About Us
Community Concerts of the Grand Valley — Bringing world-class entertainment to Grand Junction since 1944
Our Story
For over 80 years Community Concerts of the Grand Valley has brought some of the finest national and international performing artists to the Grand Valley at an affordable price.
In recent years, performers have included the Dallas Brass, the Redneck Tenors, Sons of the Pioneers, the Diamonds, Simply Sinatra, StepCrew, the Folklorico Ballet, the New Shanghai Circus, and the Church Basement Ladies.
A Brief History
Originating in 1944, the organization was started by a dedicated volunteer group of about 25 local music lovers. Every year since, we have presented four to six concerts that have featured esteemed artists such as Mantovani, the Gershwin Orchestra, the Robert Joffrey Ballet, the Vienna Choir Boys, Itzhak Perlman, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the New Christy Minstrels, the Kingston Trio, Peter Nero, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Riders in the Sky, the Royal Air Force Band, and the New York Theatre Ballet.
Initially, our office was headquartered in the Tom Clark Music Store on Main Street. Season ticket prices (for four concerts) were $6.00/adult and $3.50/student. Concert Board members personally met the guest musicians in Grand Junction train station and provided hospitality—often in private homes! The first concerts were held in Houston Hall at Mesa College and, later, in the Mesa College auditorium. In 1953, the organization was thrilled to move its venue to the large auditorium at the then-new Grand Junction High School.
Today, our concerts are held in the 100-year-old Avalon Theatre in historic downtown Grand Junction. Built in 1923 for the residents of the city by local publishing giant Walter Walker. The Avalon Theatre was, and still is, one of Western Colorado’s largest performing arts halls. Seating more than 1000 people and sporting its unique layout, the Avalon offers patrons an intimate theatre experience with excellent acoustical quality and great visibility of the stage.
Board of Directors
Officers
Penny Jansen — President
Merlin Zimmet — Vice President
Shelley Braz — Secretary
Lisa Hutson — Treasurer
Kelle Keeler — Hospitality Chair
Corky Backlund — House Chair
Kauai Fitt — Social Media Chair
Merlin Zimmet — Vice President
Shelley Braz — Secretary
Lisa Hutson — Treasurer
Kelle Keeler — Hospitality Chair
Corky Backlund — House Chair
Kauai Fitt — Social Media Chair
Directors
Yolanda Aguilar • Bobbi Alpha • Scott Betts • Lisa Hutson • Debbie Jacobs
Trish Mahre • Rosita Moglia • Barb O’Connor • Buzz Schoenbeck • Reford Theobold
Trish Mahre • Rosita Moglia • Barb O’Connor • Buzz Schoenbeck • Reford Theobold
Community Concerts of the Grand Valley has a Board of Directors, which consists of up to twenty-two musically interested volunteers who meet to establish policy and procedure for the organization, conduct its business, and evaluate and select artists for the upcoming season. If you are interested in volunteering your services, please contact us or call 970-778-4941.
Our Venue
The Historic Avalon Theatre
645 Main Street, Downtown
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Doors open 1 hour before curtain at each concert.
Join Us for Our 82nd Season!
Experience world-class performances right here in Grand Junction. Purchase your season tickets today!
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