Accompanists announced for upcoming Prairie Arts Center concerts

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PRINCETON — “More of Our Favorite Songs — Love Changes Everything” will be presented at the Prairie Arts Center Feb. 13-15. Performances have been set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14, and 3 p.m. Feb. 15. Twelve area vocalists will perform solos, duets and group numbers centered on the many aspects of love. The selections are gathered from popular, classic, Broadway, country and folk music and will include original music. Accompanists for the concert are Kathy Allen and Sheila Johnson.

Pianist Kathy Allen grew up in the Princeton area where she continues to make her home with husband, Larry, and daughters Julie and Jennifer. At the age of 5 Kathy began formal piano followed later by organ lessons. For the next 15 years, Gene and Lois Montgomery were Kathy's instructors. To pass on to others the fine teaching she received, she has given piano lessons to students for 25 years.

After many years of serving at the Bureau Township Community Church, Allen continues to enjoy the positions of church organist and Director of Music. Among other community involvements, she has been the piano accompanist for the Logan Junior High choirs and the Chamber Choir of Princeton High School. Her music can also be heard at many weddings, funerals, fundraisers and special events. She continues her own education in music and piano performance through workshops and symposiums.

Sheila Johnson was raised on a farm north of Wyanet and is the mother of two daughters, Heidi and Lindsay. She studied piano with Max Dickinson for 11 years, as did both her daughters.

Johnson attended Wyanet High School where she played clarinet in the band and served as the choir accompanist. After high school, she pursued her interest in music for one year at Illinois State University. She has served her church, First Baptist of Princeton, as church pianist for more than 30 years. In addition to her accompanist duties, she is also the assistant worship coordinator. She plays for wedding, funerals and at Orchard View Rehabilitation and Health Care. A resident of Princeton, she is the assistant librarian at the Raymond A. Sapp Memorial Township Library in Wyanet.

Tickets for “More of our Favorite Songs — Love Changes Everything” can be reserved by calling (815) 875-2787 and leaving your name, phone number, number of tickets and date, or at the door, if available. Tickets are $8 per person.