Live concert fundraiser planned for Hyart roof repairs

A live concert featuring Internet sensation Maddie Wilson and American Idol contestant Carmen Rasmusen is planned for Monday, Oct. 3, to raise funds for much needed roof repairs at the historic Hyart Theatre.Estimates to repair the damaged roof of the 66-year-old structure range from around $35,000 for a “short term” fix to $175,000 for a repair with a long-term guarantee.[caption id="attachment_11597" align="alignright" width="285"] A live concert featuring American Idol contestant Carmen Rasmussen is planned for Monday, Oct. 3, to raise funds for much needed roof repairs at the historic Hyart Theatre.
courtesy photo[/caption]Wilson, a country artist songwriter and self-described “Online influencer,” will perform her own brand of soulful country-crossover style of entertainment.Wilson has shared the stage with country stars like Chris Young, Lonestar and Danielle Bradery. She has performed at a number of famous Nashville venues, on live television and through Internet music providers like iTunes, Spotify and Pandora. She was a finalist in two national songwriting competitions.Wilson has a rapidly growing fan base on social media with more than 200,000 fans and followers.The second live act to perform is Carmen Rasmusen, also a country music singer and songwriter, who has been performing since the age of 5.  Rasmusen came to the public’s attention in 2003 when, as a senior in high school, she auditioned for the second season of American Idol, where judge Simon Cowell chose her as his “wildcard pick,” allowing her to remain in the competition, where she finished in sixth place.She released her first full-length album in 2004 entitled “Nothin’ Like the Summer” in 2007. She co-wrote several of the songs on the album.She also made television appearances on NBC’s Fear Factor as well as appearing in the movies “Pride and Prejudice” and “Down and Derby.”From June to October 2008 she and other former Idol contestants, performed at the Grand Palace in Branson, Mo.[caption id="attachment_11598" align="alignright" width="285"] A live concert featuring Internet sensation Maddie Wilson is planned for Monday, Oct. 3.[/caption]The Hyart Theatre was built in 1950. In recent years the familiar landmark has become a hub of activity in Lovell on movie and other performance nights. A number of fundraisers have kept the building and its equipment in relatively good repair, in part due to a tremendous tradition of community support that has developed over the years.Jack Brinkerhoff and others on the newly formed Big Horn Arts Council are spearheading the current fundraising campaign. Tickets for the concert can be reserved through www.bighornartscouncil.org. For more information, contact Brinkerhoff at jack@bighornartscouncil.org.Brinkerhoff said the repair project is becoming increasingly urgent, as the water from the leaking roof will continue to damage the interior of the theatre.

By Patti Carpenter