NEW YORK (AP) — 
CNN fired longtime host Don Lemon on Monday following his short and 
disastrous run as a morning show host, a little over two months after he
 apologized for <a href="https://apnews.com/article/don-lemon-nikki-haley-e40445ae824a56e3548c17a029a80775">on-air comments</a> about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley being past her prime.

The
 move quickly turned nasty. While CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht 
announced, after Lemon had co-hosted the show Monday, that they had <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNPR/status/1650535190568026113" target="_blank">“parted ways,”</a> Lemon characterized it as a firing and said it was surprise to him.

“After
 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have 
the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon said. CNN said that Lemon was 
given the opportunity to meet with management but released a statement 
on Twitter instead.

CNN offered no 
public explanation for Lemon’s dismissal. During a February discussion 
on “CNN This Morning” with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins 
about the ages of politicians, he said that the 51-year-old Haley was 
not “in her prime.” A woman, he said, was considered in her prime “in 
her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.”

Harlow challenged 
Lemon, trying to clarify what he was referencing: “I think we need to 
qualify. Are you talking about prime for childbearing or are you talking
 about prime for being president?”

“Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just saying what the facts are,” Lemon responded.

Lemon
 issued a statement the same day saying he regretted his “inartful and 
irrelevant” comments. He was subsequently absent from the show for three
 days, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-tv-nikki-haley-don-lemon-52be979ee7c3b95dbcddedf23683e98c">returning the following week</a> with a tweeted apology but no mention of the episode on air.

Haley,
 who had criticized Lemon’s statements as sexist and used the incident 
to fundraise in February, took to Twitter on Monday to call Lemon’s 
ouster “a great day for women everywhere,” linking to the beverage 
sleeves emblazoned with “Past my prime? Hold my beer.”

Lemon
 used to host the prime-time “Don Lemon Tonight” but moved when the 
network launched “CNN This Morning” last November, just before the U.S. 
midterm elections, as one of the first major programming moves under 
Licht.

NEW YORK (AP) — 
CNN fired longtime host Don Lemon on Monday following his short and 
disastrous run as a morning show host, a little over two months after he
 apologized for <a href="https://apnews.com/article/don-lemon-nikki-haley-e40445ae824a56e3548c17a029a80775">on-air comments</a> about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley being past her prime.The
 move quickly turned nasty. While CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht 
announced, after Lemon had co-hosted the show Monday, that they had <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNPR/status/1650535190568026113" target="_blank">“parted ways,”</a> Lemon characterized it as a firing and said it was surprise to him. “After
 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have 
the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon said. CNN said that Lemon was 
given the opportunity to meet with management but released a statement 
on Twitter instead.CNN offered no 
public explanation for Lemon’s dismissal. During a February discussion 
on “CNN This Morning” with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins 
about the ages of politicians, he said that the 51-year-old Haley was 
not “in her prime.” A woman, he said, was considered in her prime “in 
her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.”Harlow challenged 
Lemon, trying to clarify what he was referencing: “I think we need to 
qualify. Are you talking about prime for childbearing or are you talking
 about prime for being president?”“Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just saying what the facts are,” Lemon responded.Lemon
 issued a statement the same day saying he regretted his “inartful and 
irrelevant” comments. He was subsequently absent from the show for three
 days, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-tv-nikki-haley-don-lemon-52be979ee7c3b95dbcddedf23683e98c">returning the following week</a> with a tweeted apology but no mention of the episode on air.Haley,
 who had criticized Lemon’s statements as sexist and used the incident 
to fundraise in February, took to Twitter on Monday to call Lemon’s 
ouster “a great day for women everywhere,” linking to the beverage 
sleeves emblazoned with “Past my prime? Hold my beer.”Lemon
 used to host the prime-time “Don Lemon Tonight” but moved when the 
network launched “CNN This Morning” last November, just before the U.S. 
midterm elections, as one of the first major programming moves under 
Licht.

Lemon fired from CNN after divisive morning show run

NEW YORK (AP) — Fox News said Monday it has “agreed to part ways” with Tucker Carlson, its popular and controversial host, less than a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-lawsuit-trial-trump-2020-0ac71f75acfacc52ea80b3e747fb0afe">settling a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;over the network's 2020 election reporting.

The network said in a press release that the last program of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” aired Friday.

“We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” the press release from the network said.

Carlson became Fox’s most popular personality after replacing Bill O’Reilly in Fox’s prime-time lineup in 2016. He’s also consistently drawn headline for controversial coverage, including most recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-tucker-carlson-capitol-riot-mccarthy-adc245e22f50b076925eb72948062808">airing tapes from the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection</a>&nbsp;to minimize the impact of the deadly attack.

There was no immediate explanation from Fox about why Carlson was leaving. A text message to Carlson seeking comment was not immediately returned.

Fox agreed last week to pay Dominion Voting Systems more than $787 million and acknowledged that some of its reporting following the 2020 election — which allowed former President Donald Trump's aides to amplify false charges of election fraud — was incorrect.

But that reporting mostly concerned other shows, not Carlson’s. His name did come up during the case, primarily because of email and text messages that were revealed as part of the lawsuit.

Carlson and other Fox hosts were caught in private messages doubting their own network's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-lawsuit-trial-explainer-trump-fbd401a951905879d837a8860b3bec5e">allegations about Dominion's role</a>&nbsp;in the supposed election fraud, while also being concerned that Fox was losing audience among Trump fans at the time. In some of them, Carlson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tucker-carlson-fox-news-murdoch-capitol-attack-96c305cf4046aaf373130876940fd06e">privately criticized Trump,</a>&nbsp;saying he hated him passionately.

A few weeks ago, Carlson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-trial-trump-carlson-election-f580413e13d1bfaea1e94827a4f35dc1">devoted his entire show</a>&nbsp;to an interview with Trump.

Carlson was recently named in a lawsuit filed by Abby Grossberg, a Fox News producer fired after claiming that Fox lawyers had pressured her to give misleading testimony in the Dominion lawsuit. Grossberg had gone to work for Carlson after leaving Maria Bartiromo's Fox show.

Her lawsuit says that Grossberg learned “she had merely traded in one overtly misogynistic work environment for an event crueler one — this time, one where unprofessionalism reigned supreme, and the staff’s distaste and disdain for women infiltrated almost every workday decision.”

Fox has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-defamation-lawsuit-voting-sexism-9f0b4ec94a19fa68c1205864fef277c5">countered with its own lawsuit,</a>&nbsp;trying to bar Grossberg from disclosing confidential discussions with Fox attorneys and saying in a statement that “her allegations in connection with the Dominion case are baseless.”

“Fox News Tonight” will air in Carlson's 8 p.m. ET prime-time slot, hosted by a rotating array of network personalities, for the time being.

NEW YORK (AP) — Fox News said Monday it has “agreed to part ways” with Tucker Carlson, its popular and controversial host, less than a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-lawsuit-trial-trump-2020-0ac71f75acfacc52ea80b3e747fb0afe">settling a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;over the network's 2020 election reporting.The network said in a press release that the last program of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” aired Friday.“We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” the press release from the network said.Carlson became Fox’s most popular personality after replacing Bill O’Reilly in Fox’s prime-time lineup in 2016. He’s also consistently drawn headline for controversial coverage, including most recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-tucker-carlson-capitol-riot-mccarthy-adc245e22f50b076925eb72948062808">airing tapes from the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection</a>&nbsp;to minimize the impact of the deadly attack.There was no immediate explanation from Fox about why Carlson was leaving. A text message to Carlson seeking comment was not immediately returned.Fox agreed last week to pay Dominion Voting Systems more than $787 million and acknowledged that some of its reporting following the 2020 election — which allowed former President Donald Trump's aides to amplify false charges of election fraud — was incorrect.But that reporting mostly concerned other shows, not Carlson’s. His name did come up during the case, primarily because of email and text messages that were revealed as part of the lawsuit.Carlson and other Fox hosts were caught in private messages doubting their own network's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-lawsuit-trial-explainer-trump-fbd401a951905879d837a8860b3bec5e">allegations about Dominion's role</a>&nbsp;in the supposed election fraud, while also being concerned that Fox was losing audience among Trump fans at the time. In some of them, Carlson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tucker-carlson-fox-news-murdoch-capitol-attack-96c305cf4046aaf373130876940fd06e">privately criticized Trump,</a>&nbsp;saying he hated him passionately.A few weeks ago, Carlson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-trial-trump-carlson-election-f580413e13d1bfaea1e94827a4f35dc1">devoted his entire show</a>&nbsp;to an interview with Trump.Carlson was recently named in a lawsuit filed by Abby Grossberg, a Fox News producer fired after claiming that Fox lawyers had pressured her to give misleading testimony in the Dominion lawsuit. Grossberg had gone to work for Carlson after leaving Maria Bartiromo's Fox show.Her lawsuit says that Grossberg learned “she had merely traded in one overtly misogynistic work environment for an event crueler one — this time, one where unprofessionalism reigned supreme, and the staff’s distaste and disdain for women infiltrated almost every workday decision.”Fox has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-dominion-defamation-lawsuit-voting-sexism-9f0b4ec94a19fa68c1205864fef277c5">countered with its own lawsuit,</a>&nbsp;trying to bar Grossberg from disclosing confidential discussions with Fox attorneys and saying in a statement that “her allegations in connection with the Dominion case are baseless.”“Fox News Tonight” will air in Carlson's 8 p.m. ET prime-time slot, hosted by a rotating array of network personalities, for the time being.

Tucker Carlson, Fox News' most popular host, out at network

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about recent scam activity in the area along with prevention tips.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Sheriff shares information about recent scam activity in the area" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2kc54-13d67b6-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about recent scam activity in the area along with prevention tips.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff shares information about recent scam activity in the area

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

What started in 2012, the Great Bend Airfest will be back for a fifth time next fall. Well over a year from the next show, Great Bend Municipal Airport Manager Martin Miller has started reaching out to performers and a final wish list of talent will go out later this summer. Miller said the idea of organizing a show of this magnitude is to find something that will entertain all ages. "Shockwave was a big deal," said Miller. "The Golden Knights were a big deal. The night show was a big deal. I'm watching the shows right now that are going on this season and keeping track of performers that are a little bit different or the same." Organized every three years, the 2021 Airfest saw just over 9,000 spectators attend the three-day event. Great Bend has been able to recruit national performers in the past, something Miller said is easier because of the setup. "The most consistent thought these performers had last time was they like a show like Great Bend, a smaller show, so much better than the big shows," said Miller. "In the big shows, they'll park the performers a mile away on an apron. The audience doesn't get to see them until it's airshow time. They like interacting with people, so that's an advantage." Miller added Great Bend will relook at ticket prices for the 2024 event after selling tickets for $10 in 2021. The show three years ago cost approximately $185,000 to put together, while receiving roughly $180,000 in sponsorships and admission.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637104431329.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhat started in 2012, the Great Bend Airfest will be back for a fifth time next fall. Well over a year from the next show, Great Bend Municipal Airport Manager Martin Miller has started reaching out to performers and a final wish list of talent will go out later this summer. Miller said the idea of organizing a show of this magnitude is to find something that will entertain all ages. "Shockwave was a big deal," said Miller. "The Golden Knights were a big deal. The night show was a big deal. I'm watching the shows right now that are going on this season and keeping track of performers that are a little bit different or the same." Organized every three years, the 2021 Airfest saw just over 9,000 spectators attend the three-day event. Great Bend has been able to recruit national performers in the past, something Miller said is easier because of the setup. "The most consistent thought these performers had last time was they like a show like Great Bend, a smaller show, so much better than the big shows," said Miller. "In the big shows, they'll park the performers a mile away on an apron. The audience doesn't get to see them until it's airshow time. They like interacting with people, so that's an advantage." Miller added Great Bend will relook at ticket prices for the 2024 event after selling tickets for $10 in 2021. The show three years ago cost approximately $185,000 to put together, while receiving roughly $180,000 in sponsorships and admission.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Planning underway for 5th Great Bend Airfest in 2024

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

In Ari Aster's new film “ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuiWDn976Ek">Beau is Afraid</a>,” Joaquin Phoenix plays an anxious man in a rotten world who goes on a wildly weird journey, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beau-is-afraid-review-ari-aster-joaquin-phoenix-38535c76e687d09fc95361f45663d3fd">both Homeric and Oedipal</a>, to his mother's home.

It's
 theatrical and depraved and perhaps best left largely unexplained, at 
least until audiences get a chance to enter the debate. But on the eve 
of the film's wide release Friday, Aster and Phoenix attempt to shed 
some light on “whatever this is,” male pattern baldness and things 
better left unsaid.

Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.

AP: What gave you the confidence to make “Beau” now?

ASTER: <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ari-aster-beau-is-afraid-0af9d7c72a04ba828250ac40dedaaf78">I’ve wanted to make it for a long time</a>.
 I think I just felt that maybe I might actually be granted the green 
light now. And I was, which is still a surprise. I also just wanted to 
make something funny and sad.

AP: Joaquin, your schedule was 
already quite busy with Todd Phillips' “Joker” sequel and Ridley Scott’s
 “Napoleon” — why did you want to make time for this?

PHOENIX: 
That’s what I do. You always work it out. And I didn’t know what it 
would be, but in having conversations with Ari, I kept just being 
curious and I enjoyed talking to him. At some point it was like let’s 
just start shooting and see what happens. But I didn’t really have any 
expectations other than I thought that it would be challenging.

AP: I’m always reticent to ask about process, especially in a movie like this where maybe it’s better not to know.

PHOENIX:
 I don’t know the f——-g process either. It’s a mystery to me, but you 
just start. I mean, one of the first things that Ari and I did, we 
talked a great length about the hair. That was just our way in for 
whatever reason. So months in advance, like, like six months or 
something, Ari was in L.A. and we worked with someone in the hair 
department and we kind of just started playing with what look might 
work. Then we get into costumes and Ari had this great idea that Beau 
should have oversize clothing. And I just thought that was a great idea.
 I love things that are tactile that I can feel and put on. That starts 
having an effect on things. And then, I don’t know, we just talk 
endlessly. I don’t even remember what we talked about. Probably a lot 
about balding.

ASTER:
 Well, yeah ... We knew there was male pattern baldness. We just didn’t 
know to what extent. Like, is he, totally bald? What was the color of 
the hair, you know, if there is any.

PHOENIX:
 He’s somebody who’s constantly being tested. It’s really about 
identifying his nature, like who he was because everything about the 
world is trying to get him to react. And there’s something so good about
 him in some way, and it’s something that’s not jaded. But he also 
doesn’t realize how absurd this world is. And what was really important 
to us is that I played it as straight as possible. These things, this 
danger really does exist. And he doesn’t ever really stop and say, hold 
on a sec, this is f——-g crazy. Something is going on, right? I just 
think that was really important in getting to what his true nature is, 
which is kind of what (his mother) Mona is trying to do. She kind of 
fears that genetically he has something ... or, should I not?

ASTER:
 It was very important that Beau be very, very real and whatever he is 
experiencing be very, very real. It’s a very heightened performance, but
 it’s also very grounded. That was really necessary because the world is
 so arch and almost cartoonishly malign. The world of Beau is supposed 
to be a mirror of this world, like it’s horrible in all the same ways 
but with the dial turned up. I think that would have been unbearable, 
especially at this length, if you didn’t have somebody that you could 
kind of hold onto somebody who is a very effective surrogate whoever the
 audience is. A lot of the conversations were about just making this guy
 real enough. How do we have this guy be of this world and at the same 
time be (five-second pause) uh, real and authentic.

PHOENIX: You see what I’m saying? This is what it was for a month leading up to shooting.

ASTER: Only, you know, mercifully no cameras for posterity.

AP:
 The world around Beau is wild, especially in the nightmarish city where
 he lives full of incredible vulgarity and depravity, from the graffiti 
to the store signs. I read Ari was the architect of a lot of those 
details.

ASTER: That was just happening on automatic. Just bring a notepad, you know what I mean?

PHOENIX: Just talking, giving direction and then just, like, writing the most putrid thoughts.

ASTER: Because the world was invented, it gave me license to throw in things that make me laugh.

AP:
 People have made a big deal about this being the most expensive film 
A24 has made, which makes it seem like it’s some $200 million superhero 
movie when it’s really much more modest than that according to the 
reported numbers.

ASTER:
 That is right. It was my biggest budget. “Midsommar” was $10 million 
and “Hereditary” was $5 million. But this was a much, much bigger film. 
In some ways it kind of felt like we had the same kinds of resources for
 what we were trying to do, which means that, you know, we had to 
stretch every dollar. And if ever we fell behind on one day, it was 
very, very stressful because we would have to make up for another day, 
which was already packed with stuff we had to do. There were a lot of 
limitations. But those can be good. It puts you into problem solving 
mode. It’s hardest on the crew.

PHOENIX: You work on weekends, you
 work through lunches. There’s something in some way that’s great about 
it because it forces you to constantly focus on work. There’s no fat. 
There is no time to just relax. It probably creates an energy that the 
film captures.

AP: Before “Hereditary.” <a href="https://apnews.com/article/97920f54401243ddaeeff1a7bfb8210a">you said were feeling a little cynical about Hollywood</a>. Has your perspective changed after your successes?

ASTER: I’m not sure what I said about Hollywood. Hollywood is ...

ASTER:
 Yeah. Wait, Hollywood is hell on earth, what are we talking about? It’s
 the worst place in the world. But no, I love it. I’ve been very 
fortunate in that right out of the gate I had this relationship with 
A24. That’s been a really wonderful thing in my life. The fact that I 
was able to make whatever this thing is right now is pretty wonderful. I
 have no complaints. Was that a good answer?

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PuiWDn976Ek"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film WriterIn Ari Aster's new film “ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuiWDn976Ek">Beau is Afraid</a>,” Joaquin Phoenix plays an anxious man in a rotten world who goes on a wildly weird journey, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beau-is-afraid-review-ari-aster-joaquin-phoenix-38535c76e687d09fc95361f45663d3fd">both Homeric and Oedipal</a>, to his mother's home.It's
 theatrical and depraved and perhaps best left largely unexplained, at 
least until audiences get a chance to enter the debate. But on the eve 
of the film's wide release Friday, Aster and Phoenix attempt to shed 
some light on “whatever this is,” male pattern baldness and things 
better left unsaid.Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.AP: What gave you the confidence to make “Beau” now?ASTER: <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ari-aster-beau-is-afraid-0af9d7c72a04ba828250ac40dedaaf78">I’ve wanted to make it for a long time</a>.
 I think I just felt that maybe I might actually be granted the green 
light now. And I was, which is still a surprise. I also just wanted to 
make something funny and sad.AP: Joaquin, your schedule was 
already quite busy with Todd Phillips' “Joker” sequel and Ridley Scott’s
 “Napoleon” — why did you want to make time for this?PHOENIX: 
That’s what I do. You always work it out. And I didn’t know what it 
would be, but in having conversations with Ari, I kept just being 
curious and I enjoyed talking to him. At some point it was like let’s 
just start shooting and see what happens. But I didn’t really have any 
expectations other than I thought that it would be challenging.AP: I’m always reticent to ask about process, especially in a movie like this where maybe it’s better not to know.PHOENIX:
 I don’t know the f——-g process either. It’s a mystery to me, but you 
just start. I mean, one of the first things that Ari and I did, we 
talked a great length about the hair. That was just our way in for 
whatever reason. So months in advance, like, like six months or 
something, Ari was in L.A. and we worked with someone in the hair 
department and we kind of just started playing with what look might 
work. Then we get into costumes and Ari had this great idea that Beau 
should have oversize clothing. And I just thought that was a great idea.
 I love things that are tactile that I can feel and put on. That starts 
having an effect on things. And then, I don’t know, we just talk 
endlessly. I don’t even remember what we talked about. Probably a lot 
about balding.ASTER: Yeah.PHOENIX. And testicles.ASTER:
 Well, yeah ... We knew there was male pattern baldness. We just didn’t 
know to what extent. Like, is he, totally bald? What was the color of 
the hair, you know, if there is any.AP: Who is Beau to you?PHOENIX:
 He’s somebody who’s constantly being tested. It’s really about 
identifying his nature, like who he was because everything about the 
world is trying to get him to react. And there’s something so good about
 him in some way, and it’s something that’s not jaded. But he also 
doesn’t realize how absurd this world is. And what was really important 
to us is that I played it as straight as possible. These things, this 
danger really does exist. And he doesn’t ever really stop and say, hold 
on a sec, this is f——-g crazy. Something is going on, right? I just 
think that was really important in getting to what his true nature is, 
which is kind of what (his mother) Mona is trying to do. She kind of 
fears that genetically he has something ... or, should I not?ASTER: I guess maybe?PHOENIX: I’ll just stop.ASTER: No, no, no. Well, maybe.PHOENIX: You’re right, never mind.ASTER:
 It was very important that Beau be very, very real and whatever he is 
experiencing be very, very real. It’s a very heightened performance, but
 it’s also very grounded. That was really necessary because the world is
 so arch and almost cartoonishly malign. The world of Beau is supposed 
to be a mirror of this world, like it’s horrible in all the same ways 
but with the dial turned up. I think that would have been unbearable, 
especially at this length, if you didn’t have somebody that you could 
kind of hold onto somebody who is a very effective surrogate whoever the
 audience is. A lot of the conversations were about just making this guy
 real enough. How do we have this guy be of this world and at the same 
time be (five-second pause) uh, real and authentic.PHOENIX: You see what I’m saying? This is what it was for a month leading up to shooting.ASTER: Only, you know, mercifully no cameras for posterity.AP:
 The world around Beau is wild, especially in the nightmarish city where
 he lives full of incredible vulgarity and depravity, from the graffiti 
to the store signs. I read Ari was the architect of a lot of those 
details.PHOENIX: It’s very easy for him.ASTER: That was just happening on automatic. Just bring a notepad, you know what I mean?PHOENIX: Just talking, giving direction and then just, like, writing the most putrid thoughts.ASTER: Because the world was invented, it gave me license to throw in things that make me laugh.AP:
 People have made a big deal about this being the most expensive film 
A24 has made, which makes it seem like it’s some $200 million superhero 
movie when it’s really much more modest than that according to the 
reported numbers.ASTER: What are the reported numbers?AP: I read $35 million.ASTER:
 That is right. It was my biggest budget. “Midsommar” was $10 million 
and “Hereditary” was $5 million. But this was a much, much bigger film. 
In some ways it kind of felt like we had the same kinds of resources for
 what we were trying to do, which means that, you know, we had to 
stretch every dollar. And if ever we fell behind on one day, it was 
very, very stressful because we would have to make up for another day, 
which was already packed with stuff we had to do. There were a lot of 
limitations. But those can be good. It puts you into problem solving 
mode. It’s hardest on the crew.PHOENIX: You work on weekends, you
 work through lunches. There’s something in some way that’s great about 
it because it forces you to constantly focus on work. There’s no fat. 
There is no time to just relax. It probably creates an energy that the 
film captures.AP: Before “Hereditary.” <a href="https://apnews.com/article/97920f54401243ddaeeff1a7bfb8210a">you said were feeling a little cynical about Hollywood</a>. Has your perspective changed after your successes?ASTER: I’m not sure what I said about Hollywood. Hollywood is ...PHOENIX: Hollywood is great.ASTER:
 Yeah. Wait, Hollywood is hell on earth, what are we talking about? It’s
 the worst place in the world. But no, I love it. I’ve been very 
fortunate in that right out of the gate I had this relationship with 
A24. That’s been a really wonderful thing in my life. The fact that I 
was able to make whatever this thing is right now is pretty wonderful. I
 have no complaints. Was that a good answer?PHOENIX: It was interesting.ASTER: Thanks.

🎥 Q&A: Aster, Phoenix try to discuss ‘Beau is Afraid

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Rodeo team members Morgan Kessler and Kayler Getz discuss the upcoming FHSU Rodeo, set for April 20-22.

<div><iframe title="FHSU Rodeo moves to new location for annual event" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=u5vux-13e8809-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Rodeo team members Morgan Kessler and Kayler Getz discuss the upcoming FHSU Rodeo, set for April 20-22.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Rodeo moves to new location for annual event

By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre will present Blues Traveler on April 25 and tickets are going fast.&nbsp;

Blues
 Traveler has released a total of&nbsp;14 studio albums, four of which have 
gone gold, three platinum, and one six-times platinum- selling more than
 10 million&nbsp;combined units worldwide. &nbsp;

Over an illustrious career, Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people. &nbsp;

"This
 will be their [Blues Traveler] first time performing at the Fox," Josh 
Davies, Fox Theatre Executive &amp; Technical Director, said. "It is 
incredibly exciting to have a band like Blues Traveler perform on our 
stage, especially since they’ve made it the first stop on their current 
tour."

1994’s “Run-Around,” had the longest-charting radio single 
in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy for “Best Rock 
Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Their latest album Travelers Blues,
 by Round Hill Records, was released in 2021 and featured reimagined and
 recharged classics from the American blues songbook, as well as a few 
surprises. &nbsp;

The group’s first official blues album was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Traditional Blues Album” in 2022. &nbsp;

Their&nbsp;movie credits include “Blues Brothers 2000,” “Kingpin,” “Wildflowers,” and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A
 television favorite, they have been featured on “Saturday Night Live,” 
“Austin City Limits,” “VH1's Behind the Music”&nbsp;and they&nbsp;hold the record 
for the most appearances of any artist on “The Late Show with David 
Letterman." 

Tickets range from $58 to $78 and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hutchinsonfox.com/" target="_blank">hutchinsonfox.com</a>, by phone at 877-FOX-SHOW, or in-person at the Fox Theatre box office.

The Fox Theatre is located at 18 E. 1st Ave., open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671835265952.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre will be Blues Traveler's first stop in their current tour. [Photo: Judd Weil] " />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre will be Blues Traveler's first stop in their current tour. [Photo: Judd Weil] </figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre will present Blues Traveler on April 25 and tickets are going fast.&nbsp;Blues
 Traveler has released a total of&nbsp;14 studio albums, four of which have 
gone gold, three platinum, and one six-times platinum- selling more than
 10 million&nbsp;combined units worldwide. &nbsp;Over an illustrious career, Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people. &nbsp;"This
 will be their [Blues Traveler] first time performing at the Fox," Josh 
Davies, Fox Theatre Executive &amp; Technical Director, said. "It is 
incredibly exciting to have a band like Blues Traveler perform on our 
stage, especially since they’ve made it the first stop on their current 
tour."1994’s “Run-Around,” had the longest-charting radio single 
in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy for “Best Rock 
Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Their latest album Travelers Blues,
 by Round Hill Records, was released in 2021 and featured reimagined and
 recharged classics from the American blues songbook, as well as a few 
surprises. &nbsp;The group’s first official blues album was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Traditional Blues Album” in 2022. &nbsp;Their&nbsp;movie credits include “Blues Brothers 2000,” “Kingpin,” “Wildflowers,” and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;A
 television favorite, they have been featured on “Saturday Night Live,” 
“Austin City Limits,” “VH1's Behind the Music”&nbsp;and they&nbsp;hold the record 
for the most appearances of any artist on “The Late Show with David 
Letterman." Tickets range from $58 to $78 and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hutchinsonfox.com/" target="_blank">hutchinsonfox.com</a>, by phone at 877-FOX-SHOW, or in-person at the Fox Theatre box office. The Fox Theatre is located at 18 E. 1st Ave., open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..&nbsp;&nbsp;The show will start at 8 p.m. &nbsp;

Blues Traveler playing Hutch's Fox Theatre for first time

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ultimate rock and roll tribute band Hairball will 
perform at the Kansas State Fair, Thursday, Sept. 14. 2023.&nbsp;This is 
Hairball’s 23rd year of rocking hundreds of thousands of fans across the
 country.&nbsp;​

Hairball is known for their high-energy, electrifying 
performances that pay tribute to some of the greatest rock bands of all 
time,&nbsp;including&nbsp;Kiss, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Queen,&nbsp;Aerosmith&nbsp;and more.
 With their impressive array of costumes, stage props,&nbsp;and pyrotechnics,
 Hairball is sure to deliver an unforgettable show that will leave 
audiences wanting more.&nbsp;​​

It’s been said that “a band puts on a 
concert - Hairball puts on an event!” Vocalists Joe Dandy, Kris Vox, and
 Dave Moody lead&nbsp;the band through a 2+ hour mind-blowing, drop-dead 
accurate homage to some of the biggest arena acts in the world. 
The&nbsp;Hairball stage becomes an entirely new rock concert before your 
very&nbsp;eyes&nbsp;countless times throughout the night.&nbsp;​Tickets go on sale at 8
 a.m. Friday, April 21&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=2541fd3283&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com.</a> Anyone
 signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get&nbsp;access to tickets with a
 presale code, starting 8 a.m. Thursday, April 20. Sign up for 
emails&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=caff27f52f&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates</a>​​

The show will be Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;​

Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $30.&nbsp;

There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:​ &nbsp;

Party
 alongside the 2023 Grandstand artists! The Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit
 gives concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor,&nbsp;located right in
 front of the stage. Each ticket is $40.&nbsp;​ Metal &amp; Soul Patio​

Get
 all your friends close to the stage! Reserve a table on our Metal &amp;
 Soul Patio to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. 
Each&nbsp;table is $350.​

Metal &amp; Soul Patio with VIP Experience​

Want
 the ultimate VIP treatment? In addition to a reserved table for six on 
the Metal &amp; Soul Patio, this package provides three beverage&nbsp;coupons
 per person, complimentary food within the VIP seating area prior to the
 show, 2 VIP parking passes, and early entrance to the&nbsp;Grandstand. Each 
table with VIP experience is $500.​

NOTE: Each grandstand ticket 
will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of
 event only. Some&nbsp;exclusions apply. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=ab4a8d59c0&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more.​

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=d02caf6734&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-fair</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e759f727c7&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">(620) 669-3618.</a>&nbsp;​

2023 Kansas State Fair Nex-Tech Grandstand Acts (so far!):​

The Nex-Tech Grandstand is sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless and Nex-Tech.​

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681740379888.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ultimate rock and roll tribute band Hairball will 
perform at the Kansas State Fair, Thursday, Sept. 14. 2023.&nbsp;This is 
Hairball’s 23rd year of rocking hundreds of thousands of fans across the
 country.&nbsp;​Hairball is known for their high-energy, electrifying 
performances that pay tribute to some of the greatest rock bands of all 
time,&nbsp;including&nbsp;Kiss, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Queen,&nbsp;Aerosmith&nbsp;and more.
 With their impressive array of costumes, stage props,&nbsp;and pyrotechnics,
 Hairball is sure to deliver an unforgettable show that will leave 
audiences wanting more.&nbsp;​​It’s been said that “a band puts on a 
concert - Hairball puts on an event!” Vocalists Joe Dandy, Kris Vox, and
 Dave Moody lead&nbsp;the band through a 2+ hour mind-blowing, drop-dead 
accurate homage to some of the biggest arena acts in the world. 
The&nbsp;Hairball stage becomes an entirely new rock concert before your 
very&nbsp;eyes&nbsp;countless times throughout the night.&nbsp;​Tickets go on sale at 8
 a.m. Friday, April 21&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=2541fd3283&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com.</a> Anyone
 signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get&nbsp;access to tickets with a
 presale code, starting 8 a.m. Thursday, April 20. Sign up for 
emails&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=caff27f52f&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates</a>​​The show will be Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;​Ticket Options:​Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $30.&nbsp; There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:​ &nbsp;Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit​Party
 alongside the 2023 Grandstand artists! The Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit
 gives concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor,&nbsp;located right in
 front of the stage. Each ticket is $40.&nbsp;​ Metal &amp; Soul Patio​Get
 all your friends close to the stage! Reserve a table on our Metal &amp;
 Soul Patio to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. 
Each&nbsp;table is $350.​Metal &amp; Soul Patio with VIP Experience​Want
 the ultimate VIP treatment? In addition to a reserved table for six on 
the Metal &amp; Soul Patio, this package provides three beverage&nbsp;coupons
 per person, complimentary food within the VIP seating area prior to the
 show, 2 VIP parking passes, and early entrance to the&nbsp;Grandstand. Each 
table with VIP experience is $500.​NOTE: Each grandstand ticket 
will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of
 event only. Some&nbsp;exclusions apply. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=ab4a8d59c0&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more.​To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=d02caf6734&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-fair</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e759f727c7&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">(620) 669-3618.</a>&nbsp;​2023 Kansas State Fair Nex-Tech Grandstand Acts (so far!):​<ol>
 <li>Friday, Sept. 8&nbsp;– NEEDTOBREATHE​</li><li>Saturday, Sept. 9&nbsp;– Carly Pearce with Megan Moroney​</li><li>Sunday, Sept. 10 – Rob Schneider with Byron Kennedy</li><li>Wednesday, Sept. 13 – Matthew West with Anne Wilson</li><li>Thursday, Sept. 14&nbsp;– Hairball&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>The Nex-Tech Grandstand is sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless and Nex-Tech.​

Hairball Will Rock the Kansas State Fair September 14 

On this episode of the Post Podcast Jonathan Foster discuss his music and upcoming Hays performance with The KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.

<div><iframe title="Jonathan Foster to perform in Hays April 21" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ha66y-13e259d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Jonathan Foster discuss his music and upcoming Hays performance with The KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.

🎙 Post Podcast: Jonathan Foster to perform in Hays April 21

DODGE CITY—United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks LLC, is excited to announce the official 2023 Dodge City Days Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29, featuring Billboard Country Artist chart-topper Chris Young and special guest, Tenille Arts.

 Multi-platinum global entertainer Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, over 5 billion on-demand streams, 13 career No. 1 singles, 24 R.I.A.A. certified projects and numerous ACM, AMA, CMA and Grammy nominations, as well as wins for Performance of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards.

These accomplishments and more landed the RCA Records Nashville artist among Billboard’s top country artists of the decade. 

Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by&nbsp; the Associated Press, Young is an international ambassador&nbsp; for country music, performing to capacity crowds around&nbsp; the world.

With a hit-packed set that highlights his 13 chart-toppers — including back-to-back No. 1s “Famous Friends” and “At The End Of A Bar” — the Grammy and ACM nominated vocalist’s most recent headlining tour played to over 400,000 fans in three countries.

In a world of dreams, Tenille Arts has seen more come true in the last couple of years than even she could have imagined, and the latest of which is the release of her new full-length album "Girl To Girl."

Born and raised in the small Canadian prairie town of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Tenille Arts’ dream of performing took root at the tender age of 8.

A neighbor overheard her singing a Shania Twain song in her backyard and encouraged her mom to help her pursue music. After years of honing her craft and touring across Canada, Arts began making the long trip to Nashville to advance her songwriting skills.

Arts released her full-length album Rebel Child in October 2017, having written 10 of the 11 songs. It debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Canada Top Country Album Chart, No. 12 on the All-Genres Chart and reached No. 17 in the United States. 

The last 18 months have been a whirlwind for Arts. She was inducted into the prestigious CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2021 and named one of the five 2021 CRS New Faces of Country Music.

This year, she was nominated for the ACM New Female Artist of the Year, iHeart Radio Music Awards Best New Country Artist. Her “Back Then, Right Now” single led to CMT Music Awards nominations for Female Video of the Year and Breakthrough Video of the Year. Media has also caught on to Tenille Arts. She performed 

“Back Then, Right Now” on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in January and has appeared on "The TODAY Show" and has been featured in People, Bustle, Entertainment Tonight, Hollywood Life, Forbes and Extra.

Rolling Stone named her one of their “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know,” calling her “An edgy, Fearless-era Taylor Swift with crystalline vocals; ideal for hopeless romantics who are fire signs.” 


Tickets for Chris Young with Tenille Arts are on sale now. Prices for tickets are $49, $69, or $89 depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the United Wireless Arena Ticket Office or online through <a href="http://TicketMaster.com">TicketMaster.com</a>. Handicapped seating needs to be requested directly through the Arena Ticket Office. United Wireless Arena is an exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee validity of tickets purchased through a third-party.

SubmittedDODGE CITY—United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks LLC, is excited to announce the official 2023 Dodge City Days Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29, featuring Billboard Country Artist chart-topper Chris Young and special guest, Tenille Arts. Multi-platinum global entertainer Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, over 5 billion on-demand streams, 13 career No. 1 singles, 24 R.I.A.A. certified projects and numerous ACM, AMA, CMA and Grammy nominations, as well as wins for Performance of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards.These accomplishments and more landed the RCA Records Nashville artist among Billboard’s top country artists of the decade. Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by&nbsp; the Associated Press, Young is an international ambassador&nbsp; for country music, performing to capacity crowds around&nbsp; the world.With a hit-packed set that highlights his 13 chart-toppers — including back-to-back No. 1s “Famous Friends” and “At The End Of A Bar” — the Grammy and ACM nominated vocalist’s most recent headlining tour played to over 400,000 fans in three countries.In a world of dreams, Tenille Arts has seen more come true in the last couple of years than even she could have imagined, and the latest of which is the release of her new full-length album "Girl To Girl."Born and raised in the small Canadian prairie town of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Tenille Arts’ dream of performing took root at the tender age of 8.A neighbor overheard her singing a Shania Twain song in her backyard and encouraged her mom to help her pursue music. After years of honing her craft and touring across Canada, Arts began making the long trip to Nashville to advance her songwriting skills.Arts released her full-length album Rebel Child in October 2017, having written 10 of the 11 songs. It debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Canada Top Country Album Chart, No. 12 on the All-Genres Chart and reached No. 17 in the United States. The last 18 months have been a whirlwind for Arts. She was inducted into the prestigious CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2021 and named one of the five 2021 CRS New Faces of Country Music.This year, she was nominated for the ACM New Female Artist of the Year, iHeart Radio Music Awards Best New Country Artist. Her “Back Then, Right Now” single led to CMT Music Awards nominations for Female Video of the Year and Breakthrough Video of the Year. Media has also caught on to Tenille Arts. She performed “Back Then, Right Now” on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in January and has appeared on "The TODAY Show" and has been featured in People, Bustle, Entertainment Tonight, Hollywood Life, Forbes and Extra.Rolling Stone named her one of their “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know,” calling her “An edgy, Fearless-era Taylor Swift with crystalline vocals; ideal for hopeless romantics who are fire signs.” 
Tickets for Chris Young with Tenille Arts are on sale now. Prices for tickets are $49, $69, or $89 depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes.Tickets can be purchased by visiting the United Wireless Arena Ticket Office or online through <a href="http://TicketMaster.com">TicketMaster.com</a>. Handicapped seating needs to be requested directly through the Arena Ticket Office. United Wireless Arena is an exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee validity of tickets purchased through a third-party. Cover image courtesy of Pixabay.

Dodge City Days concert to feature Chris Young

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22The%20Associated%20Press%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By The Associated Press</a>

Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music and video game platforms this week.

—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuWEEKeJLMI">“Cocaine Bear”</a>&nbsp;was technically inspired by a true story — a 1985 plane crash that scattered some $2 million worth of cocaine across Georgia hillsides and resulted in the death of a 175-pound black bear, who overdosed. The film, however, is pure fantasy about what might have happened if the bear went on a coke rampage instead of dying. After its wild trailer went viral, the R-rated pic directed by Elizabeth Banks and starring Keri Russell and O’Shea Jackson Jr. left audiences somewhat divided. Some thought it a B-movie delight,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/film-reviews-entertainment-bears-tv-a714bb5e5762d84d93996f0fc18d12dc">others were left cold by the excess.</a>&nbsp;And starting on Friday, via Peacock, you can access it at home to decide for yourself.

— Katie Holmes directs and stars in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E8M1bXkne4">“Rare Objects,”</a>&nbsp;an adaptation of a novel by Kathleen Tessaro about a woman with a traumatic past trying to rebuild her life starting with a new job at a New York antique shop. Holmes has been working on making this film since 2016, and her adaptation moves the story from its Depression-era Boston origins to contemporary New York. In an interview with Variety, Holmes said she was drawn “to the female friendship and this metaphor of ‘you are more beautiful for having been broken.’” The film opens in theaters and on demand on Friday.

— Also on demand, on Tuesday, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZN7GOf7N4g">“Linoleum,”</a>&nbsp;a science fiction drama starring Jim Gaffigan as a children’s television host who dreams of being an astronaut. The film, which premiered to favorable reviews at South by Southwest last year, turns into fantasy when a satellite lands in his backyard and he starts to try to build it into a rocket of his own. Rhea Seehorn co-stars.

—&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ldbahr">AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr</a>

— Let’s just call this Metallica’s week. On Thursday, the hard rockers have&nbsp;<a href="https://metallica.film/">a listening party in movie theaters worldwide</a>&nbsp;for their upcoming 12th studio album, “72 Seasons.” The one-night event will feature the new music in surround sound with music videos and exclusive commentary from the band. The next day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/metallica-72-seasons-hetfield-hammett-ae3ae3b993d9de1d560f05fa6fe0abae">the album comes out</a>&nbsp;on vinyl, CD and digital, their first collection of new material since 2016’s “Hardwired… To Self-Destruct.” Early singles include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDyDpdFZHBo">“Screaming Suicide”</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2L8pMdqwoY">“Lux Æterna,”</a>&nbsp;with James Hetfield singing “Full speed or nothing.”

— Natalie Merchant returns with lush, gorgeous new horn-heavy music on the album “Keep Your Courage,” her first collection of all-new material in almost 10 years. The album was produced by the former singer of 10,000 Maniacs and features contributions from Celtic folk group Lúnasa, Syrian clarinet player Kinan Azmeh, jazz trombonist Steve Davis and singer Abena Koomson-Davis, who adds joy and warmth to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_roE1N7Urio">“Come On, Aphrodite.”</a>&nbsp;“For the most part, this is an album about the human heart. I think the pandemic was a great period of solitude and longing,” Merchant says. “I craved and savored human connection; it was the only thing that really mattered.”

—&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kennedytwits?lang=en">AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy</a>

— The half-hour critically praised comedy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDH4LX5d2I">“Single Drunk Female”</a>&nbsp;returns for its second season on Freeform. Executive produced in part by Jenni Konner (“Girls”), it stars Sofia Black-D’Elia as a 20-something magazine writer named Samantha who at the beginning of season one, is sent to rehab after (repeatedly) getting drunk on the job and ultimately assaulting her boss as he’s attempting to fire her. Samantha moves back home to build both a community and new life for herself, even if it’s a life she never pictured. In season two, Samantha is confident and ready to expand her horizons with independence, like finding her own place, and romance. Season two of “Single Drunk Female” debuts Wednesday and the entire season will hit Hulu on Thursday.

— Four months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-jeremy-renner-nevada-kingstown-de5de1368f6de85a5e09c95b24f617e8">surviving a serious snowplow accident in Nevada</a>, Jeremy Renner’s four-part series&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FifQJSqIGv0">“Rennervations”</a>&nbsp;debuts on Disney+ on Wednesday. The two-time Oscar nominee, who plays Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will repurpose, and refurbish vehicles, to assist local communities. Examples include making a water treatment facility out of a delivery truck and transforming a tour bus into a mobile music studio. He’s assisted by celebrity friends including fellow Marvel star Anthony Mackie and Vanessa Hudgens. Renner is so passionate about “Rennervations” that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/natalie-merchant-keep-your-courage-36d33936e3b84e4e4a6979a82e5fed1a">attended a premiere</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday in Los Angeles for the show’s premiere.

— It’s never too early to teach children about protecting the planet and a new educational series coming to Apple TV+ called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9l67pSyI0U">"Jane”</a>&nbsp;aims to do just that. “Jane” aims to introduce kids to the ideals and work of primatologist and conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall. The series is a combo of live action and CGI and stars Ava Louise Murchison as 9-year-old Jane Garcia, who is passionate about protecting the environment and saving endangered animals. Using her creativity and imagination, Jane takes her best friends David and a chimpanzee named Greybeard on adventures around the globe to help rescue wild animals. “Jane” premieres globally on Friday on the streaming service.

— The 1982 movie “Tron” wasn’t a huge success, but it seems like everyone who did see it became a computer game designer. One such acolyte is Mike Bithell, creator of the award-winning indie games Thomas Was Alone and Subsurface Circular. His Bithell Games studio is behind&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bithellgames.com/tron-identity">Tron: Identity</a>, a new cyberpunk adventure from Disney. In an abandoned sector of the Grid that’s evolved in weird ways, your character is a “detective program” named Query assigned to investigate a break-in and robbery. It’s a dialog-driven mystery broken up by defragging puzzles, and its neon-infused look is bound to appeal to anyone who grew up on PC games of the 1980s and ’90s. Plug in Tuesday on Nintendo Switch and PC.

—&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/lkesten">Lou Kesten</a>

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22The%20Associated%20Press%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By The Associated Press</a>Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music and video game platforms this week.NEW MOVIES TO STREAM—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuWEEKeJLMI">“Cocaine Bear”</a>&nbsp;was technically inspired by a true story — a 1985 plane crash that scattered some $2 million worth of cocaine across Georgia hillsides and resulted in the death of a 175-pound black bear, who overdosed. The film, however, is pure fantasy about what might have happened if the bear went on a coke rampage instead of dying. After its wild trailer went viral, the R-rated pic directed by Elizabeth Banks and starring Keri Russell and O’Shea Jackson Jr. left audiences somewhat divided. Some thought it a B-movie delight,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/film-reviews-entertainment-bears-tv-a714bb5e5762d84d93996f0fc18d12dc">others were left cold by the excess.</a>&nbsp;And starting on Friday, via Peacock, you can access it at home to decide for yourself.— Katie Holmes directs and stars in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E8M1bXkne4">“Rare Objects,”</a>&nbsp;an adaptation of a novel by Kathleen Tessaro about a woman with a traumatic past trying to rebuild her life starting with a new job at a New York antique shop. Holmes has been working on making this film since 2016, and her adaptation moves the story from its Depression-era Boston origins to contemporary New York. In an interview with Variety, Holmes said she was drawn “to the female friendship and this metaphor of ‘you are more beautiful for having been broken.’” The film opens in theaters and on demand on Friday.— Also on demand, on Tuesday, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZN7GOf7N4g">“Linoleum,”</a>&nbsp;a science fiction drama starring Jim Gaffigan as a children’s television host who dreams of being an astronaut. The film, which premiered to favorable reviews at South by Southwest last year, turns into fantasy when a satellite lands in his backyard and he starts to try to build it into a rocket of his own. Rhea Seehorn co-stars.—&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ldbahr">AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr</a>NEW MUSIC TO STREAM— Let’s just call this Metallica’s week. On Thursday, the hard rockers have&nbsp;<a href="https://metallica.film/">a listening party in movie theaters worldwide</a>&nbsp;for their upcoming 12th studio album, “72 Seasons.” The one-night event will feature the new music in surround sound with music videos and exclusive commentary from the band. The next day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/metallica-72-seasons-hetfield-hammett-ae3ae3b993d9de1d560f05fa6fe0abae">the album comes out</a>&nbsp;on vinyl, CD and digital, their first collection of new material since 2016’s “Hardwired… To Self-Destruct.” Early singles include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDyDpdFZHBo">“Screaming Suicide”</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2L8pMdqwoY">“Lux Æterna,”</a>&nbsp;with James Hetfield singing “Full speed or nothing.”— Natalie Merchant returns with lush, gorgeous new horn-heavy music on the album “Keep Your Courage,” her first collection of all-new material in almost 10 years. The album was produced by the former singer of 10,000 Maniacs and features contributions from Celtic folk group Lúnasa, Syrian clarinet player Kinan Azmeh, jazz trombonist Steve Davis and singer Abena Koomson-Davis, who adds joy and warmth to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_roE1N7Urio">“Come On, Aphrodite.”</a>&nbsp;“For the most part, this is an album about the human heart. I think the pandemic was a great period of solitude and longing,” Merchant says. “I craved and savored human connection; it was the only thing that really mattered.”—&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kennedytwits?lang=en">AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy</a>NEW TELEVISION TO STREAM— The half-hour critically praised comedy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDH4LX5d2I">“Single Drunk Female”</a>&nbsp;returns for its second season on Freeform. Executive produced in part by Jenni Konner (“Girls”), it stars Sofia Black-D’Elia as a 20-something magazine writer named Samantha who at the beginning of season one, is sent to rehab after (repeatedly) getting drunk on the job and ultimately assaulting her boss as he’s attempting to fire her. Samantha moves back home to build both a community and new life for herself, even if it’s a life she never pictured. In season two, Samantha is confident and ready to expand her horizons with independence, like finding her own place, and romance. Season two of “Single Drunk Female” debuts Wednesday and the entire season will hit Hulu on Thursday.— Four months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-jeremy-renner-nevada-kingstown-de5de1368f6de85a5e09c95b24f617e8">surviving a serious snowplow accident in Nevada</a>, Jeremy Renner’s four-part series&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FifQJSqIGv0">“Rennervations”</a>&nbsp;debuts on Disney+ on Wednesday. The two-time Oscar nominee, who plays Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will repurpose, and refurbish vehicles, to assist local communities. Examples include making a water treatment facility out of a delivery truck and transforming a tour bus into a mobile music studio. He’s assisted by celebrity friends including fellow Marvel star Anthony Mackie and Vanessa Hudgens. Renner is so passionate about “Rennervations” that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/natalie-merchant-keep-your-courage-36d33936e3b84e4e4a6979a82e5fed1a">attended a premiere</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday in Los Angeles for the show’s premiere.— It’s never too early to teach children about protecting the planet and a new educational series coming to Apple TV+ called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9l67pSyI0U">"Jane”</a>&nbsp;aims to do just that. “Jane” aims to introduce kids to the ideals and work of primatologist and conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall. The series is a combo of live action and CGI and stars Ava Louise Murchison as 9-year-old Jane Garcia, who is passionate about protecting the environment and saving endangered animals. Using her creativity and imagination, Jane takes her best friends David and a chimpanzee named Greybeard on adventures around the globe to help rescue wild animals. “Jane” premieres globally on Friday on the streaming service.— Alicia RancilioNEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY— The 1982 movie “Tron” wasn’t a huge success, but it seems like everyone who did see it became a computer game designer. One such acolyte is Mike Bithell, creator of the award-winning indie games Thomas Was Alone and Subsurface Circular. His Bithell Games studio is behind&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bithellgames.com/tron-identity">Tron: Identity</a>, a new cyberpunk adventure from Disney. In an abandoned sector of the Grid that’s evolved in weird ways, your character is a “detective program” named Query assigned to investigate a break-in and robbery. It’s a dialog-driven mystery broken up by defragging puzzles, and its neon-infused look is bound to appeal to anyone who grew up on PC games of the 1980s and ’90s. Plug in Tuesday on Nintendo Switch and PC.—&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/lkesten">Lou Kesten</a>

New this week: Jeremy Renner, Metallica and 'Cocaine Bear'

Salina's Stiefel Theatre has received a nomination from the Academy of Country Music!

In a release made public Thursday, the Academy of Country Music announced that the Stiefel Theatre was one of five venues nominated in the Theatre of the Year category. Other venues competing in the category include the following.

● Crystal Grand Music Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

● Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, Fla

What an amazing surprise! Thank you ACM - Academy of Country Music! This is an incredible honor," said Jane Gates, Stiefel executive director.

She then went on to thank those who helped make the nomination possible.

"Thanks to our agents that have become friends - to the incredible artists and crews that have played here in this beautiful space - and to everyone that supports this historic theatre in so many ways. We are so grateful for our most wonderful staff, crew, board and volunteers. The passion you all have for this theatre shows every day. And most of all...thank you to everyone that comes in for our shows. Nothing could happen without you. Our warm audiences are always noticed - and often mentioned backstage after the shows. We absolutely love this historic theatre. To the stars!" Gates said.

The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, is scheduled to stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ territories on Prime Video at 7 p.m. May 11 from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The full rebroadcast of “Country Music’s Party of the Year” will stream the next day for free on Amazon Freevee.

Salina's Stiefel Theatre has received a nomination from the Academy of Country Music!In a release made public Thursday, the Academy of Country Music announced that the Stiefel Theatre was one of five venues nominated in the Theatre of the Year category. Other venues competing in the category include the following.● Crystal Grand Music Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Wis.● Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, Fla● Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville● Orpheum Theater – Omaha, Neb.What an amazing surprise! Thank you ACM - Academy of Country Music! This is an incredible honor," said Jane Gates, Stiefel executive director.She then went on to thank those who helped make the nomination possible."Thanks to our agents that have become friends - to the incredible artists and crews that have played here in this beautiful space - and to everyone that supports this historic theatre in so many ways. We are so grateful for our most wonderful staff, crew, board and volunteers. The passion you all have for this theatre shows every day. And most of all...thank you to everyone that comes in for our shows. Nothing could happen without you. Our warm audiences are always noticed - and often mentioned backstage after the shows. We absolutely love this historic theatre. To the stars!" Gates said.The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, is scheduled to stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ territories on Prime Video at 7 p.m. May 11 from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The full rebroadcast of “Country Music’s Party of the Year” will stream the next day for free on Amazon Freevee.

Salina's Stiefel Theatre receives Academy of Country Music nomination

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22Associated%20Press%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">Associated Press</a>

Warner Bros. Discovery is sticking with safe bet franchises that will likely lure viewers, including a “Harry Potter” series and a “Game of Thrones” prequel for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-streaming-max-app-9a662dfab76d312bc2af4d9cb13b9b98">rebranded Max streaming service</a>.

Executives touted Max and made original Warner Bros. Discovery programming announcements on Wednesday during a presentation for journalists and investors. The $16-per-month service will be released May 23 in the U.S. and automatically replace the company’s existing HBO Max.

The “Harry Potter” series is described as a “faithful retelling” of the books about the boy wizard by J. K Rowling, featuring a new cast.

Each season is intended to focus on one of the seven books, though Max anticipates stretching the series to a decade-long run.

Max also announced it is has also ordered a “Game of Thrones” prequel called “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” set in Westeros 100 years prior to the events of “Game of Thrones." It's based on fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, which follow the adventures of a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Aegon V Targaryen (called Egg). Martin will serve as an executive producer and writer on the series alongside Ira Parker.

“House of the Dragon” also a “Game of Thrones” prequel, has begun production on its second season for HBO.

Other announcements included a series based on the Penguin character in "The Batman", which is now in production with Colin Farrell resuming his role and another comedy set in the “Big Bang Theory” universe from Chuck Lorrie, both for Max.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22Associated%20Press%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">Associated Press</a>Warner Bros. Discovery is sticking with safe bet franchises that will likely lure viewers, including a “Harry Potter” series and a “Game of Thrones” prequel for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-streaming-max-app-9a662dfab76d312bc2af4d9cb13b9b98">rebranded Max streaming service</a>.Executives touted Max and made original Warner Bros. Discovery programming announcements on Wednesday during a presentation for journalists and investors. The $16-per-month service will be released May 23 in the U.S. and automatically replace the company’s existing HBO Max.The “Harry Potter” series is described as a “faithful retelling” of the books about the boy wizard by J. K Rowling, featuring a new cast.Each season is intended to focus on one of the seven books, though Max anticipates stretching the series to a decade-long run.Max also announced it is has also ordered a “Game of Thrones” prequel called “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” set in Westeros 100 years prior to the events of “Game of Thrones." It's based on fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, which follow the adventures of a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Aegon V Targaryen (called Egg). Martin will serve as an executive producer and writer on the series alongside Ira Parker.“House of the Dragon” also a “Game of Thrones” prequel, has begun production on its second season for HBO.Other announcements included a series based on the Penguin character in "The Batman", which is now in production with Colin Farrell resuming his role and another comedy set in the “Big Bang Theory” universe from Chuck Lorrie, both for Max.

'Game of Thrones' prequel and 'Harry Potter' series are a go

Warner
 Bros. Discovery is sticking with safe bet franchises that will likely 
lure viewers, including a “Harry Potter” series and a “Game of Thrones” 
prequel for its <a href="https://apnews.com/article/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-streaming-max-app-9a662dfab76d312bc2af4d9cb13b9b98">rebranded Max streaming service</a>.

Executives
 touted Max and made original Warner Bros. Discovery programming 
announcements on Wednesday during a presentation for journalists and 
investors. The $16-per-month service will be released May 23 in the U.S.
 and automatically replace the company’s existing HBO Max.

The 
“Harry Potter” series is described as a “faithful retelling” of the 
books about the boy wizard by J. K Rowling, featuring a new cast.

Max
 also announced it is has also ordered a “Game of Thrones” prequel 
called “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” set in 
Westeros 100 years prior to the events of “Game of Thrones." It's based 
on fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, which follow the adventures 
of a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Aegon V 
Targaryen (called Egg). Martin will serve as an executive producer and 
writer on the series alongside Ira Parker.

Other
 announcements included a series based on the Penguin character in "The 
Batman", which is now in production with Colin Farrell resuming his role
 and another comedy set in the “Big Bang Theory” universe from Chuck 
Lorrie, both for Max.

Associated PressWarner
 Bros. Discovery is sticking with safe bet franchises that will likely 
lure viewers, including a “Harry Potter” series and a “Game of Thrones” 
prequel for its <a href="https://apnews.com/article/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-streaming-max-app-9a662dfab76d312bc2af4d9cb13b9b98">rebranded Max streaming service</a>.Executives
 touted Max and made original Warner Bros. Discovery programming 
announcements on Wednesday during a presentation for journalists and 
investors. The $16-per-month service will be released May 23 in the U.S.
 and automatically replace the company’s existing HBO Max.The 
“Harry Potter” series is described as a “faithful retelling” of the 
books about the boy wizard by J. K Rowling, featuring a new cast.Each season is intended to focus on one of the seven books, though Max anticipates stretching the series to a decade-long run.Max
 also announced it is has also ordered a “Game of Thrones” prequel 
called “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” set in 
Westeros 100 years prior to the events of “Game of Thrones." It's based 
on fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, which follow the adventures 
of a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Aegon V 
Targaryen (called Egg). Martin will serve as an executive producer and 
writer on the series alongside Ira Parker.“House of the Dragon” also a “Game of Thrones” prequel, has begun production on its second season for HBO.Other
 announcements included a series based on the Penguin character in "The 
Batman", which is now in production with Colin Farrell resuming his role
 and another comedy set in the “Big Bang Theory” universe from Chuck 
Lorrie, both for Max.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright shares information about distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

<div><iframe title="April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month; HDP shares safety tips" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gts85-13dfdb5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright shares information about distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

🎙 Post Podcast: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month; HDP shares safety tips

Mark your calendars! Salina's Smoky Hill River Festival is less than two months away!

The epic arts party is scheduled for June 8-11 in Oakdale Park, and will include "many changes in food offerings, activities for kids, new roving and mainstage entertainers, and the arts show," according to information from festival staff. General festival hours are June 9, from 4-10 p.m., June 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and June 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission to the Smoky Hill River Festival is by weekend wristband ($15 in advance and $20 at the gate) available in many local and regional locations beginning May 1, or by daily wristband ($10, sold only at the gate). Children ages 11 and under get in free.

See a list of all local or regional wristband retailers at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/</a>

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff discussed the highlights of the 2023 festival during a news conference this morning.

As a lead-in to the festival, the Festival Medallion Quest will begin on May 17 with the first clue being given at 4 p.m. on the front steps of the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 W. Iron Avenue. Clues will be released twice daily, at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., until the medallion is found. There will be a $3,000 prize package for the winner.

The festival will officially begin at 4 p.m. June 8 when the gates open for the first time this year. The first day will include 35 food booths, an art patron party, and the ever-popular S.M. Hanson Music Festival Jam, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and includes 16 bands playing over the next four hours. Information about the bands will be released by S.M. Hanson Music closer to festival time.

Festival goers on June 9 will get their first look at works by 120 exhibiting artists from 19 states, 64 of whom are new to the festival. There will be affordable artwork to purchase, with prices ranging from $5 to $10,000, according to Crystal Hammerschmidt, visual arts coordinator.

Additionally, more than 20 site-specific art installations will be spread throughout Oakdale Park on festival weekend, including Wind-O-River, a new installation on the Mulberry bridge by Salina artist Rich Bergen. His kinetic sculpture will provide dazzling color as patrons enter the park, festival staff noted.

If music is more your kind of art, you're in for a treat! In addition to Festival Jam on June 8, 56 hours of music performances are scheduled on three stages June 9-10, including a number of bands making their first appearances at the festival, according to Sarah Keck, entertainment coordinator. Music genres will include country, rock, soul, indie folk, and innovative fusion.

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/823d934c-707f-4017-8413-63cc6252cfbb">Smoky Hill River Festival main stage performers announced</a>

June 9 also will be the opening day for Artyopolis, an interactive area for children. This year, Artyopolis will include a new area: Construction Junction. According to festival staffer Susan Eberwein, children can work with unique materials as they create large-scale art. Additionally, Creation Crossing will feature free arts and crafts, and children's favorites Lego Lane and Button Boulevard also will return.

Paramount will take the Eric Stein Stage to close out the June 9 activities. According to staff, there will be giveaways and and a balloon artist, and those attending are encouraged to dress in '80s attire.

June 10 gets off to a fast start with the 42nd annual Smoky Hill River Run, which will include a two-mile walk, children's races, and a two-mile and five-mile electronically timed race. Salina Regional Health Center staff, who are organizing the run, will utilize more than 100 volunteers during the morning's race events.

Children and families also will rush into the festival once the gates open on June 10 to get a spot at First Treasures, a special patron tent for children ages 4-13 years old. Children will be able to select from hundreds of items priced in the $1-to-$5 range that are provided by exhibiting artists.

“This program helps kids learn the power of patronage,” Hammerschmidt said. “Some kids who have aged out of the program are now regular patrons in the art show.”

Festival Saturday will wrap up with Welshly Arms, an alternative rock band, playing diverse music with rock, gospel, and blues influences.

The final day of the festival will include a variety of changes, including a strong local flavor in music, a less hectic environment, and a unique scavenger hunt featuring 100 hand-painted dragonflies that will be hidden throughout Oakdale Park, festival staff noted. Kansas City-based painter and illustrator Evan “Doodle Dood” Brown is painting a flight of colorful metal dragonflies for the hunt. Additionally, 10 dragonflies will be hidden in the park on Friday and Saturday, giving attendees a sneak peek at the creations.

Food Row will include 10 new food vendors, as well as returning favorites throughout the weekend. New food items for this year's festival include the following.

Other tasty treats will include the following, according to staff.

The festival’s new brand, designed by Salina graphic artist Eric Montoy, is featured on this year’s festival t-shirt, according to staff. The gradient-colored shirts are available in the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities offices, online, or at the festival.

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1d11daef-5816-42a9-b950-40ef2471b186">Smoky Hill River Festival print artist announced</a>

The Smoky Hill River Festival relies on approximately 2,000 volunteers each year. Volunteers do anything from helping set up, assisting children, or even simply putting on a smile and greeting everyone as they come and go. It’s all up to the volunteer and their interests, staff noted.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the festival,” said Brad Anderson Salina Arts &amp; Humanities executive director. “We need help with hospitality, in Artyopolis, in technical areas, and at the gates. It’s a great way for people to help the community and keep costs down.”

All festival volunteers and committee members must be 12 years of age or older and 16 years of age or older to operate a golf cart. Volunteers need to purchase admission wristbands to get into Oakdale Park. If a volunteer cannot afford admission, generous underwriters have provided admission through the Festival Families First program.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.riverfestival.com/attend/#admission">www.riverfestival.com/attend/#admission</a>

Volunteer opportunities include the following, according to information from staff.

Ambassador volunteers&nbsp;(120 openings)

Ambassador volunteers help ensure artists have a great experience at the Festival.

Desired traits: Good interpersonal and customer service skills. Average overall physical condition to work outside; ability to carry drink thermos, cups, and drink condiments.

Artyopolis volunteers&nbsp;(220 openings)

Artyopolis volunteers support craft-making and games for kids and families.

Desired traits: Enjoy working with children. Average overall physical condition to work outside; ability to lift and carry.

Gates volunteers&nbsp;(120 openings)

As festival goers enter the park, gate volunteers are the first point of contact. This is where admission is validated or purchased, and event programs are distributed.

Desired traits: Good interpersonal and customer service skills. Average overall physical condition to work outside, ability to lift and carry.

Hospitality Volunteers&nbsp;(18 openings)

The hospitality trailer is a place for the festival’s office operations, for entertainers to catch their breath between performances, and for staff to do the same. It is the center for communications between staff, vendors, attendees, emergency services, etc.

Desired traits: Good interpersonal skills; ability to lift and carry.

Technical volunteers&nbsp;(15-20 openings)

Technical volunteers support set-up on Wednesday and Thursday and tear-down on Sunday and Monday of Festival Week.

Desired traits: Good interpersonal and customer service skills, willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions, no experience necessary. Hand tools and gloves will be provided, or you can bring your own.

Artist parking volunteers&nbsp;(15 openings)

Art show parking guides provide parking assistance and directions to artists as they enter the park in the morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681302689123.jpeg" alt="Some of the Smoky Hill River Festival 2022 participants. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Some of the Smoky Hill River Festival 2022 participants. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTMark your calendars! Salina's Smoky Hill River Festival is less than two months away!The epic arts party is scheduled for June 8-11 in Oakdale Park, and will include "many changes in food offerings, activities for kids, new roving and mainstage entertainers, and the arts show," according to information from festival staff. General festival hours are June 9, from 4-10 p.m., June 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and June 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission to the Smoky Hill River Festival is by weekend wristband ($15 in advance and $20 at the gate) available in many local and regional locations beginning May 1, or by daily wristband ($10, sold only at the gate). Children ages 11 and under get in free.See a list of all local or regional wristband retailers at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/</a>Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff discussed the highlights of the 2023 festival during a news conference this morning.As a lead-in to the festival, the Festival Medallion Quest will begin on May 17 with the first clue being given at 4 p.m. on the front steps of the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 W. Iron Avenue. Clues will be released twice daily, at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., until the medallion is found. There will be a $3,000 prize package for the winner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681302719878.jpeg" alt="A previous Festival Jam. Photo by Laurie Moravec for Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>A previous Festival Jam. Photo by Laurie Moravec for Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Festival Thursday</h2>The festival will officially begin at 4 p.m. June 8 when the gates open for the first time this year. The first day will include 35 food booths, an art patron party, and the ever-popular S.M. Hanson Music Festival Jam, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and includes 16 bands playing over the next four hours. Information about the bands will be released by S.M. Hanson Music closer to festival time.<h2>Festival Friday</h2>Festival goers on June 9 will get their first look at works by 120 exhibiting artists from 19 states, 64 of whom are new to the festival. There will be affordable artwork to purchase, with prices ranging from $5 to $10,000, according to Crystal Hammerschmidt, visual arts coordinator.Additionally, more than 20 site-specific art installations will be spread throughout Oakdale Park on festival weekend, including Wind-O-River, a new installation on the Mulberry bridge by Salina artist Rich Bergen. His kinetic sculpture will provide dazzling color as patrons enter the park, festival staff noted.If music is more your kind of art, you're in for a treat! In addition to Festival Jam on June 8, 56 hours of music performances are scheduled on three stages June 9-10, including a number of bands making their first appearances at the festival, according to Sarah Keck, entertainment coordinator. Music genres will include country, rock, soul, indie folk, and innovative fusion.READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/823d934c-707f-4017-8413-63cc6252cfbb">Smoky Hill River Festival main stage performers announced</a>June 9 also will be the opening day for Artyopolis, an interactive area for children. This year, Artyopolis will include a new area: Construction Junction. According to festival staffer Susan Eberwein, children can work with unique materials as they create large-scale art. Additionally, Creation Crossing will feature free arts and crafts, and children's favorites Lego Lane and Button Boulevard also will return.Paramount will take the Eric Stein Stage to close out the June 9 activities. According to staff, there will be giveaways and and a balloon artist, and those attending are encouraged to dress in '80s attire.<h2>Festival Saturday</h2>June 10 gets off to a fast start with the 42nd annual Smoky Hill River Run, which will include a two-mile walk, children's races, and a two-mile and five-mile electronically timed race. Salina Regional Health Center staff, who are organizing the run, will utilize more than 100 volunteers during the morning's race events.Children and families also will rush into the festival once the gates open on June 10 to get a spot at First Treasures, a special patron tent for children ages 4-13 years old. Children will be able to select from hundreds of items priced in the $1-to-$5 range that are provided by exhibiting artists.“This program helps kids learn the power of patronage,” Hammerschmidt said. “Some kids who have aged out of the program are now regular patrons in the art show.”Festival Saturday will wrap up with Welshly Arms, an alternative rock band, playing diverse music with rock, gospel, and blues influences.<h2>Festival Sunday</h2>The final day of the festival will include a variety of changes, including a strong local flavor in music, a less hectic environment, and a unique scavenger hunt featuring 100 hand-painted dragonflies that will be hidden throughout Oakdale Park, festival staff noted. Kansas City-based painter and illustrator Evan “Doodle Dood” Brown is painting a flight of colorful metal dragonflies for the hunt. Additionally, 10 dragonflies will be hidden in the park on Friday and Saturday, giving attendees a sneak peek at the creations.<h2>Festival food</h2>Food Row will include 10 new food vendors, as well as returning favorites throughout the weekend. New food items for this year's festival include the following.• Fried Lasagna Sandwich• Watermelon Smoothies• Cotton Candy• Moink Balls• Picklepenos• Cheesy Potatoes• Flavored Cheese Curds• Caramel Apples• Spicy Peanuts• Chicken Bacon Ranch WrapOther tasty treats will include the following, according to staff.• Chocolate-Covered Frozen Cheesecake• Indian Taco• Funnel Cake• Pizza• Chipotle Beef Burrito• Turkey Leg• Homemade Soda• Black Raspberry Ice Cream• Alligator-on-a-Stick• Frog Legs• Veggie Noodle Bowl• Mini Donuts• Cinnamon Roasted Nuts• Texas Twister• Homemade Ice Cream• Kettle Corn• Jumbo Corn Dogs• Italian Sausage Sandwich• Totchos• Crab Cakes• Ice Cream Bars• Dippin’ Dots• Coconut Shrimp• Fish Tacos• Fried Ravioli• Bourbon Chicken• Street Taco• Jumbo Chicken-Fried Steak Sandwich<h2>Festival t-shirts</h2>The festival’s new brand, designed by Salina graphic artist Eric Montoy, is featured on this year’s festival t-shirt, according to staff. The gradient-colored shirts are available in the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities offices, online, or at the festival.READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1d11daef-5816-42a9-b950-40ef2471b186">Smoky Hill River Festival print artist announced</a><h2>Festival volunteers</h2>The Smoky Hill River Festival relies on approximately 2,000 volunteers each year. Volunteers do anything from helping set up, assisting children, or even simply putting on a smile and greeting everyone as they come and go. It’s all up to the volunteer and their interests, staff noted.“Volunteers are the backbone of the festival,” said Brad Anderson Salina Arts &amp; Humanities executive director. “We need help with hospitality, in Artyopolis, in technical areas, and at the gates. It’s a great way for people to help the community and keep costs down.”All festival volunteers and committee members must be 12 years of age or older and 16 years of age or older to operate a golf cart. Volunteers need to purchase admission wristbands to get into Oakdale Park. If a volunteer cannot afford admission, generous underwriters have provided admission through the Festival Families First program.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.riverfestival.com/attend/#admission">www.riverfestival.com/attend/#admission</a>Volunteer opportunities include the following, according to information from staff.Ambassador volunteers&nbsp;(120 openings)Ambassador volunteers help ensure artists have a great experience at the Festival.Estimated time commitment: two hoursDesired traits: Good interpersonal and customer service skills. Average overall physical condition to work outside; ability to carry drink thermos, cups, and drink condiments.Artyopolis volunteers&nbsp;(220 openings)Artyopolis volunteers support craft-making and games for kids and families.Estimated time commitment: two hoursDesired traits: Enjoy working with children. Average overall physical condition to work outside; ability to lift and carry.Gates volunteers&nbsp;(120 openings)As festival goers enter the park, gate volunteers are the first point of contact. This is where admission is validated or purchased, and event programs are distributed.Estimated time commitment: two hoursDesired traits: Good interpersonal and customer service skills. Average overall physical condition to work outside, ability to lift and carry.Hospitality Volunteers&nbsp;(18 openings)The hospitality trailer is a place for the festival’s office operations, for entertainers to catch their breath between performances, and for staff to do the same. It is the center for communications between staff, vendors, attendees, emergency services, etc.Estimated time commitment: three hoursDesired traits: Good interpersonal skills; ability to lift and carry.Technical volunteers&nbsp;(15-20 openings)Technical volunteers support set-up on Wednesday and Thursday and tear-down on Sunday and Monday of Festival Week.Estimated time commitment: two-15 hoursDesired traits: Good interpersonal and customer service skills, willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions, no experience necessary. Hand tools and gloves will be provided, or you can bring your own.Artist parking volunteers&nbsp;(15 openings)Art show parking guides provide parking assistance and directions to artists as they enter the park in the morning.Estimated time commitment: two-three hoursDesired traits: Good interpersonal and customer service skills, willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, must have the ability to stand for a length of time