The Sunflower Performing Arts series will begin Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. with the first-ever Sunflower Soirée, a concert of local and regional artists that also promotes the season ahead and kicks off the organization’s annual patron drive.

Free of charge, this event will feature the following artists: pianist Karen Schlabaugh; The Sunflower Trio; flautists Kristin Shaffer and Kenna Graber; guitarists Howard Glanton and Excier Rodriguez; soprano Holly Swartzendruber and pianist Karen Unruh; and musicians Ken Rodgers and Russell Adrian.

Sunflower Performing Arts season tickets can be purchased or picked up at the concert. Tax-deductible donations can also be made to Sunflower Performing Arts during this time. In place of a spring pie reception for season ticket holders, light refreshments will be served.

Formerly the Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts series, the Sunflower Performing Arts series will continue to feature world-renowned artists. The 2021-22 lineup includes: Canadian Brass on Dec. 7; Mad River Theater Works Presents: Freedom Riders on Jan. 28; VOCES8 on Feb. 22; and Stephen Lancaster, baritone, and Kevin Vaughn, organ, on Mar. 27. More information on each performance can be found at sunflowerarts.org. All concerts will take place at Hesston Mennonite Church.

During the 2021-22 SPA season, COVID-19 precautions will be taken. Attendees will no longer be able to reserve specific seats, but will instead be offered general admission seating in two sections. Audience members and staff are required to wear masks while inside the church and the visiting artists will wear masks when not rehearsing or performing.