Fort Hays State University - Reveille Yearbook (Hays, KS)

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After 19 years, the Madrigal Dinner is A Christmastime Favorite Sounds of merriment and the aroma of wassail filled the Sunset Lounge, Dec. 3-5 as guests awaited the arrival of the lord and lady of the manor at the beginning of the Madrigal Dinner. Guests of Lord Stephen Larsen and his wife, Lady Diana, dined on a five-course meal while the Madrigal musicians and singers entertained. The English tradition of the Madrigal began in the 16th century when it was brought from Italy. Madrigal singing was originally an informal form of entertainment at castles and country homes. The Madrigals, which were popular around Christmas, were usually performed by the lords and ladies as they sat at dinner. The Fort Hays State Madrigal tradition began in 1964, with John Thorns, art department chairman, and Dr. Donald Stout, professor of music. After an addition to the Union was built, a series of ethnic gourmet dinners was organized, Thorns said. “When they wanted an English din- ner for the series, we suggested a Madrigal dinner for Christmastime.” Thorns said the first dinner was so successful that it has been con- tinued. However, some things since the first dinner have changed. For instance, the original ticket price was $2.50, which has increased to $15 a person. Wood said that although $15 might seem like a lot to pay for a Madrigal ticket, the event makes no profits. “We are self-supporting, but non-profit,” Wood said. Other aspects of the event, such By passing around the fruit and cheese, the Madrigal guests begin the Madrigal Dinner. as the meal, have also changed. Wood said the traditional turkey and dressing was originally served, but it was changed because of the creative limitations of that type of meal. “Now each person has his own game hen,” Wood said. Some things, however, are con- sistent with the university’s own Madrigal tradition. Thorns said the tapestry that hangs behind the head table was done by an art stu- dent in 1964. Although each night was sold out, Wood said he doubted if the number of nights would be increas- ed. “It’s a terrible drain on a lot of people,” Wood said. Wood said he estimated there were approximately 100 people working on the event. Along with the Madrigal singers, servants, cooks, musicians, a juggler, a court jester and a planning committee, the dinner was made into a reality for the 19th year. As she serves the Madrigal Dinner, Gina Montgmery stops to pick up the third course.

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When they wanted an English dinner for the series , we suggested a Madrigal dinner for Christmastime. John Thorns, art department chairman With much ceremony, the lord and lady of the manor are welcomed by a member of the Madrigal musicians. Brad Odette. JL Cnj|Vl A H iEm SSKdB ■ — 24 MADRIGAL DINNER Campus Life

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With names like John Cougar and Pat Benatar, T wo Concerts packed As always , it ' s a maybe , maybe not type of business. — David Brown , Director of Student Activities With hard hitting opening bands and solid main acts, the Memorial Union Activities Board Concert Committee reeled in two successes for a big catch in concert entertainment. Following a summer of hot pop singles, John Cougar was chosen for the Homecoming concert on Oct. 16. “As always, it’s a maybe, maybe not type of business,” David Brown, director of student ac- tivities, said. We had tried to ar- range other acts, but nothing worked out. Our agent suggested we hire an act with a solo fee,” Brown said. “It was either doing that or no concert, so we gave the go ahead, Brown said. The deci- sion was made by the concert com- mittee to attempt to get John Cougar, who, at the time was tour- ing with the band. Heart. The committee’s choice proved to be the correct one with the first sell out Homecoming concert ever. “It was the most successful show we’ve had numbers wise,” Brown said. I attribute that to Homecom- ing,” he added. Not taking time to catch their breath between concerts, the con- cert committee announced its con- cert with Pat Benatar. for Nov. 13 during the Cougar concert. Brown felt the concert reputation built through the committee, assisted Hays in booking the Benatar concert, which was one of the two college concerts given by her band on the tour. “The agency that arranged the Pat Benatar show, also deals with the J. Geils Band, which played here in the spring of 1982,” Brown said. “The agency wanted to arrange a show here because the previous ex- perience the agency had with us during the J. Geils Band concert was so positive,” Brown said. The performing style of Pat Benatar and John Cougar varied although their basic music styles were the same. Pat Benatar was a trained opera singer,” Brown said. “She’s a singer, so she came out and sang. She wanted to show her “On the Loose, in the United State . Micheal Sadler of the Canadian band. Saga, open for Pat Benatar. 26 CONCERTS Campus Life the House true musicianship. I think she felt the audience came to hear her sing not talk. John Cougar was just the opposite,” Brown said. The Johnny VanZant Band, which opened for John Cougar, was a veteran to the concert stage, while Saga, which warmed up for Pat Benatar is a newer act. Brown felt the opening acts were generally a success, although the choice was not left up to the concert commit- tee. “Many times we don’t have a choice. The agency decides, Brown said. Brown felt the au- dience reaction to opening acts was about the same. He said, “Con- sistently, some think an act was wonderful, and some think it was rotten.” Brown felt that Music Television was going to make a dif- ference in opening acts. “MTV is going to give the acts more ex- posure,” he said. “This will make the bands better known.” While belting out Fire and Ice. Pat Benatar give the near ell-out crowd a •olid performance. Balancing on hi guitarist ' shoulder , John Cougar gave the packed house the number one single, “Hurt so Good.