Art's Alive, Trenton's community arts organization, is proud to announce our 2026-2027 Season.
After the great success of our first full season last year, Art's Alive is excited to preview the next full season of events. Presented in partnership with the Trenton High School Fine Arts Department, Art's Alive will be hosting four concerts, one community theatre event, as well as a continuation of the gingerbread contest we've done for the last several years. The mission of Art’s Alive is to present affordable entertainment, promote education in the realm of the fine arts, and provide exposure to the arts in its many forms to residents of Grundy County and surrounding areas. Art's Alive is a 501c3, non-profit organization. We operate through a group of 15 directors on our board.
Tickets will be available mid-July and will be sold at the Trenton Hy-Vee Customer service desk, as well as Dynamic Tax & Accounting. Season membership tickets will be $40 each and allow for entrance into ALL season events. Individual tickets for each event will also be available two weeks prior to each event, though buying a season membership is certainly the most cost-effective approach. Individual tickets are $15 for each event ($5 for kids; THS Fine Arts students and NCMC students are free for each event).
Art's Alive also has sponsorship opportunities available. To be able to put on a season like this, it requires community support. Our sponsor letters are going out in the mail in the next couple of weeks. If you would like to be a contributing part of making the arts available to our community, please consider sponsoring our season. Season sponsors receive a season ticket, depending on the level of sponsorship. Sponsors are also recognized at each event.
Here's a preview of the upcoming Art's Alive 2026-2027 SEASON:
It Takes Two – A Legendary Duo Revue
Tuesday, September 15th at 7 pm, Trenton PAC
Join globally-renowned entertainers Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann (of Letters From Home) for an unforgettable musical journey celebrating the iconic duos that have shaped history. From legendary musicians like Johnny Cash & June Carter to iconic on-screen pairs like Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, this dynamic performance features everything from classic hits and Broadway showstoppers to playful nods to pop culture favorites like Batman & Robin and The Odd Couple. Blending the legacy of timeless hits with the wit and edge of classic sketch comedy, It Takes Two is an incredibly unique musical experience guaranteed to delight all generations. With powerful harmonies, heartwarming moments, gut-busting comedy, and plenty of surprises, IT TAKES TWO, A LEGENDARY DUO REVUE is a celebration of the magic that happens with the power of two.
Lindley Creek - Southern Missouri Bluegrass Band
Saturday, October 3rd, 7 pm at Trenton PAC
Lindley Creek blends modern sounds with bluegrass roots, forming a refreshing blend of music from the past that feels like the future. From the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, there resonates the sound of a distinctly different and yet familiar music. A music steeped in roots and full of life, culture, and history.
Lindley Creek is not only a stream of water, but it is a collection of sound knit together by the bond of family. The influence of the younger, more modern generation has morphed the genre of bluegrass into a new and exciting blend. A modern retro sound with energetic acoustic instruments and captivating solos, original arrangements, and a powerhouse female vocalist is just a glimpse of what you'll experience. You'll hear songs from as long ago as the 1800s to fresh, original music from the band themselves. Lindley Creek features Kathie Greer on guitar, songwriting and vocals; husband John Greer on bass; daughter Katie Greer on mandolin, songwriting and lead vocals; and son Jase Greer on fiddle, songwriting and harmony vocals.
Community Theatre production --- "Play On"
Friday, Oct. 23 @ 7 pm and Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 2 pm, Trenton PAC
This is the hilarious story of a theatre group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near-disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance, in which anything that can go wrong does. When the author decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain calls, the audience is treated to a madcap climax and a thoroughly hilarious romp. Even the sound effects reap their share of laughter.
Directed by Elizabeth Hackathorn and performed by your favorite local actors, "Play On" will be a showcase of some of the best of Trenton arts.
4th Annual Gingerbread Contest
Friday, December 4th
Art's Alive will be hosting its 4th Annual Holiday Gingerbread Contest during Trenton’s Downtown Christmas Festivities sponsored by Trenton Five Points Alive on Friday, December 4, 2025. Prizes will be awarded for each category, and visitors will cast their ballots for the prestigious People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced during the closing ceremonies.
Todd Oliver (and Irving the Talking Dog)
Ventriloquist
Friday, February 5th, 2027, 7 pm at Trenton PAC
As Irving the Talking Dog says, “You’ll be howling for more!” A nationally recognized ventriloquist and comedian, Todd Oliver puts on a family-friendly show full of laughter, magic, and music, featuring his talking dog Irving and a rotating cast of characters. Todd Oliver and his amazing talking dog are joined onstage by a rotating cast of animal performers and the ventriloquist’s characters. Todd’s friendly personality and clean humor make it a comedy act that all ages can enjoy. Todd adds to the fun with magic, music, and good-natured audience participation segments. Todd's act has appeared on national TV, including America's Got Talent and The Tonight Show.
Slow Leak -- A Local Favorite
Friday, March 5th, 2027, 7 pm at Trenton PAC
Slow Leak started as a traditional bluegrass band, pounding out old standards as well as a good dose of their own material. Now, years later, they have transformed into a sound all their own. Their shows are filled with acoustic harmonies, muddy rivers, and honest folk tunes crafted from heartbreak, happiness, triumphs, and tough times.
The band is composed of Cree Mullenix, guitar; Sean Cleary, dobro/guitar; Bob Gass, bass; Dirk Ellis, mandolin/guitar; and Travis Mullenix, guitar. Slow Leak’s unique musical style spans decades and genres, and its unpolished purity is reminiscent of down-home jams, roadhouse sessions, and simpler times.
Submitted by: Amy Guthrie; Arts Alive
