ents a variety of performances , from international tours to local , student-led productions . This summer the auditorium will celebrate its 25th anniversary with Kim Selody ’ s stage production of J . R . R . Tolkien ’ s The Hobbit , directed by Andy and Allison McGuire . The show will run Aug . 1-4 .
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Oskaloosa City Band
Celebrating their 160th anniversary in 2024 , the Oskaloosa City Band once again presents its summer concert series from the iconic bandstand on the city square . Every Thursday night from May 30 through Aug . 1 , the band will perform a variety of music in a Norman Rockwell-esque setting that will charm young and old alike . Musical selections feature classic marches , movie soundtracks , showtunes and more . Enjoy lemonade , popcorn and other food items . Concerts begin at 8 p . m .
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Ottumwa Area Community Chorus
This vocal group celebrates its 11th anniversary in 2024 , and is composed of children and adults from the area . Members of the chorus stay busy throughout the year by giving six to eight performances annually , including with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra and the Ottumwa Municipal Band . Membership has reached 70-plus members , and the choir is directed by Dr . Christine Bergan .
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Ottumwa Community Players / Ottumwa Community Children ’ s Playhouse
Ottumwa Community Players is a theater group that puts on several productions throughout the year . The troupe ’ s most recent performances have been at the Temple of Creative Arts , located at 529 W . Main St . For more information , visit the Ottumwa Community Players Facebook page .
Starting its 20th year , the Ottumwa Community
Children ’ s Playhouse is a children ’ s theater company that provides theater involvement for children and parents of the community . Multiple productions are performed each year at Bridge View Center , each being produced with no adult cast members . For more information , visit the OCCP Facebook page .
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Ottumwa Municipal Band
Founded in 1865 , the oldest continuously operating municipal band in the state belongs to Ottumwa . OMB performs weekly concerts on Thursdays in Central Park during the summer with a rain / weather location of Quincy Place Mall . The band is made up of musicians from Ottumwa and the surrounding communities . For more information , visit the Ottumwa Municipal Band Facebook page .
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Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra / Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra
Celebrating its 37th year , the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra puts on a number of performances every year , traditionally with concerts in the fall , winter and spring . They also play for the organization ’ s Christmas Ball as well as an outdoor concert , Music on the Green , every year . The organization also hosts fundraising events throughout the year . For more information , visit ottumwasymphonyorchestra . net .
The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra has a mission to promote quality orchestral experiences by providing live performances , educational opportunities and rural outreach programs . It is centered at Iowa Wesleyan University and supported by boards of directors in three locations : Burlington , Ottumwa and Mount Pleasant , where performances are typically held . It reaches 12,000 people every year and has more than 70 musicians . Annually , SEISO hosts an artist in residence as well as the Young Artist Competition . Concert for a Cause has become an annual tradition as well , with proceeds from the event benefiting a designated charity . For more information , visit seiso . us .
18 | 101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa