The arts in Brownwood are abundant, and one truly unique event will take place from 6-9pm Saturday night, as the Lyric Theatre in downtown Brownwood hosts a Street Dance and Dinner, “An Evening with the Lyric Theatre.”
Guests will be taken back in time to the 1940s to a special era where that toe tapping, rhythm of big band music makes you just want to get up and dance. Local musicians (pictured above), including Howard Payne students and instructors, area band directors and even a local pastor have joined in to form a big band, playing music of the times such as “Moon River,” “Stomping at the Savoy,” “Wood Chopper’s Ball,” “Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue” and of course “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Conducting the band for the evening will be Howard Payne’s own Dr. Tucker and piano accompaniment will be provided by Dean Keesling.
Talented local singers and Lyric Theatre “stars” such as Jennifer Reeves (Marie in the “Sound of Music” and Eliza in “Eliza Doolittle”), Arielle Sword (the Lyric’s own “Cinderella,” Fiona and many other lead roles), Jill and Eric Evans, Nancy Jo Humfeld, Matthew McNiece, Bill Slaymaker, and Nick Ewen to name a few will sing these favorites as guests dance the night away.
“This event is going to be so much fun, we’ll all be taken back to how it was in the Lyric’s hay days, when people were dancing in the streets and everyone couldn’t wait to see the latest shows at the Lyric,” said Nancy Jo Humfeld. “We plan to shake up downtown Brownwood with a great time.”
The music isn’t the only thing to get excited about, organizers state that the meal will be “amazing” and include a choice of grilled rib-eye steaks or seasoned chicken breast with a mango-pineapple chutney sauce with sides and a desert. Although the evening will be quite an event, those attending can plan on attire of their choice, from casual to dressing the era with no required formal attire.
The event will run from 6:00pm – 9:00pm and will take place on the street in front of the Lyric Theatre. Tickets are just $25.00, to spend the evening enjoying the good ol’ days, with three solid hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Tickets to the event are still available online, at
