December 7, at 10:00 am, 3845 North Swan Street – "Grant County Community Concert Association"
Karen Beckenbach will speak about the Grant County Community Concert Association's history, current situation and what the future might hold. The "community concert" concept was born in 1927 with the slogan "a Carnegie Hall in every town". The GCCCA started in 1947 and ran for 13 years before weak economic conditions forced it to close its doors. It was restarted in 1971 with the help from the Silver City chapter of the American Association of University Women.
Up until the covid pandemic shutdown the GCCCA had been going strong, providing at least 6 concerts every season, plus at least two free Educational Outreach Programs to the area's elementary school age kids. The association is completely run by volunteers and works with Live on Stage, a concert booking organization in Nashville, TN to bring in national and internationally recognized performing groups.
Beckenbach will discuss the struggles the GCCCA has faced since the pandemic.
"Low support from the business community, fewer season subscriptions and low turnout at the concerts have created a real challenge for the us. These levels are below what is sustainable for the GCCCA to continue much longer, she said.
She will also address the plans by the GCCCA Board members to meet after the Brothers Doobie concert in February.
"The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the future of the concert association and whether this is the last full season, or if we can keep going for at least the 2026-27 concert season," she added.
Karen Beckenbach joined the board in the 2009 -10 concert season as the treasurer and became president in 2018. Though she says she has no musical ability, she embraces the idea that music is food for the soul. Beckenbach and her husband retired to Silver City in 2008. She is an avid birder and when not doing concert association work she enjoys bird watching.
Children are welcome to participate on any Sunday, but they will get the most out of the program if they attend second and fourth Sundays somewhat regularly. Family adults may stay for the children's program or attend the adult program. Children are encouraged to bring a small item that represents someone or something they are grateful for that week.
UUFSC Safety Protocol as pursuant to our most recent UUA Guidelines:
Masks are now optional, but their use is encouraged. We will continue to serve refreshments on the patio and in the building. Visitors are always welcome.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Silver City is a diverse group of religious independents seeking knowledge, spiritual sustenance, fellowship and opportunities for service to others. Our programs encompass Humanism, liberal Christianity, earth-based spirituality, Buddhism and many other traditions. If you'd like to find out more, email
