Theatre News

Jayhawk Theatre receives $42,400 grant

Published November 18, 2011

Topeka, Kan. – The Historic Jayhawk Theatre of Kansas is closer to its goal of viability with a Historic Sites for Heritage Tourism grant award approved by the Transient Guest Committee of the Topeka City Council in the amount of $42,400. On Oct. 24, the committee voted to award the aging 1926 theater the monies to help stave off structural deterioration.

The committee is chaired by Larry Wolgast, with members Sylvia Ortiz and Denise Everhart. The funds were ultimately given above the Historic Sites for Heritage Tourism Committee’s recommended amount.

“Additional revenue was available from the transient guest tax, and the Historic Jayhawk State Theatre had requested a larger amount than the Heritage Tourism Committee had awarded to take care of emergency repair work that should be done immediately to preserve the integrity of the building,” said Wolgast.

Doug Jones, facilities chairperson of the Jayhawk State Theatre board of directors, spearheaded the grant application process.

“I am thrilled that the City of Topeka has shown confidence and support for the renovation of the theater,” said Jones.

The monies will be used for an electrical service evaluation and repair, and for HVAC work to bring heating and cooling control to the theater to alleviate further deterioration of the infrastructure and ornate plaster. The theater has been vacant since May 1976 but is open for historical tours.

The Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas was placed on the national register of historic places in 1974, was designated by the legislature as the official state theater of Kansas in 1993 and is under the stewardship and protection of the Historic Jayhawk Theatre, Inc., a 501c(3) charitable organization.

The Jayhawk Theatre is currently raising funds through its campaign, “Take Your Seat,” which is attempting to appeal to businesses and individual donors to provide matching funds to qualify for historic grants and tax credits.

The Binary Benefit

Published September 15, 2011

LOCAL BAND TO PRESENT CHARITY EVENT FOR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TOPEKA THEATER

Seven Bands, Silent Auction, Local Artists Come Together To Raise Funding For the Renovation of the Jayhawk Theatre

Once a grand strip of commerce, now a forgotten dream in some respects, downtown Topeka needs rejuvenation, according to local band Monk’s Wine, a four-man piano group. The Jayhawk Theater was home to some of the greatest acts in the nation and now sits empty, quiet, waiting for the chance to open its doors and shine once more. Tour the vacant theater and you will see the same vision this Topeka band had the opportunity to see.

Monk’s Wine presents “The Binary Benefit” for the renovation of The Jayhawk Theater 1-6 p.m. Saturday Oct. 1 on 8th Ave. between Kansas and Jackson in downtown Topeka. The name of the event derives from the “binary” format of the date: 10.01.11. The benefit will showcase other local bands, artists, venues and attractions with two stages of continuous music, a silent auction and food and drink brought to attendees by The Office and Celtic Fox.

“This event is designed to show Topekans and surrounding cities what Topeka has to offer. The theater is in desperate need of attention and revitalization and the city needs to get behind that,” said Ashley Reynolds, of Monk’s Wine.

Seven bands are scheduled to perform on the day of the event. Two stages have been donated by Uncle Bo’s and will fill the streets of downtown with some of the most diverse music Topeka has to offer. The lineup will include everything from rap to folk and acoustic rock to blues. The bands headlining the benefit have compiled a CD for the event that will be available for $10. The silent auction will feature area businesses and their wares, all donated for the event. Items will be available to view and bid on at Celtic Fox.

An all-day pass to the event is $5 per person.

All the proceeds from the event will benefit the Jayhawk Theatre in its efforts to restore and bring the 1926 historic theater back to life. During the benefit, the theater will be open for tours at 720 S.W. Jackson Ave.

Monk’s Wine is a band who performs original music for a variety of crowds. Their unique style of writing brings an element of freshness to Topeka’s music scene. Their information can be viewed at www.monkswine.com.