Small Cities, Large Presence

On a beautiful day last week in my bright and sunny office in my favorite area of the world a prospective client and I were talking and she mentioned that moving here from Atlanta she would be giving up cultural events and all the excitement of a large town and didn't know if she could do it.

I was immediately shocked at her suggestion and rose to the defense of my city!

To give you some background, Bryan and College Station, Texas are twin cities smack in the center of most of the larger cities in Texas. Dallas is around 3 hours away, Austin around 2, Houston about 1.5 hours and San Antonio around 4. The combined population is approximately 130,000. Small right? Yes....but for Texas A&M, one of the largest colleges in the United States, this is home. Having a large university in your backyard certainly changes things! Cultural events and drawn by the university crowd, who enthusiastically respond! Beyond that we are the home of the George Bush Museum, and this brings even more speakers and fun to the area!

This post would get way too long if I mentioned all the performances in town. We have many peformers and speakers along the way and some awesome community theatre. I'll focus on OPAS for this write up, come back often for information about other events and venues. Come back often to find more entertainment in Bryan and College Station.

Texas A&M is proud to have MSC OPAS, whose mission is "Bringing World-Class Entertainment to the Brazos Valley". This year (2007 Season) is it's 35th year in operation!
Past performances have include Yo-Yo Ma, Van Cliburn, Itzhak Perlman, Stomp, Les Miserables, Rent, Hairspray and the world premier of the Bolshoi Ballet Brigorovich Ballet. This caused extra attention from international media here for OPA, including a write up in the New York Times.

This year for the 35th Anniversary they have quite the lineup for us!
September 24, 2007 The Ten Tenors. An Australian group performing jazz, opera, modern and classical pop all in the same venue. For more information go to http://www.thetentenors.com/.

February 1-2, 2008 A Ride With Bob: The Bob Will Musical featuring Ray Benson and Ashllep at the Wheel. Bob Wills, the father of Texas Swing and renowned for such songs as "Route 66", "San Antonio Rose" and "Faded Love" is lovingly portrayed by this beautiful show. For more information go to http://www.aridewithbob.com/.

February 21, 2008, Movin' Out. (I ventured to New York to see this one, and can personally give it glowing reviews!). Billy Joel's musical tribute to two decades of Viet Nam, it is a powerful performance!

March 4-5, 2008 The Producers. What more can be said than...A Mel Brooks Comedy! Visit http://www.producersontour.com/ for more information.

March 26-27, 2008 Blast Winner of the 2001 (created specifically for it) Best Theatrical Event Tony!!! More information can be found at http://www.blasttheshow.com/.

April 1-2, 2008 Chicago. Decade old winner of 6 Tony Awards and 6 Academy Awards. Watch it right here and find more information in the meantime at http://www.chicagothemusical.com/.
What do you think? A small city with a lack of culture and fun...? Didn't think so!!!!