The history of Community Concerts parallels in many ways that of the twentieth century. In the 1920s America underwent rapid change and modernization, and the performing arts were no exception. While Chautauqua tours, traveling minstrel shows, and vaudeville had created a national appetite for live performance, they were disappearing from the scene. There was a demand for concerts; the question was how to find a new way to cover their cost.

In 1927, an idea destined to revolutionize the performing arts in America sprang up simultaneously in the Great Lakes region and in several Eastern states. Instead of struggling to make up deficits after the fact, people thought, why not raise some money first and then hire the artists? It was a plan that worked, and it ensured the success of the humble experiments that grew first into the organized audience plan and ultimately into Community Concerts, the largest, most enduring network of performing arts presenters that has ever existed.

Although the stock market crash of 1929 threatened this brave experiment in the arts, Community Concerts continued to grow. People were determined that economic hardship would not deprive them of beauty and meaning in their lives. After World War II, Community Concerts expanded rapidly. Between 1945 and 1950, the total number of community associations rose to an all-time high of 1,008.

Since then, Community Concerts has continued to adapt to change and has successfully weathered many challenges. Faced with the advent of television, competing performing arts presenters, and changing lifestyles, the total number of associations has declined from the remarkable figures of the early 1950s, but Community Concerts remains a vital force in the arts world today with close to 400 affiliate Associations. The concerts continue to be of the highest quality — a vital mix of major stars and performers still on their way to prominence. And Community Concerts’ goal remains, as it always has been, “to offer every man, woman, and child in this country the opportunity to experience the magic of live performance by bringing artists and audiences together.”

Concerts begin in Ukiah
The Ukiah Community Concert Association was organized in 1947. In the spring of 1947, Glenna Smith (Mrs. Jay Lee) met a representative, Mrs. Aurelia Ferguson, of Community Concerts, Inc., while visiting in Eureka. She asked whether it would be possible to organize such a series in Ukiah.

Mrs. Ferguson came to Ukiah and met with a group of people whom Mrs. Smith had invited. Included in this group were representatives of most of the clubs in town, some musicians, and personal friends. Arthur L. Harris, a businessman, was chosen as the first president.

A grand piano was needed. It was decided to use the Mannon’s piano. After the death of Mrs. Smith in 1950, contributions in her memory made it possible to have access to the ebony concert grand Steinway which is stored at the high school and which is available for any community affair held at the high school.

Dates for the first membership campaign were set in June 1947, and on a Saturday morning, the final day of the one-week drive, more than 500 memberships were received. The Ukiah Community Concert Association was a reality.

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