Art & Culture

MCPAS disbands and contributes funds to Promote Arts

By Margie Taylor | June 20, 2018

Conroe, TX – Montgomery County Performing Arts (MCPAS) was established in 1979 as one of the few arts organizations with a mission to bring professional performing arts to Montgomery County through education, outreach opportunities and live shows. The community has enjoyed the full array of entertainment ranging from opera and country music, ballet, ballroom dance, and programs for children including the Missoula Children’s Theatre one week each summer from audition to performance with local children participating.

Unfortunately, after 40 successful years they are disbanding due to the increased costs of professional performing entertainers and presenting their remaining funds to the Greater Conroe Arts Association (GCAA).

As a pioneering group to bring live entertainment Some of the performers MCPAS has brought to the community includes Debbie Reynolds, Marvin Hamlisch, Mark Chestnutt, Burl Ives, the Spinners, Greater Tuna, The Coasters, The Drifters, The Platters, Larry Gatlin, and in March of this year a sell-out crowd watched The Texas Tenors perform at the Crighton Theatre.

Many of the high-quality programs were supported through fundraisers and outreach events. MCPAS held a Mardi Gras Court with local non-profits and businesses selecting their representatives to participate in a pageant with each vote for a candidate accompanied by a charitable donation. The candidate with the most donations was crowned the queen of the Mardi Gras. Other events included Mimosas in May, Montgomery County’s Got Talent, and Pop the Cork.

MCPAS disbands and contributes funds to
Promote Arts in Conroe

Last week, BJ Ordner, President of MCPAS, presented a check to Annette Spikes, President of GCAA, during a regular meeting of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance. Shocked is not a strong enough word for Spike’s surprise! Spikes was holding a check for $35,000!

“The Greater Conroe Arts Alliance is grateful for the donation from the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society”, said Annette Spikes. “With 15 organizations in the GCAA, this gift will go toward the goals of the Arts Alliance in their support and promotion of the arts in our community. MCPAS has been the leader in believing that the arts are necessary for the well-being of a city. The GCAA will carry on the tradition established by MCPAS so that all the members will benefit.”

The GCAA represents Christian Youth Theatre, Conroe Art League, Conroe Live, Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Crighton Theatre Foundation, Friends of the Flag Foundation, Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, Jazz Connection, Montgomery County Choral Society, Montgomery County Literary Arts Council, Montgomery County Performing Arts Society, Players Theatre Company, Stage Right, The Woodlands Show Chorus, and the Young Texas Artists Music Competition.

“MCPAS would like to thank it’s many patrons through the years and encourage them to support GCAA”, said BJ Ordner, of MCPAS. “It is extremely important that we have a strong presence in our community. The GCAA was chosen for this endowment because it benefits all the arts organizations in Conroe.”

Learn more about Greater Conroe Arts Alliance by visiting their website at www.GreaterConroeArtsAlliance.com or follow them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Greater-Conroe-Arts-Alliance.