Younts Center For Performing Arts

Well who knew? I had heard of the Younts Center but never visited there until today. Our younger daughter took us to a performance of "Groovin'" this afternoon. The Center is remarkable...sleek, clean, sophisticated, well maintained. There is ample parking right on the site.The seating is comfortable and easily located. There is a concession area selling soft drinks and some alcoholic beverages. Upon entering, we were greeted by delightful, fun, friendly volunteers who seemed genuinely glad to have us there! They were cordial and helpful and at the end of the performance, they were truly interested in whether or not we had enjoyed the musical. Some of the volunteers were dressed in attire reminiscent of Sha Na Na and poodle skirts, all to enhance the theme of 50's to 70's music.The performance was excellent. The numbers were rollicking and the energy level exhibited by the performers was over the top. We were encouraged to dance, sing, and participate. This was an uplifting, "get your groove on" kind of event and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Afterward, the entertainers were in the lobby to receive our accolades and visit with us. Such a nice touch after knocking themselves out for two hours to entertain us. This was the last performance of this particular show but I'm impressed enough with the Younts Center for the Performing Arts that I'll be checking their schedules to return!

SMALL TOWN, BIG SOUND!Tonight we had tickets to see a performance of First Impressions performed by the Fountain Inn Symphony Orchestra at the Younts Center For Performing Arts. The Center is named for Melvin and Dollie Younts who largely financed the recent renovations of the center. This center was actually an old high-school that has been undergoing renovations for the past three years. It is now a beautiful entertainment venue with very comfortable seating for 416 attendees and great acoustics. My husband and I arrive very early to get the lay of the land and to pick up our "will call" tickets. We were able to access the building at 6:30 but would not be seated until 7:00 for the 7:30 show. In the meantime, we just hung out with the locals and learned a lot about the local area. Fountain Inn has a population of 9,000 residents. They have a small business district that consists of locally owned restaurants that all seem to close down by 9pm, (We tried!). They have just cleared the way for their first chain restaurant, (McDonald's) which will be coming soon. Woo Hoo! I bet the local kids are super excited!We met a couple of the ushers who regularly assist at the venue and they were very impressed by the fact that we were from the Atlanta area and repeatedly thanked us for visiting. They were just so appreciative that we would come to their town when there are much larger venues available. Good music is good music and size does not matter!Tonight's show was conducted by Dr. Michael Moore. As I was enjoying the performance of Beethoven's First Symphony, I actually wondered if there really is such a thing as a bad classical performance. If so, I have never experienced it. The music always transports me to a place of relaxation where I imagine that I am listening to a beautiful score or a flawless professional recording. The second half of the show was a bit more dramatic and featured the very talented trombone artist, Wes Lebo. It was a very nice show and perfectly balanced show and an enjoyable evening. We were surprised when it ended and were left wanting more. It seemed really short to us because we are simply accustomed to major shows and productions that last for at least two and a half hours. We do realize that this is a small town that runs on a different clock. Always leave them wanting more!A performance at the Younts Center is the perfect activity for date night. However, if you want to try one of the local restaurants, you will want to eat first and then attend the performance. Check-out their website to get more information regarding the current season and don't forget to purchase tickets for an upcoming show. ***Support the Arts!

Tonight we saw The Hunchback of Norte Dame at The Younts Center in Fountain Inn. Fabulous show, the music, acting, set, all are unbelievable. The Younts Center is a treasure in our community! Please support this arts center!