Arts and culture experiences are an importance piece to the vitality of a community, no matter the size. They provide a source of entertainment for residents and attraction for visitors, ultimately serving as a contributor for the overall quality of life for those who call said community home. Arts and culture assets also provide a space for individuals to gather and enjoy, be inspired, and create goodness. Luckily for Valley County, we don’t have to look far to find that artistic hub.
The Golden Husk is an iconic landmark with a rich tradition for inspiring arts and cultural experience. It has served many purposes since it was built in 1928, but it has always provided entertainment for the residents of Valley County. You would be hard pressed to find someone in the area who doesn’t have a memory of going on a first date, seeing their first movie, or performing on stage of this historical building. While the structure has been many things over the years, today it serves as a performing arts theatre. In 2015, the Valley Performing Arts Theater, Inc. (VPAT) purchased the facility with a grand vision to create a hub for engaging creative resources, empowering community connection, and enriching quality of life. The Golden Husk was named after its innovative walls constructed of corn husks, which create acoustical qualities that are unmatched by other historic venues. The VPAT Board is committed to fulfilling its mission, Cultivating a Creative Community, by offering The Golden Husk Theatre as a space where community members connect and celebrate the talents and gifts of our local people and enjoy arts and cultural events.
Each year, the VPAT Board and The Golden Husk Director, Dahn Hagge, carefully curate a season schedule that attracts an array of audience members. From local artists, to community theater productions, to nationally renowned performers, ranging from music renditions to acting performances. The Golden Husk stage has seen all kinds of kinds. Every season, you’re sure to find a friend or neighbor step out of their day job and show off their skills! During the 2024-25 Season, The Golden Husk stage will be filled with locals with not one but two community theater productions, which include White Christmas December 6-8, 2024 and The Wizard of Oz in June 2025.
The Golden Husk recently announced their full 2024-25 Season of Events, which features a wide variety of talent. New to their schedule though is a special celebration. To emphasize the milestone that is 10 years, The Golden Husk will host an Anniversary Concert Series. This concert series will feature three Nebraska based musicians. The first concert in this series is The Talbott Brothers. Making their return to the Husk stage on October 12, 2024 with their full band, The Tablott Brothers found national recognition with their song “We Got Love” and their albums ‘Ghost Talker’ (2019) and ‘Letters’ (2022) garnered attention from ‘Rolling Stone,’ ‘Billboard’ and ‘The Boot’ calling their music “cinematic,” “captivating blood harmonies” and “for fans of John Mayer, Mumford & Sons and Jason Isbell.”
The second artist in the Concert Series is newcomer Kaylyn Sahs, making her Husk debut on February 15, 2025. Kaylyn Sahs is a rising star in country music, known for her powerful voice, vibrant smile, and captivating stage presence. Early in her career, Kaylyn has already shared the stage with country music legends such as: Jake Owen, Lainey Wilson, Chris Lane, Little Texas, and many others. Her performances are marked by a genuine connection with the audience and a spirited energy that leaves a lasting impression. Her upcoming single “Wine About It” showcases her growth as an artist, blending authentic storytelling with modern country sound.
Third in the Concert Series lineup is returner Lloyd McCarter & The Honky Tonk Revival, making their way to the Golden Husk on April 5, 2024. This Nebraska based band fuses classic country sounds with rockabilly tones and boasts incredible musicians with resumes that include backing some of country music biggest legends. You won’t be able to resist the urge to dance during their high energy performance!
Concert series tickets include discounts, entrance to all three performances AND meet & greets with each artist, but are only available through September 30, 2024.
The Golden Husk isn’t just dedicated to showcasing artistic talents though, it also hosts a variety of artist led workshops allowing community members and visitors the chance to learn a new medium, or just have a little fun trying. The Golden Husk is intentionally utilizing the theatre as a space for growing and sharing personal artistry and building awareness about arts and culture opportunities in rural Nebraska. Artists from across the state and nation have graced our stage to entertain and teach community members and area students. Young operatic enthusiasts have had the opportunity to learn from the UNL Opera Touring program and network with legendary director, Bill Shomos. Dancers have performed on stage with the Latin Band, JARANA, learning salsa and mamba steps alongside Flamenco guitarist Daniel Martinez, while gaining an understanding of the cultures that influence their music. Young musicians have been given the opportunity to play alongside the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Aspiring authors and illustrators have learned about storybook creation and Sandhills Cranes from local author and illustrator, Paula Warner. The Golden Husk finds joy in identifying the passions of our youngest community members and matching them with first-rate performers and artists. The Golden Husk believes by creating these meaningful connections, youth become inspired to broaden their vision for bold dreams and dynamic careers within the arts.
If you’ve been in Downtown Ord recently, you may have also noticed some historic preservation happening at The Golden Husk. After a recent hailstorm destroyed much of the historic neon marquee that lights the front of the building, the Golden Husk decided to make some renovations. Thanks to the help of some community partner grants, including Valley County Tourism, Valley County Community Foundation Fund, and a private foundation, as well as local donors, the neon marquee was fully restored to its original shine, including a refresh of the paint. Other recent renovation projects include replacing the roof surface to maintain the structural integrity of the theatre and upgrading the projection system to a large venue laser projector which greatly enhances the quality of the movie picture and presentation capabilities at the theatre.
The Golden Husk also believes in supporting community. “By buying local and partnering with local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, schools and creatives, we hold the power to design the vitality of our community in the most prosperous and joyful ways!,” stated Husk Director Dahn Hagge. The Golden Husk strives to collaborate with local businesses, organization and artists to create one-of-a-kind experiences that are unique to our area for patrons near and far.
So next time you are looking for some weekend entertainment, be sure to check out The Golden Husk. A ticket to this historic downtown building doesn’t just provide you with an evening of arts and culture, it supports the future of an artist, youth, a theater, and most importantly, a community.
For more information on The Golden Husk or to purchase tickets for an upcoming event, visit their website www.GoldenHuskArts.org. Stay up to date on all their previous and upcoming events by visiting their Facebook and Instagram pages. To learn more about how YOU can get involved at The Golden Husk and share your talents, contact (308) 730-8133.