What was your take on the new Independence Events Center and the Zac Brown Band show?
 

It was a great night for Independence, as well as surrounding communities, as the new Independence Events Center welcomed the Zac Brown Band to perform as the first concert of the season.

Avila University’s Thornhill Gallery will present its next exhibit, “Sense Memories, Cut Paper Landscapes” by Anne Devaney, through Dec. 14 in the Dallavis Centre.

The community band tradition continues when the Spirit of Independence Concert Band presents its fall concert at 3 p.m. Sunday in the William Chrisman High School Auditorium, U.S. 24 and Noland Road, Independence.

“Oklahoma” opened Thursday. The next performance is Saturday at Fort Osage High School, 2101 N. Twyman Road. Because of the Fort Osage High School football game Friday evening, the usual Friday performance has been moved to 7 p.m. Monday.

Addison Newberry is a senior at Fort Osage High School. He is playing Ike Skidmore in the high school’s fall theater production “Oklahoma.” After an absence of two years, Newberry returns to the stage doing something, he said “that he loves.”

Stephen Finkle is a senior at Truman High School. He is playing Mayor Shinn in the fall theater production of “The Music Man.” A theater veteran, Finkle also participates on Truman’s speech and debate team, winning awards in areas such as humorous interpretation.

“The Music Man” is at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday at Truman High School, 3301 S. Noland Road. Admission is $6 in advance or $7 at the door.

The famous fairy tale ballet, "The Nutcracker,"  set in two acts, will be performed Saturday and Sunday at the Barbara Landes Performing Arts Center at Blue Springs South High School. Times are 7 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.