The Wilson Performing Arts Center in Red Oak continues to serve as a vital hub for arts education and community entertainment in Southwest Iowa. In a recent conversation, Executive Director Val Zane, local musician Rick Hilliard, and Casey Freemyer shared updates on summer camps, the scholarship program that makes arts accessible to all ages, and a busy fall schedule of events.
Fall Schedule Highlights
• Saturday, September 12 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.): First-time participation in the Red Oak city-wide yard sale. Costumes, shoes, clothing, set pieces (usable as furniture), prom/homecoming dresses, and more will be sold cheaply ($1–$5 range). All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. Treats and drinks available.
• September 19–20: Southwest Iowa Art Tour.
• Sunday, October 4, 2–5 p.m.: KCSI Live Radio Concert (see info below).
• October 10–18: Pump Boys and Dinettes, directed by Tim and Tara Marsden (who also appear in the show).
• Friday, October 24, 7:30 p.m. (one night only): Brothers Allmanac (Allman Brothers tribute band from Minneapolis).
• Saturday, November 7: Rock for Vets (doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.). Annual benefit for local veterans groups in Montgomery, Mills, and Fremont counties. Tickets $35 ($5 more at the door); veterans free. Features live music
• Friday, November 28, 7:30 p.m.: The Harp Twins (and their twin husbands). Sponsored by KCSI. Classical, rock (including Metallica and Black Sabbath covers), and Christmas-themed music. Adult tickets $30; youth $20. Nearly sold out; launching part of their world tour at the Wilson.
KCSI Live Radio Concert – October 4 Benefit for Wilson Scholarship Program
Local musicians are donating their time and talent for a special afternoon of live music that will be broadcast on KCSI and raise funds for the Wilson Performing Arts Center’s scholarship program.
When & Where
Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. (or later—“you never know” with this group) at the Wilson Performing Arts Center, 300 Commerce Drive, Red Oak, Iowa. The concert will air live on KCSI. Audience members are encouraged to attend in person.
Who’s Playing
An all-volunteer lineup of Southwest Iowa musicians includes:
Purpose
Every dollar raised goes directly into the Wilson scholarship fund. The fund supports camps (including the popular special-needs adult camp), year-round lessons and workshops in piano, voice, guitar, drums, and more for kids and adults of all ages. It also helps provide instruments (such as refurbished donated pianos) so money is never a barrier. “There’s too many kids that don’t get to go to these programs,” Hilliard said. “We need to make sure everybody has a chance.”
Tickets & Sponsorships
• Individual tickets: $20 (all proceeds to scholarships).
• Organization sponsorships: $50 for two tickets plus recognition.
No one is charging for their time or performance. “These guys are coming and they’re just going to have fun,” Zane noted. “Just to be able to play on the stage is going to be cool.”
Tickets are available now by calling 712-623-3183, visiting wilsonartscenter.org, or stopping by the Wilson. Season pass holders and those with four-packs can also use them.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.