KAFTA 5th Annual Fall Into Arts Festival
KENNETT – The Kennett Alliance For the Arts (KAFTA) 5th annual Fall Into Arts Festival took place this weekend at locations both on and near the city’s downtown square.
Kennett Friend’s of Music secretary-Treasurer Libby Mobley noted there were outdoor and indoor activities and performances geared for the entire family.
SEMO Little Theater actors kicked off the event Friday evening with their production of Neil Simon’s play Plaza Suite. The ensemble performed on the Little Theater stage on Kennett Street near the square.
The three-act play featured a number of different characters, all set in Suite 719 of New York City’s Plaza Hotel. (remainder of article is below photos)
[flickr_set id=”72157647364974132″ images_height=”200″]Saturday’s offerings included a farmer’s market; children’s story time at the nearby Dunklin County Library; a bazaar at the Presbyterian Church; an arts and crafts and photography show and sale both indoors at the Opera House and outdoors around the square; live music provided by a number of artists on the main stage; a Jaycee’s chili cookoff; and a second performance of Plaza Suite.
Mary Lynn Jones-Wright of Kennett told The SEMO TIMES that one of the event’s musical attractions is former Kennett resident Dan Lundrum. The Chatanooga, Tennessee photographer and hammer dulcimer artist began touring in 2003-2004 with Yanni as a featured member of his orchestra according to Wikipedia. Lundrum appeared in the video Yanni Live! The Concert Event, and is owner and editor of Dulcimer Player’s News.
But perhaps the attraction highest on organizers’ list was Sunday’s mini-film festival. The film fest was held at the recently remodeled Palace Theater on First Street, Mobley said. Six entries were included in the showing which culminated with a documentary, 45 RPM, by Paragould, Arkansas filmmaker Juli Jackson. The film recounts Jackson’s search for her father through his music and the recordings that surrounded his life.
“This [was] a first for us, and for many visitors their initial opportunity to see the great remodeling at the Palace Theater. It’s a wonderful place and the atmosphere is perfect for the film festival.”