Dear Club Members,
There are several events of interest to our club taking place over the next few months. These include a couple of appearances by the Sugar Creek Tamburitzans, the award-winning Slovak movie Soul at Peace (Pokoj v Duši), and our annual St. Mikulas program on Sunday, December 5. Please mark your calendars for these upcoming programs.
Upcoming Concert in the Park – The Sugar Creek Tamburitzans (several of whom are club members) will be performing on Sunday, September 19, 2010, beginning at 3 p.m., in Well’s Park in Sugar Creek, MO. The Sugar Creek Tamburitzans have been ambassadors of the songs and dances of the Slavic cultures for over 40 years. The performing group is based in Sugar Creek, Missouri – a community that became a destination for Slavic immigrants in the first half of the 20th century. Today, the group continues to perform at concerts and events around the Kansas City area. The performance is free and will be moved to the Mike Onka Hall in case of inclement weather.
The Kansas International Film Festival is being held at the Glenwood Arts Theater from Friday, October1, through Thursday, October 7. One of the feature films will be the Vladimir Balko directed and award-winning Slovak film Soul at Peace. The film begins at 5:45 PM on Friday, October 1, and the club will hold a discussion about the film in an adjoining room following the performance. The theater is located at 95th & Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. Information and tickets can be accessed at their website www.kansasfilm.com or purchased at the door. The cost is $6.75 and we hope to see you there. A brief description is as follows:
This captivating story, set against untouched mountain scenery, portrays phenomena that are typical for Central Slovakia: patriarchal families, problems with poachers, racial discrimination and lumber theft. It also illustrates a strong tradition of family bonds, faith, friendship, and love, and bears all the features of a classic drama. Who would have guessed that this story could take place in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe, just 50 kilometres from the regional capital?
St. Cyril’s Parish Oktoberfest – St. Cyril’s Church in Sugar Creek, MO, will celebrate a Polka Mass on Saturday, Oct 9, at 5 PM at the church. The Polka Mass features the 25 member Kansas City Ethnic Choir from Kansas City, Ks, singing in Croatian, Slovak and Polish. They will be accompanied by the Sugar Creek Tamburitzans. After mass, the church will sponsor a dinner and dance fundraiser for the parish at Mike Onka Hall beginning at 6:30 PM. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. Advance tickets are $25 per person which includes dinner, beer, wine, and set-ups. Tickets at the door will be $30 per person. For more information please contact Debbie Ray at 816-461-4877.
St. Mikulas Celebration – Our club will hold our annual St. Mikulas celebration on Sunday, December 5, from 2 PM until 4 PM, at the Sylvester Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway, Mission, KS 66202. It will be the usual potluck dinner, visit from St. Mikuláš, and presents for the children. There will be more information to follow but please make a note of the date.
Please contact Terry Smitka at 816-217-9487 or tsmitka@rwbaird.com if you have questions about any of the events. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Czech and Slovak Club 