'Lights On' next week

For the past several years, the musical ensemble at Liberty Place has spent countless hours practicing for their performance at the annual Festival of Trees in Bozeman. They would now like to share their musical gifts with the entire Whitehall Community.

Next Thursday, May 25 at the Star Theater, Liberty Place is presenting the "Lights On" performance that will feature songs written, arranged, and performed by residents of the non-profit organization that provides care and rehabilitation for brain injuries.

Liberty Place Program Director and Musical Therapist David Parker said most people involved in a creative process like to share their work -- and the residents at Liberty place are no exception.

"They've worked very hard over the last couple of years. The music ensembles have performed at the annual Festival of Trees in Bozeman twice now, but we are particularly excited to share our work with the Whitehall community. It will be a great way for everyone to get to know Liberty Place and to see what is going on there," he said.

A drop-in art reception is scheduled to kick of the evening's events and is scheduled from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Borden's Conference Room. Parker said the reception would have examples of the resident's artwork and handwork, as well as some light refreshments.

Parker added the musical performances will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Star Theater, and will feature song the residents collaboratively wrote, as well as some covers.

The event is free and open to the public. Parker said donations would be accepted with the proceeds going to the arts at Liberty Place.

The residents have been spending the past several months rehearsing, and Parker said things have been going great.

"We typically have three groups that meet and practice separately, but we just started the big group rehearsals a couple of weeks ago. That's always an adventure," he said. "I'm personally really excited about this. And everyone else is excited too. A few people have really put their heart and soul into this process. We've also been a bit spoiled because we've had a music therapy intern here since October. He's brought a lot of energy and excitement (as well as some musical chops) to this project."