doubled down and also booked a second show in Galesburg. “An evening with Kevin Smith” sold out in less than an hour, then Smith’s podcast with Jason Mewes: “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old” followed suit with a sold out show that same night.

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