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July 9 - Goldpine

Through a chance encounter in Nashville back in 2006, Benjamin and Kassie Wilson were sure of each other from the start. “Kassie knew she was going to marry me from the first time she saw me…and she was right,” Ben gloats. Formerly known as 'My One and Only', the duo has reimagined their “southern-soul,” “curious-grit” and emotionally honest lyrics into Goldpine.
Woodhaven
Summer Series

July 15, 2023 - Alice's Gospel Group

The Woodhaven Amphitheater is preparing to host a highly-anticipated gospel performance by Alice's Gospel Group. Attendees can expect to be transported to a world of soaring harmonies and powerful vocals that will leave them feeling uplifted and inspired. With the tranquil outdoor setting as the backdrop, this event is not to be missed.
Community
Rental

August 4 & 5, 2023 - The Rivals

The Oskalucid Acting Troupe returns for its second summer with a production of classec comedy, "The Rivals," by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.
Woodhaven
Summer Series

Amph it up!

In June 2020, just a few months into the COVID-19 global pandemic, George Daily Auditorium staff and board members trekked out to an overgrown amphitheater structure on the former campus of Vennard College. 

There was plenty of community interest in the site, and everyone involved agreed that it was important to engage with people through the arts even though most indoor venues were shuttered. However, at the time, there simply were no funds available to see a project of this scope through to completion.

Then, in November 2020, the George Daily Community Auditorium was one of 60 arts and culture organizations across a 9-state region selected for a substantial COVID-19 recovery grant from Arts Midwest. Proposals were evaluated on:

  • Exceptional artistic, cultural, and community impact
  • Visionary leadership (staff and volunteer)
  • Demonstrated community engagement, connection, and support
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion
  • Track record of stability in fiscal management and ongoing operations
  • Local state, regional, and/or national impact

The United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund was intended to help arts venues address pressing needs and opportunities, from response activities to investments that would build sustainability. 

Thanks to the Resilience Fund, the Vennard Amphitheater Project was born!

The structure’s foundation was sound, and so this grant money allowed for repairs and renovations to the existing structure. Ramps were added to make the space more accessible, and thanks to an ever-growing list of community partners, the Amphitheater now has power, internet access, and security cameras.

“My name is Taylor Drost, and I am a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 71 in Oskaloosa. I am currently working on my Eagle Scout project with the intention of achieving rank advancement to Eagle Scout by July 2022.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
As you may know, the George Daily Auditorium has worked to renovate the Woodhaven Amphitheater at the former Vennard College in University Park. This work was completed with grant funding provided by Arts Midwest and in-kind donations from MidAmerican Energy, Musco Lighting, and the Mahaska Communication Group.
My Eagle Scout project goal is to provide and install 20 eight-foot benches for the amphitheater, working in cooperation with the George Daily Auditorium. The benches will be all-weather benches with seatbacks to provide long-lasting, comfortable seating for show audiences. Twenty benches will accommodate seating for approximately 80 people. The estimated cost of my project is $10,000, and I am seeking donations to achieve this goal.”
 
As of January 2022, Taylor has raised 24,000 through monetary and in-kind donations from community members and businesses! 30 benches have been ordered and scheduled and installed in April and May of 2022.
The Woodhaven Amphitheater had a sneak peek launch with a production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night that was put together with a group of college students and emerging professionals called the OskaLucid Theatre Troupe.

Thanks to the Golden Goose Club, the next phase of the Woodhaven Amphitheatre has started planning and organization. The focus will be on bathrooms and the first steps of establishing stage lighting in the space.

More information coming soon!

Phase 1: Physical Structure

Arts Midwest and the United States Regional Arts Organizations 

MidAmerican Energy (in-kind)

Mahaska Communication Group (in-kind)

Musco Sports Lighting (in-kind)

Phase 2: Vennard Amphitheater Seating – Taylor Drost Eagle Scout Project

Kelly Asperheim

Laura Ayala

Sandy Bailey

Wendy Bares

Cheryl Benson

Brouwer Family Foundation

Rick & Connie Bryan

Rachel Buchanan

Jeremy Bunnell

Megan Ches

Shawn Christ

Linda & Craig Coen

Jeanie Bieri & Joe Crookham

DeLong Construction

Bob & Cathy Drost

Tim Drost

Ben Drost

Bert Drost

Nick & Jennie Drost

Matt & Treana Drost

Carl & Martha Drost

Darren & Karin Dykstra

Jim & Linda Else

Julie Fisher

Russ & Michelle Franzen

Jeff Greenhalgh

Margie Greenhalgh

Kurt & Jennifer Keough

David & Jane Krutzfeldt

Cory & Melissa Lamb

Jessica Van Leuven

Chris Limpach

Stan & Cheryl Lingren

Eugene & Judy Little

Kate Livingston

Ryan & Kim Marsh

Marge McCain

Andy & Allison McGuire

Jeff & Lisa McNulty

Valinn McReynolds

Stewart & Carol Melvin

Jeff Michael

MidWestOne Bank

Jeff Morris

Brent & Heather Nelson

Oskaloosa News

Oskaloosa Vision Center

Roger & Sharma Parlett

Virginia Pierson

Greg & Jessica Reuter

Chris Roach

Todd Roach

MK Golf Shops 

Matt Sherlock

Loren & Erica Smith

Scott & Heidi Stefanc

Randall & Vicki Wright

Taylor Zimmerman