Theatre’s new sound

SALINA, Kansas, September 5, 2008 – The Steifel Theatre in downtown Salina is one of the oldest concert venues in the state, but some recent complaints about the sound quality at concerts has the theatre working on improvements.

The theatre is known as the crown jewel of Salina entertainment. But it’s facing complaints about its acoustics after Bill Bob Thornton concertgoers complained.

"The sound was very lacking, the guitar,” said concertgoer John Fassnacht. “You could hear the music way higher than the vocals, unfortunately."

The small number of complaints addresses an issue the theatre is well aware of and working to improve.

“This is not a unique problem,” said Steifel Technical Director Bill Tuzicka. “We've had this problem before. It is not a problem with every concert."

And it’s one many old theatres face – when sound is amplified, it bounces around the room.

"We're certainly aware that they're certain places in the theatre that you can't make out the vocals the way we want them,” said Steifel Theatre Director Jane Gates. “We want them to be excellent.”

That’s why staff is installing acoustic panels and curtains and a new sound board.

"We're really doing a wide range of programming and that's part of the thing with a theatre like this,” Gates said. “You have to be able to accommodate the difference in technical needs."

Their programming includes musical acts from rock n’ roll to classical piano and directors insist any added sound will not take away from the classical interior of the theatre.

"I hope it doesn't change the appearance of it, I hope they try and keep that in tact,” Fassnacht said.

The dedication of the theatre’s staff to improving the quality of concerts is why patrons like John Fassnacht say they’ll keep coming back.

"Oh yeah, I will go there,” he said. “I like it a lot."

The Billy Bob Thornton concert was the first in the theatres 2008-2009 Season. And with a long list of big name acts to follow, Steifel Theatre directors are making sure each show is one that's memorable to see and hear.

To find out more information about this years season at the Steifel, you can visit its Web site at www.steifeltheatre.org.

Salina street sweeps

SALINA, Kansas, September 5, 2008 -- Street crews in Salina will be sweeping parts of the city next week. 

The areas affected are Crawford St. to the south city limits and from 9th St. to the west city limits.

The city is asking residents in those areas to clear their curbs and gutters of large items and parked vehicles Monday through Friday. If there is bad weather or mechanical problems, the sweeping will be rescheduled.