Community Calendar

What better way to do both than to support local candidates, to gather with like-minded friends, to laugh, and learn... Join us the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:00 to socialize with like-minded Democrats.

Step inside the world of the SR-71 Blackbird during a powerful three-day symposium that dives deep into the aircraft, the missions, and the people behind it all. Mach 3: SR-71 Blackbird Declassified brings together veterans, experts, and enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience filled with real stories, rare access, and a closer look at one of the most iconic jets ever flown.

This immersive event will explore the legacy of the SR-71 through:

-Panel discussions with pilots, RSOs, engineers, and historians
ROTC student programming focused on leadership and aerospace careers.
-Break-out sessions highlighting the Strategic Air Command’s evolving mission
-An exclusive first-look at SR-71 artifacts from our upcoming exhibit.
-Interactive displays, including a one-of-a-kind RSO Cockpit Camera experience
-A private member-only Meet & Greet with the SR-71 team.

Whether you’re a veteran, an aviation buff, or someone who’s always been fascinated by the SR-71, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness the legacy of the Blackbird through those who knew it best. Explore unique artifacts, hear firsthand accounts, and gain a deeper understanding of the aircraft that helped define a generation of reconnaissance.

Join us on Friday, August 8th for an evening of culinary and musical sweet delights. Begin the evening with dessert and drinks in the beautiful Arterra event space. At 8:00, members of the LCO will feature string octets by Mendelssohn and Shostakovich, topping off the evening with a performance of "The Still, Small Voice" by Kenji Bunch. Celebrate the Lawrence community through the magic of chamber music. Only 100 tickets are available for this unique event.

Lawrence Opera Theatre Sings Gershwin feat. "Blue Monday"

Step into a world of smoky jazz, sultry melodies, and symphonic swings as Lawrence Opera Theatre celebrates the genius of George Gershwin!

From the sparkle of Broadway to the soul of early American opera, this concert features solo performances that highlight Gershwin’s signature blend of classical flair and jazz rhythms – culminating in a semi-staged performance of "Blue Monday," his bold and rarely heard one-act opera of love, betrayal, and blues in Harlem.

Gershwin like you’ve never heard him – live, local, and full of heart!

When: August 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Cider Gallery; 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
Tickets: https://www.lawrenceopera.org/blue-monday

LOT Sings Gershwin Featured Singers: Stacey Stofferahn, Hugo Vera, Crystal Buck, Chelsy Cordon, Angela Rathmel, Addison Acheson, Alexis Crist, Samuel Cotten, James Kerrigan, Lisa Gerstenkorn, Anna’Marie Sosa, Spencer McIntire

Blue Monday Cast
Directed by Hugo Vera
Joe – James Kerrigan
Vi – Chelsy Cordon
Tom – Samuel Kennedy
Mike – William Palo
Sam – Ethan Miller

Interested in Bonsai but not sure where to start? No Problem! Our beginner workshops are designed for all ages and skill levels! Whether you’ve got a black thumb or a green thumb, come learn the basics of bonsai history, development, and care, then create your first bonsai!

What to expect
1. Brief introduction to the art of bonsai, tree basics, and bonsai care.
2. Demonstration of bonsai repotting, pruning, and styling.
3. Brief tour of the BlackRoot Farms (weather permitting)
4. Start potting and sculpting your masterpiece with our help!
5. Add some finishing touches, then take your new bonsai home!

Tickets Include:
Workshop for One - includes an educational rambling by yours truly (Hi, I'm Eliot), bonsai pruning/styling demo, training wire/tools, and of course, your bonsai tree and ceramic bonsai pot!

Additional Guest - limited to one per Workshop for One ticket and include plenty of bonsai knowledge but no tree/pot. Feel free to work on the tree with your friend/partner!

Tree Species
Tree species vary throughout the year based on availability and which bonsai species are safe to work on.
Late winter/spring (Feb-May) - Junipers and/or Deciduous species (Outdoor)
Summer (Jun-Aug) - Tropical Species (Indoor)
Fall (Sept-Oct) - Junipers (Outdoor)
Early Winter (Nov-Dec) - Tropical Species (Indoor)

For more details about our workshops and about Black Root Farms, visit our website at: https://www.blackrootfarms.com/

Happens on the following Dates:
Aug 9, 2025, 9:00am to 12:00pm Timezone: CDT
Aug 30, 2025, 9:00am to 12:00pm Timezone: CDT

Step inside the world of the SR-71 Blackbird during a powerful three-day symposium that dives deep into the aircraft, the missions, and the people behind it all. Mach 3: SR-71 Blackbird Declassified brings together veterans, experts, and enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience filled with real stories, rare access, and a closer look at one of the most iconic jets ever flown.

This immersive event will explore the legacy of the SR-71 through:

-Panel discussions with pilots, RSOs, engineers, and historians
ROTC student programming focused on leadership and aerospace careers.
-Break-out sessions highlighting the Strategic Air Command’s evolving mission
-An exclusive first-look at SR-71 artifacts from our upcoming exhibit.
-Interactive displays, including a one-of-a-kind RSO Cockpit Camera experience
-A private member-only Meet & Greet with the SR-71 team.

Whether you’re a veteran, an aviation buff, or someone who’s always been fascinated by the SR-71, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness the legacy of the Blackbird through those who knew it best. Explore unique artifacts, hear firsthand accounts, and gain a deeper understanding of the aircraft that helped define a generation of reconnaissance.

Join us for Hero Fest 2025, a high-energy, family-friendly celebration honoring the courage and dedication of our nation’s heroes: past, present, and future. This one-of-a-kind event brings the community together to recognize military personnel and first responders through live entertainment, hands-on activities, and powerful moments of gratitude.

What to Expect:

Veteran & First Responder-Owned Vendor Fair
Live Music from Local Bands
Bounce Houses & Family Games
Delicious Food Trucks
Aircraft & Historic Vehicle Tours
Veteran Resource Booths
Military Recruitment Stations
Raffle Giveaways
A Special Tribute to the SR-71 Blackbird Crew
And more surprises in store!

Free admission for all former and current military personnel and first responders.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS AND PARTICIPATE AS A VENDOR!

Let’s come together to celebrate courage, community, and commitment in a day filled with fun, reflection, and appreciation.

Step inside the world of the SR-71 Blackbird during a powerful three-day symposium that dives deep into the aircraft, the missions, and the people behind it all. Mach 3: SR-71 Blackbird Declassified brings together veterans, experts, and enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience filled with real stories, rare access, and a closer look at one of the most iconic jets ever flown.

This immersive event will explore the legacy of the SR-71 through:

-Panel discussions with pilots, RSOs, engineers, and historians
ROTC student programming focused on leadership and aerospace careers.
-Break-out sessions highlighting the Strategic Air Command’s evolving mission
-An exclusive first-look at SR-71 artifacts from our upcoming exhibit.
-Interactive displays, including a one-of-a-kind RSO Cockpit Camera experience
-A private member-only Meet & Greet with the SR-71 team.

Whether you’re a veteran, an aviation buff, or someone who’s always been fascinated by the SR-71, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness the legacy of the Blackbird through those who knew it best. Explore unique artifacts, hear firsthand accounts, and gain a deeper understanding of the aircraft that helped define a generation of reconnaissance.

Wonder of Wonders, an Evening of Opera Scenes and Arias feat. Bizet’s "Doctor Miracle"

One concert. Countless characters. Infinite drama. Join Lawrence Opera Theatre for our annual opera scenes and arias program!

From soaring high notes to hilarious hijinks, this operatic sampler plate brings you the very best moments from classic and contemporary works – love, loss, mischief, and melody, all in one unforgettable evening.

For the grand finale: Georges Bizet’s "Doctor Miracle" – a one-act comic gem about fake identities, love potions, suspicious omelets, and a very determined suitor who will stop at nothing (and we mean nothing) to win the girl.
Scenes, schemes, and operatic dreams – all wrapped up in one wonderful evening.

When: August 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Theatre Lawrence; 4660 Bauer Farm Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049.
Tickets: https://www.lawrenceopera.org/wonder-of-wonders

Wonder of Wonders Featured Singers:
Stacey Stofferahn, Crystal Buck, Sarah Bodle, Alexis Crist, Linda Jorgenson, Jared Brooks, Samuel Cotten, Shania Cardon, Lisa Gerstenkorn, Chelsy Cordon, Hugo Vera, Polly Ayala, John Henrikson, William Palo, Joshua Jensen, Sydney Stewart, Kristine Overman, Payton Boldt, Nico Caruso, Chester Roi Perez-Bingham, Ethan Miller, Leviticus Valko, Frederic Lee, Trent Barnecott

Doctor Miracle Cast
Directed by Samuel Kennedy
Laurette – Payton Boldt
Veronique – Lisa Gerstenkorn
Doctor Miracle – John Henrikson
Le Podestat – Spencer McIntire

All Ages
Support acts subject to change.
Wear your Cotillion merch and jump to the front of the GA line. A limited number of table reservations are available by calling 316-722-4201 or in person at The Cotillion. Coat check is open during events to check your coats, hats, merch and more. Coat check is located next to merch by the front doors. All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds unless a show is cancelled or postponed.