Halloween will be here before you know it and with it comes a variety of activities for ghosts and goblins of all ages.

As information about events comes in, Salina Post will publish it here, so check back often. This story will reside in the Announcements section through the end of the month.

If you have a Halloween event that is open to the public, please send information about it to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smoky Hill Hollow Haunted House and Fire Safety House:&nbsp;Saline County Rural Fire District No. 3 will have its haunted house and fire safety house from 7:30-10 p.m. Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29, at the 2911 N. Hedville Road fire station. A $5 per person donation is requested for the haunted house.

Photo courtesy S<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Smoky-Hills-Audubon-Society-184088464640">moky Hills Audubon Society Facebook page</a>

Outdoor Halloween Event at the Audubon Sanctuary:&nbsp;The Smoky Hills Audubon Society has scheduled its second annual old fashioned outdoor Halloween party from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 22, at the Audubon Sanctuary, 2500 W. Stimmel Road.

Go all dressed up in your favorite costumes for outdoor Halloween games and pumpkin carving. Hayrack rides through the sanctuary and hiking trails for the adventurous will be available. As dusk falls over the sanctuary, a spooky woodland scary trail will await the adventurous. Costume judging will be at 6 p.m. with trophies awarded to more than 15 winners.

Image courtesy Salina Parks and Recreation

Halloween Haunted House:&nbsp;The Lakewood Discovery Center in Salina invites you to its haunted house of nature horrors. Enter if you dare, explore our natural world of creepy crawly critters, carve a pumpkin, and if you have enough gumption you can try to survive our cave of doom and Halloween demise. We will have witch's brew and rotten snacks to try if you DARE!

Register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinaparks.com/">www.salinaparks.com</a>&nbsp;under the Online Catalog! The cost is $10 per person for ages 5 and up.

Trick or Treat in Downtown Salina:&nbsp;Downtown Salina will be having a trick or treat event from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 28 (or until candy runs out).

Spooky Nights Haunted Trail in Lorraine:&nbsp;The trail is located next to the city park at 234 Main Street, and will be open 6-11 p.m. Oct. 28-29.&nbsp;The trail is free of charge, but a free will donation will be available to support local fire fighters. Participants are more than welcome to wear&nbsp; Halloween costume. Candy will be given out to kids.&nbsp;For questions feel free to call Justin at (620) 282- 8147.&nbsp;

Cops &amp; Costumes:&nbsp;The Salina Police Department and Saline County Sheriff's Office will participate in the annual Cops &amp; Costumes from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 29 in the parking lot outside their offices at 255 N. 10th Street in Salina. Organized by the Salina Police Department, the event will include treats and fun for children.

Salina Parks &amp; Rec Halloween Party:&nbsp;1-4 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Salina Fieldhouse, 140 N. Fifth Street. They are scheduled to have trick or treating, a costume contest, carnival games, and bounce houses.

Tractor-Treat:&nbsp;The Kansas Tractor Club and Atwood's Home and Ranch will have a Tractor-Treat from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 29 in the parking lot of Atwood's, 400 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina. Treats and trailer rides are scheduled.

Image courtesy Trinity United Methodist Church

TRUNK-OR-TREAT @ TRINITY:&nbsp;Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 E. Neal Street in Salina, will have a trunk-or-treat from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 30.

Image courtesy First Southern Baptist Church

Trunk or Treat:&nbsp;First Southern Baptist Church, 2401 S. Ohio Street in Salina, has scheduled its event for 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 30. The event is to include fun, games, and candy.

TRUNK OR TREAT TIME:&nbsp;Sacred Heart Cathedral's event is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 30 in the fenced in parking lot west of Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. Ninth Street in Salina. It is open to the public. Goodies will include free hotdogs, chili &amp; cheese sauce, cookies, popcorn, candy, and water.

Trunks &amp; Treats:&nbsp;Revolution Church, 1111 W. South Street in Salina, plans to have a Trunks &amp; Treats event from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 30.

Image courtesy United Methodist Church of the Cross

Trunk or treat and chicken noodle dinner:&nbsp;The United Methodist Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush Street in Salina, plans to have a trunk or treat and an optional chicken noodle dinner from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30. The suggested donation for the chicken noodle dinner is $10 for adults and $7 for children.

Trunk or Treat at Salina Tech:&nbsp;Salina Area Technical College, 2562 Centennial Road in Salina, is scheduled to have its second annual Trunk or Treat from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31 on campus.

Children of all ages are invited to come out, get some treats and enjoy the displays created by the students, faculty, and staff. People attending will get to vote for their favorite display.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

TRICK OR TREAT with Coldwell Banker APW:&nbsp;Check out their family friendly, spooktacular office and collect candy from the agents. The event is scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Coldwell Banker APW, 631 E. Crawford Street in Salina, and is open to the public at no charge. Enter to win the grand prize.&nbsp;

Annual Trick-r-Treat:&nbsp;SM Hanson Music, 335 S. Clark Street in Salina, will have its annual Halloween event from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Candy and collectable Kazoos will be given to costumed youngsters.

Trick-or-Treat at the Central Mall:&nbsp;Retailers in the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth Street, will have a safe trick-or-treat event from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31.

Halloween Trooper Trunk-or-Treat:&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol Recruit Class No. 64 will have a trunk-or-treat event in the lower parking lot at the Kansas Highway Patrol, 2019 E. Iron Avenue in Salina, from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

The Old Canton Jail.&nbsp;Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cantonks">Canton Police - Kansas Facebook page</a>

Old Canton Jail Halloween:&nbsp;From 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31, the Canton Police Department plans to open the Old Canton Jail to the public, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cantonks">Canton Police - Kansas Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;The Jail is next door to the Stars and Stripes Museum at 104 W. Allen Street in Canton. There will be candy in a cell for the kids. Have a safe and happy Halloween.

Image courtesy the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofChapman">City of Chapman Facebook page</a>

City of Chapman Trunk or Treat:&nbsp;The City of Chapman will have a Trunk or Treat beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 31 in the 400-500 block of N. Marshall in downtown Chapman.

By SALINA POSTHalloween will be here before you know it and with it comes a variety of activities for ghosts and goblins of all ages.As information about events comes in, Salina Post will publish it here, so check back often. This story will reside in the Announcements section through the end of the month.If you have a Halloween event that is open to the public, please send information about it to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666031020049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Rural Fire District No. 3Smoky Hill Hollow Haunted House and Fire Safety House:&nbsp;Saline County Rural Fire District No. 3 will have its haunted house and fire safety house from 7:30-10 p.m. Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29, at the 2911 N. Hedville Road fire station. A $5 per person donation is requested for the haunted house.<h2>Oct. 22</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665535504372.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Photo courtesy S<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Smoky-Hills-Audubon-Society-184088464640">moky Hills Audubon Society Facebook page</a>Outdoor Halloween Event at the Audubon Sanctuary:&nbsp;The Smoky Hills Audubon Society has scheduled its second annual old fashioned outdoor Halloween party from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 22, at the Audubon Sanctuary, 2500 W. Stimmel Road.Go all dressed up in your favorite costumes for outdoor Halloween games and pumpkin carving. Hayrack rides through the sanctuary and hiking trails for the adventurous will be available. As dusk falls over the sanctuary, a spooky woodland scary trail will await the adventurous. Costume judging will be at 6 p.m. with trophies awarded to more than 15 winners.<h2>Oct. 26</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116355612.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Salina Parks and RecreationHalloween Haunted House:&nbsp;The Lakewood Discovery Center in Salina invites you to its haunted house of nature horrors. Enter if you dare, explore our natural world of creepy crawly critters, carve a pumpkin, and if you have enough gumption you can try to survive our cave of doom and Halloween demise. We will have witch's brew and rotten snacks to try if you DARE!Register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinaparks.com/">www.salinaparks.com</a>&nbsp;under the Online Catalog! The cost is $10 per person for ages 5 and up.<h2>Oct. 28</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664818150980.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Salina DowntownTrick or Treat in Downtown Salina:&nbsp;Downtown Salina will be having a trick or treat event from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 28 (or until candy runs out).<h2>Oct. 28-29</h2>Spooky Nights Haunted Trail in Lorraine:&nbsp;The trail is located next to the city park at 234 Main Street, and will be open 6-11 p.m. Oct. 28-29.&nbsp;The trail is free of charge, but a free will donation will be available to support local fire fighters. Participants are more than welcome to wear&nbsp; Halloween costume. Candy will be given out to kids.&nbsp;For questions feel free to call Justin at (620) 282- 8147.&nbsp;<h2>Oct. 29</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116455309.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Salina Police DepartmentCops &amp; Costumes:&nbsp;The Salina Police Department and Saline County Sheriff's Office will participate in the annual Cops &amp; Costumes from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 29 in the parking lot outside their offices at 255 N. 10th Street in Salina. Organized by the Salina Police Department, the event will include treats and fun for children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664599777136.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Salina Parks and RecreationSalina Parks &amp; Rec Halloween Party:&nbsp;1-4 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Salina Fieldhouse, 140 N. Fifth Street. They are scheduled to have trick or treating, a costume contest, carnival games, and bounce houses.. . .Tractor-Treat:&nbsp;The Kansas Tractor Club and Atwood's Home and Ranch will have a Tractor-Treat from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 29 in the parking lot of Atwood's, 400 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina. Treats and trailer rides are scheduled.<h2>Oct. 30</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664567344172.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Trinity United Methodist ChurchTRUNK-OR-TREAT @ TRINITY:&nbsp;Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 E. Neal Street in Salina, will have a trunk-or-treat from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 30.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666315273775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy First Southern Baptist ChurchTrunk or Treat:&nbsp;First Southern Baptist Church, 2401 S. Ohio Street in Salina, has scheduled its event for 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 30. The event is to include fun, games, and candy.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666315355936.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Sacred Heart CathedralTRUNK OR TREAT TIME:&nbsp;Sacred Heart Cathedral's event is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 30 in the fenced in parking lot west of Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. Ninth Street in Salina. It is open to the public. Goodies will include free hotdogs, chili &amp; cheese sauce, cookies, popcorn, candy, and water.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665272806504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Revolution ChurchTrunks &amp; Treats:&nbsp;Revolution Church, 1111 W. South Street in Salina, plans to have a Trunks &amp; Treats event from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 30.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664817325903.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy United Methodist Church of the CrossTrunk or treat and chicken noodle dinner:&nbsp;The United Methodist Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush Street in Salina, plans to have a trunk or treat and an optional chicken noodle dinner from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30. The suggested donation for the chicken noodle dinner is $10 for adults and $7 for children.<h2>Oct. 31</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664999047189.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Salina TechTrunk or Treat at Salina Tech:&nbsp;Salina Area Technical College, 2562 Centennial Road in Salina, is scheduled to have its second annual Trunk or Treat from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31 on campus.Children of all ages are invited to come out, get some treats and enjoy the displays created by the students, faculty, and staff. People attending will get to vote for their favorite display.Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664914416847.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Coldwell Banker APWTRICK OR TREAT with Coldwell Banker APW:&nbsp;Check out their family friendly, spooktacular office and collect candy from the agents. The event is scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Coldwell Banker APW, 631 E. Crawford Street in Salina, and is open to the public at no charge. Enter to win the grand prize.&nbsp;. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665850218985.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy SM Hanson MusicAnnual Trick-r-Treat:&nbsp;SM Hanson Music, 335 S. Clark Street in Salina, will have its annual Halloween event from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Candy and collectable Kazoos will be given to costumed youngsters.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666059807141.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy Central MallTrick-or-Treat at the Central Mall:&nbsp;Retailers in the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth Street, will have a safe trick-or-treat event from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664996844164.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy KHP Recruit Class No. 64Halloween Trooper Trunk-or-Treat:&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol Recruit Class No. 64 will have a trunk-or-treat event in the lower parking lot at the Kansas Highway Patrol, 2019 E. Iron Avenue in Salina, from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664997884148.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Old Canton Jail.&nbsp;Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cantonks">Canton Police - Kansas Facebook page</a>Old Canton Jail Halloween:&nbsp;From 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31, the Canton Police Department plans to open the Old Canton Jail to the public, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cantonks">Canton Police - Kansas Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;The Jail is next door to the Stars and Stripes Museum at 104 W. Allen Street in Canton. There will be candy in a cell for the kids. Have a safe and happy Halloween.. . .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665096271506.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofChapman">City of Chapman Facebook page</a>City of Chapman Trunk or Treat:&nbsp;The City of Chapman will have a Trunk or Treat beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 31 in the 400-500 block of N. Marshall in downtown Chapman.

Salina area Halloween happenings

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

Taylor Swift “Midnights,” (Republic Records)

“All of me changed like midnight,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;confesses halfway through her latest album, the aptly named and moody “Midnights.” It’s a moment on the electric “Midnight Rain” that finds lyricist Swift at her best, reminding you of her unparalleled ability to make any emotion feel universal.

The song’s chorus begins: “He was sunshine, I was midnight rain.” And continues: “He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain. He wanted a bride, I was making my own name. Chasing that fame. He stayed the same.” Then, that lyric: “All of me changed like midnight.” The sound feels experimental for Swift, opening with her own vocals artificially pitched down to an almost-unrecognizable tone. It’s among the album’s most sonically interesting, an indie-pop beat that feels reminiscent of her producer Jack Antonoff’s work on Lorde’s “Melodrama,” but also fresh and captivating.

The song’s words, by Swift and Antonoff, are steady and detailed, but not distracting — allowing you to sink into the rhythm, flowing and feeling it with her.

On&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-to-stream-October-2022-midnights-music-movies-TV-f70b362a01e904e5b23adeb62c822dd0">the 13 tracks of “Midnights,”</a>&nbsp;a self-aware Swift shows off her ability to evolve again. For her 10th original album, the 32-year-old pop star approaches the themes she’s grown up writing about — love, loss, childhood, fame — with a maturity that comes through in sharpened vocals and lyrics focused more on her inner-life than external persona.

“Midnight Rain” could be a thesis statement for the project she’s described as songs written during "13 sleepless nights,” an appropriate approach to the concept album for someone who has long had a lyrical appreciation for late nights (think “Style”: “midnight, you come and pick me up, no headlights…”). Of course, she’s centered her work around themes before — on “Red,” an ode to the color and the emotions it stands for, “reputation,” a vindictive reconfiguring of her own, and most recently on “folklore” and “evermore,” quarantine albums that expressed vulnerability in ways only isolation could.

But Swift presents “Midnights” as something different: a collection of songs that don’t necessarily have to go together, but fit together because she has declared them products of late night inspiration. Positioning listeners situationally — in the quiet but thoughtful darkness of night — instead of thematically, feels like a natural creative experiment for a songwriter so prolific that her albums have become synonymous with the pop culture zeitgeist.

And with that, comes a tone that is just a little darker, a little more experimental, and always electric.

Track one, “Lavender Haze,” pairs a muffled club beat and high-pitched backing vocals from Antonoff with stand-out, beckoning melody from Swift. “Maroon” is a grown-up and weathered version of “Red,” a dive into lost love with rich descriptions of rust, spilled wine, red lipstick — images Swift is reconjuring with more bite.

“Labyrinth” makes clear she’s carried the best of her previous pop experiments with her — the synth of “1989” and the softer alternative sounds of “folklore” — as she admits as only a songwriter can that a heartbreak “only feels this raw right now, lost in the labyrinth of my mind," on top of a track featuring Bon Iver-esque electronic trills.

Swift shines when she is able to marry her signature lyrical musings with this new arena of electronic beats. And while this isn't another album of acoustic indie sounds like “folklore,” it is clear that Swift has taken a step forward in the indie-pop genre — even if it's a step in a different direction.

The album’s weaker moments are the ones where that balance feels off. “Bejeweled” is a bit too candy sweet, with lyrics that feel like an updated, glittery take on “Me!” The much anticipated “Snow On The Beach,” featuring Lana Del Rey, is poetic, pretty, and at times cheeky, but not as emotionally deep as the lyricists' combined power suggests it could be.

Even in those moments, “Midnights” finds Swift comfortable in her musical skin, revealing the strengths of a sharp and ever-evolving artist who can wink through always-cryptic allusions to her very public life or subtle self-owns dispersed amidst lyrical confessions (see: “Anti-Hero” and “Mastermind") and hook even the casual listener with an alluring, and maybe surprising, beat.

But like the love-soaked “Lover,” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reviews-taylor-swift-music-reviews-music-entertainment-2b4552661fb00dd00b15bd449d408385">intimate “folklore”</a>&nbsp;and “evermore,” “Midnights” feels like both a confessional and a playground, crafted by all the versions of Taylor Swift we’ve gotten to know so far for a new Taylor Swift to shine. And like always, we’re just along for the thrilling late-night ride.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ELISE%20RYAN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ELISE RYAN Associated Press</a>Taylor Swift “Midnights,” (Republic Records)“All of me changed like midnight,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;confesses halfway through her latest album, the aptly named and moody “Midnights.” It’s a moment on the electric “Midnight Rain” that finds lyricist Swift at her best, reminding you of her unparalleled ability to make any emotion feel universal.The song’s chorus begins: “He was sunshine, I was midnight rain.” And continues: “He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain. He wanted a bride, I was making my own name. Chasing that fame. He stayed the same.” Then, that lyric: “All of me changed like midnight.” The sound feels experimental for Swift, opening with her own vocals artificially pitched down to an almost-unrecognizable tone. It’s among the album’s most sonically interesting, an indie-pop beat that feels reminiscent of her producer Jack Antonoff’s work on Lorde’s “Melodrama,” but also fresh and captivating.The song’s words, by Swift and Antonoff, are steady and detailed, but not distracting — allowing you to sink into the rhythm, flowing and feeling it with her.On&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-to-stream-October-2022-midnights-music-movies-TV-f70b362a01e904e5b23adeb62c822dd0">the 13 tracks of “Midnights,”</a>&nbsp;a self-aware Swift shows off her ability to evolve again. For her 10th original album, the 32-year-old pop star approaches the themes she’s grown up writing about — love, loss, childhood, fame — with a maturity that comes through in sharpened vocals and lyrics focused more on her inner-life than external persona.“Midnight Rain” could be a thesis statement for the project she’s described as songs written during "13 sleepless nights,” an appropriate approach to the concept album for someone who has long had a lyrical appreciation for late nights (think “Style”: “midnight, you come and pick me up, no headlights…”). Of course, she’s centered her work around themes before — on “Red,” an ode to the color and the emotions it stands for, “reputation,” a vindictive reconfiguring of her own, and most recently on “folklore” and “evermore,” quarantine albums that expressed vulnerability in ways only isolation could.But Swift presents “Midnights” as something different: a collection of songs that don’t necessarily have to go together, but fit together because she has declared them products of late night inspiration. Positioning listeners situationally — in the quiet but thoughtful darkness of night — instead of thematically, feels like a natural creative experiment for a songwriter so prolific that her albums have become synonymous with the pop culture zeitgeist.And with that, comes a tone that is just a little darker, a little more experimental, and always electric.Track one, “Lavender Haze,” pairs a muffled club beat and high-pitched backing vocals from Antonoff with stand-out, beckoning melody from Swift. “Maroon” is a grown-up and weathered version of “Red,” a dive into lost love with rich descriptions of rust, spilled wine, red lipstick — images Swift is reconjuring with more bite.“Labyrinth” makes clear she’s carried the best of her previous pop experiments with her — the synth of “1989” and the softer alternative sounds of “folklore” — as she admits as only a songwriter can that a heartbreak “only feels this raw right now, lost in the labyrinth of my mind," on top of a track featuring Bon Iver-esque electronic trills.Swift shines when she is able to marry her signature lyrical musings with this new arena of electronic beats. And while this isn't another album of acoustic indie sounds like “folklore,” it is clear that Swift has taken a step forward in the indie-pop genre — even if it's a step in a different direction.The album’s weaker moments are the ones where that balance feels off. “Bejeweled” is a bit too candy sweet, with lyrics that feel like an updated, glittery take on “Me!” The much anticipated “Snow On The Beach,” featuring Lana Del Rey, is poetic, pretty, and at times cheeky, but not as emotionally deep as the lyricists' combined power suggests it could be.Even in those moments, “Midnights” finds Swift comfortable in her musical skin, revealing the strengths of a sharp and ever-evolving artist who can wink through always-cryptic allusions to her very public life or subtle self-owns dispersed amidst lyrical confessions (see: “Anti-Hero” and “Mastermind") and hook even the casual listener with an alluring, and maybe surprising, beat.But like the love-soaked “Lover,” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reviews-taylor-swift-music-reviews-music-entertainment-2b4552661fb00dd00b15bd449d408385">intimate “folklore”</a>&nbsp;and “evermore,” “Midnights” feels like both a confessional and a playground, crafted by all the versions of Taylor Swift we’ve gotten to know so far for a new Taylor Swift to shine. And like always, we’re just along for the thrilling late-night ride.

Review: Taylor Swift gets dark, electric on 'Midnights'

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

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The American Patriot is bringing his acoustic tour to Salina in February.

Aaron Lewis Acoustic is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, in the historic Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $59 and go on sale at noon Friday. Buy tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">stiefeltheatre.org</a>, by telephone at 785-827-1998, or in person at the Stiefel Theatre box office. The Stiefel Theatre box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

About the artist courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://aaronlewismusic.com/">aaronlewismusic.com</a>

Aaron Lewis grew up in Springfield, Vt., listening to his grandparents’ country 8-tracks. Those roots inspired the multi-platinum Staind founder to return to his origins for the #1Billboard Country Album debut Town Line and Sinner, as well as Billboard’s #1 Hot Country Song debut&nbsp;Am I The Only One, only the 9th time since 1958.

Having recorded with George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, Lewis has put a traditionalist brand on his outlier country. His latest album,&nbsp;Frayed At Both Ends, offers the hard touring/15-million selling workingman’s country star at his most personal and unplugged–making for an intimate record that reflects his 2023 acoustic tour.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666146652573.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe American Patriot is bringing his acoustic tour to Salina in February.Aaron Lewis Acoustic is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, in the historic Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $59 and go on sale at noon Friday. Buy tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">stiefeltheatre.org</a>, by telephone at 785-827-1998, or in person at the Stiefel Theatre box office. The Stiefel Theatre box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.About the artist courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://aaronlewismusic.com/">aaronlewismusic.com</a>Aaron Lewis grew up in Springfield, Vt., listening to his grandparents’ country 8-tracks. Those roots inspired the multi-platinum Staind founder to return to his origins for the #1Billboard Country Album debut Town Line and Sinner, as well as Billboard’s #1 Hot Country Song debut&nbsp;Am I The Only One, only the 9th time since 1958.Having recorded with George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, Lewis has put a traditionalist brand on his outlier country. His latest album,&nbsp;Frayed At Both Ends, offers the hard touring/15-million selling workingman’s country star at his most personal and unplugged–making for an intimate record that reflects his 2023 acoustic tour.

Aaron Lewis coming to Salina's Stiefel Theatre in February

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By KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press

SEOUL,
 South Korea — The members of K-pop band BTS will serve their 
mandatory military duties under South Korean law, their management 
company said Monday, effectively ending a debate on whether they should 
be granted exemptions because of their artistic accomplishments.

Big
 Hit Music said the band’s oldest member, Jin, will revoke his request 
to delay his conscription at the end of the month and undertake the 
required steps. The six other BTS members also plan to serve in the 
military and are “looking forward to reconvening as a group again around
 2025 following their service commitment,” the company said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/BIGHIT_MUSIC/status/1581905317545533440">statement.</a>

No
 further information on the timing of their service was given. The band 
members performed together in Busan over the weekend in support of the 
city’s EXPO bid, which will be their last concert as a group until they 
finish serving in the military, according to their label.

Hybe 
Corp., the parent company of Big Hit, said in an email to The Associated
 Press that each member of the band for the time being will focus on 
individual activities scheduled around their military service plans.

In
 a letter to shareholders, Hybe CEO Park Jiwon downplayed financial 
concerns related to the BTS hiatus, saying it has a broad enough lineup 
of artists, including other popular K-pop groups such as Le Sserafim and
 NewJeans and Western performers Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.

“We
 have always been aware of the eventuality of mandatory military 
service, and we have long been making preparations to be ready for this 
moment,” Park wrote. “In the short term, individual activities for 
several of the members are planned into the first half of 2023, and we 
have secured content in advance, which will enable BTS to continue their
 engagement with fans for the foreseeable future.”

The 
announcement came after Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military 
Manpower Administration, told lawmakers this month that it would be <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-south-korea-conscription-d2e9c19876752c3d3fb47807f1c8ec5b">“desirable” for BTS members to fulfil their military duties</a> to ensure fairness in the country’s military service.

After
 enlisting, Jin and other BTS members will receive five weeks of combat 
training before being assigned to specific units and duties, according 
to officials at the Military Manpower Administration, who stressed that 
the singers would go under the same process as other South Korean men.

While
 South Korea’s military for years had assigned enlisted entertainers to 
duties related to producing radio and TV material promoting the 
military, the “entertainment soldier” system was retired in 2013 
following complaints over fairness.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup 
said in August that if BTS members join the military, they would likely 
be allowed to continue practicing and to join with the group for tours 
overseas.

Whether the BTS members must serve in the army had been a
 hotly debated issue in South Korea as Jin faced possible enlistment 
early next year. Jin turns 30 in December, the age at which men can no 
longer delay enlistment. Other members are currently between 25 and 29 
years old, with Suga turning 30 in March.

Under South Korean law, 
most able-bodied men are required to perform 18-21 months of military 
service, but special exemptions had been granted for athletes and 
artists who excel in certain international competitions that have been 
tied to national prestige.

The band — its other members being 
J-Hope, RM, Jungkook, V and Jimin — launched in 2013 and has a legion of
 global supporters who call themselves the “Army.”

After building a
 huge following in Asia, BTS expanded its popularity in the West with 
its 2020 megahit “Dynamite,” the band’s first all-English song that made
 it the first K-pop act to top Billboard’s Hot 100. The band has 
performed in sold-out arenas around the world and was even invited to 
speak at United Nations meetings.

Since South Korea’s draft 
interrupts young males in their professional careers or studies, the 
dodging of military duties or creation of exemptions is a highly 
sensitive issue. Opinion surveys in recent weeks showed that the public 
was split over whether the BTS members should serve in the military.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666033659218.jpeg" alt="RM, center, accompanied by other K-pop supergroup BTS members from left, V, Jungkook, Jimin, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 31, 2022. The members of K-pop band BTS will serve their mandatory military duties under South Korean law, their management company said Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, effectively ending a debate on exempting them because of their artistic accomplishments. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)" />
 <figcaption>RM, center, accompanied by other K-pop supergroup BTS members from left, V, Jungkook, Jimin, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 31, 2022. The members of K-pop band BTS will serve their mandatory military duties under South Korean law, their management company said Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, effectively ending a debate on exempting them because of their artistic accomplishments. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated PressSEOUL,
 South Korea — The members of K-pop band BTS will serve their 
mandatory military duties under South Korean law, their management 
company said Monday, effectively ending a debate on whether they should 
be granted exemptions because of their artistic accomplishments.Big
 Hit Music said the band’s oldest member, Jin, will revoke his request 
to delay his conscription at the end of the month and undertake the 
required steps. The six other BTS members also plan to serve in the 
military and are “looking forward to reconvening as a group again around
 2025 following their service commitment,” the company said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/BIGHIT_MUSIC/status/1581905317545533440">statement.</a>No
 further information on the timing of their service was given. The band 
members performed together in Busan over the weekend in support of the 
city’s EXPO bid, which will be their last concert as a group until they 
finish serving in the military, according to their label.Hybe 
Corp., the parent company of Big Hit, said in an email to The Associated
 Press that each member of the band for the time being will focus on 
individual activities scheduled around their military service plans.In
 a letter to shareholders, Hybe CEO Park Jiwon downplayed financial 
concerns related to the BTS hiatus, saying it has a broad enough lineup 
of artists, including other popular K-pop groups such as Le Sserafim and
 NewJeans and Western performers Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.“We
 have always been aware of the eventuality of mandatory military 
service, and we have long been making preparations to be ready for this 
moment,” Park wrote. “In the short term, individual activities for 
several of the members are planned into the first half of 2023, and we 
have secured content in advance, which will enable BTS to continue their
 engagement with fans for the foreseeable future.”The 
announcement came after Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military 
Manpower Administration, told lawmakers this month that it would be <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-south-korea-conscription-d2e9c19876752c3d3fb47807f1c8ec5b">“desirable” for BTS members to fulfil their military duties</a> to ensure fairness in the country’s military service.After
 enlisting, Jin and other BTS members will receive five weeks of combat 
training before being assigned to specific units and duties, according 
to officials at the Military Manpower Administration, who stressed that 
the singers would go under the same process as other South Korean men.While
 South Korea’s military for years had assigned enlisted entertainers to 
duties related to producing radio and TV material promoting the 
military, the “entertainment soldier” system was retired in 2013 
following complaints over fairness.Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup 
said in August that if BTS members join the military, they would likely 
be allowed to continue practicing and to join with the group for tours 
overseas.Whether the BTS members must serve in the army had been a
 hotly debated issue in South Korea as Jin faced possible enlistment 
early next year. Jin turns 30 in December, the age at which men can no 
longer delay enlistment. Other members are currently between 25 and 29 
years old, with Suga turning 30 in March.Under South Korean law, 
most able-bodied men are required to perform 18-21 months of military 
service, but special exemptions had been granted for athletes and 
artists who excel in certain international competitions that have been 
tied to national prestige.The band — its other members being 
J-Hope, RM, Jungkook, V and Jimin — launched in 2013 and has a legion of
 global supporters who call themselves the “Army.”After building a
 huge following in Asia, BTS expanded its popularity in the West with 
its 2020 megahit “Dynamite,” the band’s first all-English song that made
 it the first K-pop act to top Billboard’s Hot 100. The band has 
performed in sold-out arenas around the world and was even invited to 
speak at United Nations meetings.Since South Korea’s draft 
interrupts young males in their professional careers or studies, the 
dodging of military duties or creation of exemptions is a highly 
sensitive issue. Opinion surveys in recent weeks showed that the public 
was split over whether the BTS members should serve in the military.

K-pop superstars: BTS members will serve in South Korea's military

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GREAT BEND - Cherish the Ladies, will bring their Irish folk music to the Golden Belt Community Concert Association on Monday, Oct. 24. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

This group is an all-female ensemble based in New York featuring flute/pennywhistle, guitar, keyboard and accordion. All-Ireland flute and penny whistle champion Joanie Madden leads the group. Formed in 1985, Cherish the Ladies has performed around the world, including the White House and the Olympics. Cherish the Ladies has made a total of 18 critically acclaimed albums.

Cherish the Ladies’ performance of “An Irish Homecoming” was videotaped and aired on PBS in 2013, winning an Emmy. In June 2021, the National Endowment for the Arts honored Madden as one of six recipients of the National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor for traditional and folk artists.

Cherish the Ladies offer a spectacular blend of virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing – all as Madden leads the show with humor and personality.

This GBCCA event is open to association members. No single concert tickets are available. Anyone who is not a member and wishes to purchase a season membership may do so at this concert. Because the concert association encourages music education in the schools, full-time students of any age will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door.

Season memberships are $50 per adult; $10 for any full-time enrolled student; $110 for a Family Membership (two adults and all dependent children living in the same household); and $110 for a Grandparent Package (two adults and up to four minor grandchildren).

For more information about GBCCA and to see video previews of the new season’s concerts, go to the web site, www.goldenbeltcca.org, or call 620-793-2748.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665756163987.jpeg" alt="Internationally acclaimed singers of Irish folk music, Cherish the Ladies will perform for members of the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, in the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone." />
 <figcaption>Internationally acclaimed singers of Irish folk music, Cherish the Ladies will perform for members of the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, in the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND - Cherish the Ladies, will bring their Irish folk music to the Golden Belt Community Concert Association on Monday, Oct. 24. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.This group is an all-female ensemble based in New York featuring flute/pennywhistle, guitar, keyboard and accordion. All-Ireland flute and penny whistle champion Joanie Madden leads the group. Formed in 1985, Cherish the Ladies has performed around the world, including the White House and the Olympics. Cherish the Ladies has made a total of 18 critically acclaimed albums.Cherish the Ladies’ performance of “An Irish Homecoming” was videotaped and aired on PBS in 2013, winning an Emmy. In June 2021, the National Endowment for the Arts honored Madden as one of six recipients of the National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor for traditional and folk artists.Cherish the Ladies offer a spectacular blend of virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing – all as Madden leads the show with humor and personality.This GBCCA event is open to association members. No single concert tickets are available. Anyone who is not a member and wishes to purchase a season membership may do so at this concert. Because the concert association encourages music education in the schools, full-time students of any age will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door.Season memberships are $50 per adult; $10 for any full-time enrolled student; $110 for a Family Membership (two adults and all dependent children living in the same household); and $110 for a Grandparent Package (two adults and up to four minor grandchildren).For more information about GBCCA and to see video previews of the new season’s concerts, go to the web site, www.goldenbeltcca.org, or call 620-793-2748.

Cherish the Ladies bring Irish folk music to Great Bend Community Concert

McPHERSON –&nbsp;Acclaimed vocalist Vanessa Thomas, known for her seamless span of five octaves, is scheduled to perform at McPherson College as part of the Fern Lingenfelter Artists Series on Nov. 8.

The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre, and is open to the public at no charge.

For more than a decade, Thomas toured nationally with Grammy-award-winning trumpet virtuoso Doc Severinsen.

She is uniquely versatile with command across several musical genres, including classical, jazz, blues, gospel, and musical theater.

Recent performances include Robert Ray’s&nbsp;Gospel Mass&nbsp;as the soprano, alto, and tenor soloist at Carnegie Hall and headliner for Lyric Opera and the Lied Center of Kansas in a series of outdoor concerts.

She has performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the Arizona Musicfest; with the Cincinnati Pops, the Florida Orchestra, and part of the Kansas City Symphony’s Christmasfest; and as a soloist with symphony orchestras in Minnesota, Detroit, Dayton, West Virginia, and Utah.

Thomas appeared in the PBS American Masters documentary “Never Too Late.” Currently, she is producing an album for distribution.

While at McPherson College, Thomas will also teach a masterclass on Nov. 7.

Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with special emphasis on piano. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to both college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown.

McPherson CollegeMcPHERSON –&nbsp;Acclaimed vocalist Vanessa Thomas, known for her seamless span of five octaves, is scheduled to perform at McPherson College as part of the Fern Lingenfelter Artists Series on Nov. 8.The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre, and is open to the public at no charge.For more than a decade, Thomas toured nationally with Grammy-award-winning trumpet virtuoso Doc Severinsen.She is uniquely versatile with command across several musical genres, including classical, jazz, blues, gospel, and musical theater.Recent performances include Robert Ray’s&nbsp;Gospel Mass&nbsp;as the soprano, alto, and tenor soloist at Carnegie Hall and headliner for Lyric Opera and the Lied Center of Kansas in a series of outdoor concerts.She has performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the Arizona Musicfest; with the Cincinnati Pops, the Florida Orchestra, and part of the Kansas City Symphony’s Christmasfest; and as a soloist with symphony orchestras in Minnesota, Detroit, Dayton, West Virginia, and Utah.Thomas appeared in the PBS American Masters documentary “Never Too Late.” Currently, she is producing an album for distribution.While at McPherson College, Thomas will also teach a masterclass on Nov. 7.Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with special emphasis on piano. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to both college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown.

Vocalist Vanessa Thomas to perform at McPherson College

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<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MICHAEL%20LIEDTKE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer</a>

SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) — Netflix next month will unveil the first version of its video streaming service with ads, giving cost-conscious viewers a chance to watch most of its shows at a steep discount in exchange for putting up with commercial interruptions.

The ad-supported service is scheduled to debut Nov. 3 as Netflix tries to reverse a drop in subscribers. It will cost $7 per month in the U.S., a 55% markdown from Netflix's most popular $15.50-per-month plan, which is ad-free.

Netflix's ad-supported option will also be rolling out in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain and the U.K., according to&nbsp;<a href="https://about.netflix.com/en/news/announcing-basic-with-ads-us">a Thursday post</a>&nbsp;by the company's chief operating officer, Greg Peters.

Besides putting up with roughly four to five minutes of ads during each hour of viewing, Netflix subscribers who sign up for the cheaper service also won't be able to download TV shows and movies to watch when their devices are offline. Peters also said a “limited" amount of programming available on the commercial-free service won't be on the ad-supported version because of licensing issues.

Netflix's 15-year-old streaming service has until now been commercial free, but the Los Gatos, California, company decided to head in a new direction six months ago after reporting its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-50face93d2d2a876fa5485500e3d360a">first loss in subscribers</a>&nbsp;in more than a decade.

The customer erosion worsened a wrenching decline in its stock price that has wiped up more than $200 billion in shareholder wealth during the past 11 months. The shares rallied after Thursday's announcement, but still have lost about two-thirds of their value since reaching their peak last November when the streaming service was still growing.

Through the first half of this year, Netflix lost 1.2 million subscribers, leaving it with nearly 221 million. Management in July predicted it would regain about 1 million of those subscribers during the summer months. The numbers for the July-September period are scheduled to be disclosed Tuesday.

Netflix is betting the low-priced option with ads will be particularly popular at a time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-prices-consumer-aed3121e4d5e3ec37cf1591995f13ce0">persistently high inflation</a>&nbsp;is pressuring millions of households to curb their spending, particularly on discretionary items such as video streaming. The streaming market also has become crowded with tougher competition from the likes of Amazon, Apple and Walt Disney Co.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-4a6b8f8f960b7490690e8a3a975cca82">which also is preparing to offer</a>&nbsp;an ad-supported version of its service soon.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MICHAEL%20LIEDTKE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer</a>SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) — Netflix next month will unveil the first version of its video streaming service with ads, giving cost-conscious viewers a chance to watch most of its shows at a steep discount in exchange for putting up with commercial interruptions.The ad-supported service is scheduled to debut Nov. 3 as Netflix tries to reverse a drop in subscribers. It will cost $7 per month in the U.S., a 55% markdown from Netflix's most popular $15.50-per-month plan, which is ad-free.Netflix's ad-supported option will also be rolling out in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain and the U.K., according to&nbsp;<a href="https://about.netflix.com/en/news/announcing-basic-with-ads-us">a Thursday post</a>&nbsp;by the company's chief operating officer, Greg Peters.Besides putting up with roughly four to five minutes of ads during each hour of viewing, Netflix subscribers who sign up for the cheaper service also won't be able to download TV shows and movies to watch when their devices are offline. Peters also said a “limited" amount of programming available on the commercial-free service won't be on the ad-supported version because of licensing issues.Netflix's 15-year-old streaming service has until now been commercial free, but the Los Gatos, California, company decided to head in a new direction six months ago after reporting its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-50face93d2d2a876fa5485500e3d360a">first loss in subscribers</a>&nbsp;in more than a decade.The customer erosion worsened a wrenching decline in its stock price that has wiped up more than $200 billion in shareholder wealth during the past 11 months. The shares rallied after Thursday's announcement, but still have lost about two-thirds of their value since reaching their peak last November when the streaming service was still growing.Through the first half of this year, Netflix lost 1.2 million subscribers, leaving it with nearly 221 million. Management in July predicted it would regain about 1 million of those subscribers during the summer months. The numbers for the July-September period are scheduled to be disclosed Tuesday.Netflix is betting the low-priced option with ads will be particularly popular at a time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-prices-consumer-aed3121e4d5e3ec37cf1591995f13ce0">persistently high inflation</a>&nbsp;is pressuring millions of households to curb their spending, particularly on discretionary items such as video streaming. The streaming market also has become crowded with tougher competition from the likes of Amazon, Apple and Walt Disney Co.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-4a6b8f8f960b7490690e8a3a975cca82">which also is preparing to offer</a>&nbsp;an ad-supported version of its service soon.

Netflix sets $7 monthly price for its ad-supported service

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The Sunset Sinners plan to put healthcare workers at the forefront of their upcoming concert in Salina's Stiefel Theatre.

The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe. Another Salina band, Paramount, is scheduled to open the concert.

Tickets for the Sunset Sinners and Paramount concert start at $20 and are on sale now at the Stiefel Theatre box office. Buy tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, by telephone at 785-827-1998, or in person at the Stiefel Theatre box office. The Stiefel Theatre box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"We always are all about trying to do what we can to show appreciation for military and first responders, but one thing we're really wanting to do with this concert is really appreciating all the folks in the healthcare industry," said Sinners' drummer Blake Blackim. "After COVID, if there's anybody that needs a release and a night to go have fun, and hopefully people appreciate them, it's everybody that's been involved in the healthcare industry."

And, there will be a doctor in the house, specifically on the stage playing a few tunes with the Sunset Sinners. Dr. Sean Herrington, an emergency medicine specialist in Salina and a musician in his own right, will join the band for several songs, Blackim said.

Additionally, Blackim's daughter, Brittany Blackim, an accomplished flutist, will once again be performing with the band.

"It's just going to be a fun night with kind of an Oktoberfest vibe," Blake Blackim said. "Friends of ours, Paramount band, will be the opening act for us. Folks dig them so it's gonna to be a good night."

Blake said the Sunset Sinners will be playing songs from their recently released live album,&nbsp;Original Sin, which includes the hits&nbsp;Always Time for One More Beer,&nbsp;Friday Night, and&nbsp;Old Glory, as well as the band's newest song,&nbsp;Sunset Sinner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665717896521.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners, from left, Blake Blackim, guest flutist Brittany Blackim,&nbsp;Chris Brungardt,&nbsp;Tony Bowell, and&nbsp;Brad Johnson.&nbsp;Photo by Jeff Haines Photography courtesy Blake Blackim&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners, from left, Blake Blackim, guest flutist Brittany Blackim,&nbsp;Chris Brungardt,&nbsp;Tony Bowell, and&nbsp;Brad Johnson.&nbsp;Photo by Jeff Haines Photography courtesy Blake Blackim&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Sunset Sinners plan to put healthcare workers at the forefront of their upcoming concert in Salina's Stiefel Theatre.The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe. Another Salina band, Paramount, is scheduled to open the concert.Tickets for the Sunset Sinners and Paramount concert start at $20 and are on sale now at the Stiefel Theatre box office. Buy tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, by telephone at 785-827-1998, or in person at the Stiefel Theatre box office. The Stiefel Theatre box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday."We always are all about trying to do what we can to show appreciation for military and first responders, but one thing we're really wanting to do with this concert is really appreciating all the folks in the healthcare industry," said Sinners' drummer Blake Blackim. "After COVID, if there's anybody that needs a release and a night to go have fun, and hopefully people appreciate them, it's everybody that's been involved in the healthcare industry."And, there will be a doctor in the house, specifically on the stage playing a few tunes with the Sunset Sinners. Dr. Sean Herrington, an emergency medicine specialist in Salina and a musician in his own right, will join the band for several songs, Blackim said.Additionally, Blackim's daughter, Brittany Blackim, an accomplished flutist, will once again be performing with the band."It's just going to be a fun night with kind of an Oktoberfest vibe," Blake Blackim said. "Friends of ours, Paramount band, will be the opening act for us. Folks dig them so it's gonna to be a good night."Blake said the Sunset Sinners will be playing songs from their recently released live album,&nbsp;Original Sin, which includes the hits&nbsp;Always Time for One More Beer,&nbsp;Friday Night, and&nbsp;Old Glory, as well as the band's newest song,&nbsp;Sunset Sinner.

Sunset Sinners plan to honor healthcare workers during Salina concert

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LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/86ac76bf5ca34c07b67c25ca8d90c944">Blake Shelton,</a>&nbsp;the last of the original panel of judges on “The Voice,” will leave the megahit U.S. version of the singing competition show after next season.

“This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me,” the country music star said in a statement Tuesday night. He said he had been “wrestling with this for a while.”

The next season will be the NBC show's 23rd and Shelton's last. When it premiered in 2011, Shelton was joined in the big red chairs by Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green. Celebrity judges like Pharrell, Shakira and Miley Cyrus rotated in and out for subsequent seasons, but Shelton had been the constant (Levine had the second-longest tenure,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-ap-top-news-tv-north-america-blake-shelton-831102c0fdf1453f8ab963d672c213ee">with 16 seasons</a>&nbsp;).

“I have to give a huge shoutout to the singers — the ‘Voices,’ who come on this stage season after season and amaze us with their talent,” Shelton said, adding “a special thanks to those who chose me to be their coach.”

The show is also where Shelton met his wife, Gwen Stefani. The pop star and “No Doubt” frontwoman joined the show in 2014 for its seventh season and the pair&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0c965e2cfb674fe2ae7b2a2b33678b59">began dating the next year,</a>&nbsp;after Shelton divorced Miranda Lambert and Stefani divorced Gavin Rossdale. Shelton and Stefani&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ok-state-wire-gwen-stefani-blake-shelton-oklahoma-music-50d0ca9c25be97c60f474788ee6024b5">wed in July 2021.</a>

“i am so proud of you and so blessed to have found u. your talent brings joy to the hearts of so many people and i am so lucky to be part of ur life’s journey,” Stefani commented on Shelton's Instagram post announcing his departure.

“The Voice,” hosted by Carson Daly, is in the midst of airing its 22nd season. Both Stefani and Shelton are serving as judges, alongside John Legend — in his seventh season on the show — and Camila Cabello.

The Emmy-winning show also announced Tuesday night that Stefani, Legend and Cabello will vacate their seats next season, replaced by Kelly Clarkson — another frequent judge — and first-timers Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.

Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/86ac76bf5ca34c07b67c25ca8d90c944">Blake Shelton,</a>&nbsp;the last of the original panel of judges on “The Voice,” will leave the megahit U.S. version of the singing competition show after next season.“This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me,” the country music star said in a statement Tuesday night. He said he had been “wrestling with this for a while.”The next season will be the NBC show's 23rd and Shelton's last. When it premiered in 2011, Shelton was joined in the big red chairs by Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green. Celebrity judges like Pharrell, Shakira and Miley Cyrus rotated in and out for subsequent seasons, but Shelton had been the constant (Levine had the second-longest tenure,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-ap-top-news-tv-north-america-blake-shelton-831102c0fdf1453f8ab963d672c213ee">with 16 seasons</a>&nbsp;).“I have to give a huge shoutout to the singers — the ‘Voices,’ who come on this stage season after season and amaze us with their talent,” Shelton said, adding “a special thanks to those who chose me to be their coach.”The show is also where Shelton met his wife, Gwen Stefani. The pop star and “No Doubt” frontwoman joined the show in 2014 for its seventh season and the pair&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0c965e2cfb674fe2ae7b2a2b33678b59">began dating the next year,</a>&nbsp;after Shelton divorced Miranda Lambert and Stefani divorced Gavin Rossdale. Shelton and Stefani&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ok-state-wire-gwen-stefani-blake-shelton-oklahoma-music-50d0ca9c25be97c60f474788ee6024b5">wed in July 2021.</a>“i am so proud of you and so blessed to have found u. your talent brings joy to the hearts of so many people and i am so lucky to be part of ur life’s journey,” Stefani commented on Shelton's Instagram post announcing his departure.“The Voice,” hosted by Carson Daly, is in the midst of airing its 22nd season. Both Stefani and Shelton are serving as judges, alongside John Legend — in his seventh season on the show — and Camila Cabello.The Emmy-winning show also announced Tuesday night that Stefani, Legend and Cabello will vacate their seats next season, replaced by Kelly Clarkson — another frequent judge — and first-timers Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.

Blake Shelton, last of original 'The Voice' judges, to leave

Food, fun, and music will be the fare of the day at Street Eats &amp; Beats later this month.

Salina Area Young Professions (SAYP) annual Street Eats &amp; Beats event is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Oct. 22 at the 67401 Plaza in Downtown Salina (N. Santa Fe Avenue/W. Ash Street).

Street Eats &amp; Beats is a FREE public event that will include live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and more. Food trucks include Lost In Sauce and Drycreek Buffalo Ranch. Tipsy Traveler Beverage Co. is scheduled to serve in the beer garden.

This year, the event has an exciting twist as the SAYP Lip Sync Battle makes its return after a several year hiatus. Starting at 2 p.m., four local non-profits will perform two lip sync performances in hopes to win the grand prize check. The organizations performing will be the Salina Area United Way, CAPS, Catholic Charities of Central Kansas, and The Salina Art Center.

"We welcome you to come cast your vote at the event for your favorite performance by purchasing voting tickets (all funds raised from these tickets sales will go to their corresponding nonprofit). You will not want to miss this these nonprofits battle it out. Each participating nonprofit will receive a monetary donation from SAYP thanks to the Greater Salina Community Foundations support," SAYP noted in a news release.

Immediately after the Lip Sync Battle concludes, Vegan Shark is scheduled to take the stage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665461336786.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTFood, fun, and music will be the fare of the day at Street Eats &amp; Beats later this month.Salina Area Young Professions (SAYP) annual Street Eats &amp; Beats event is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Oct. 22 at the 67401 Plaza in Downtown Salina (N. Santa Fe Avenue/W. Ash Street).Street Eats &amp; Beats is a FREE public event that will include live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and more. Food trucks include Lost In Sauce and Drycreek Buffalo Ranch. Tipsy Traveler Beverage Co. is scheduled to serve in the beer garden.This year, the event has an exciting twist as the SAYP Lip Sync Battle makes its return after a several year hiatus. Starting at 2 p.m., four local non-profits will perform two lip sync performances in hopes to win the grand prize check. The organizations performing will be the Salina Area United Way, CAPS, Catholic Charities of Central Kansas, and The Salina Art Center."We welcome you to come cast your vote at the event for your favorite performance by purchasing voting tickets (all funds raised from these tickets sales will go to their corresponding nonprofit). You will not want to miss this these nonprofits battle it out. Each participating nonprofit will receive a monetary donation from SAYP thanks to the Greater Salina Community Foundations support," SAYP noted in a news release.Immediately after the Lip Sync Battle concludes, Vegan Shark is scheduled to take the stage.

Street Eats & Beats set for Oct. 22 in downtown Salina

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

CHICAGO (AP) — As the new school year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/back-to-school">swings into gear</a>, some students carry heavier worries than keeping up with homework: Demand has been growing steadily for children’s books that address traumatic events such as school shootings.

Sales of books for young readers on violence, grief, and emotions have increased for nine straight years, with nearly six million copies sold in 2021 — more than double the amount in 2012, according to NPD BookScan, which tracks U.S. retail sales of print books.

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mental-health-crisis-schools-768fed6a4e71d694ec0694c627d8fdca">anxiety and depression rates have soared</a>&nbsp;among young Americans, educators and advocates say children’s books can play a role in helping them cope.

“While it might be second nature to try to shield kids from the harsher realities of life and scary news, it’s proving difficult to avoid big society issues,” said Kristine Enderle, editorial director at Magination Press, the children’s publishing arm of the American Psychology Association. “Kids face these issues and challenges in their day-to-day life.”

One book, “I’m Not Scared … I’m Prepared,” was reprinted several times to meet demand after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">massacre at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School</a>&nbsp;in May, according to the National Center for Youth Issues, the nonprofit group that published the book. The story, first published in 2014, features a teacher who shows children what to do when a “dangerous someone” is in their school.

Bookstores around the country see interest in titles from the genre rise and fall depending on local and national headlines, according to bookseller Barnes &amp; Noble.

Some newer titles engage directly with real-world gun violence.

In “Numb to This,” a graphic novel released this month, author Kindra Neely details the 2015 Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon, which she survived, and the aftermath as she tries to heal amid repeated shootings elsewhere. Initially, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers editorial director Andrea Colvin said she was shocked when Keely pitched the idea.

“I had to remember that, yes, this is what our stories are like now. This is what young people have experienced,” Colvin said.

Michele Gay, whose 7-year-old daughter Josephine was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, turned to children's books herself to help her two surviving daughters. One picture book she read to them was “The Ant Hill Disaster,” about a boy ant who is afraid to go back to school after it is destroyed.

“It was one of many books that was of comfort to them and gave them a little bit of confidence to just face one more day, one more minute, because we can do it together,” said Gay, who advocates for improved security in schools through a nonprofit she co-founded, Safe and Sound Schools.

Parents should make sure books addressing trauma are age-appropriate and backed by psychologists, experts say.

It's important to be aware of whether children are aware of or feeling stress about frightening things in the news, said Aryeh Sova, a Chicago psychologist who works with children who attended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/highland-park-chicago-shooting-updates-4e9e0cf0aaa9954ae4fee30c5dd28bc8">July 4 parade in suburban Highland Park, Illinois</a>, where seven people were killed in a shooting. A child asking lots of questions about an event may signify that they are anxious or fixated on it, he said.

“If it’s coming from the kid’s need, then books could be a great way for kids to learn and to read together with their parents and to review it on their own and to process it at their own speed, at their own pace,” Sova said.

But bringing up violence when a child isn’t worried about it could increase their anxiety unnecessarily, Sova said.

Some young children experience gun violence at alarmingly high rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2022-05/2020-gun-deaths-in-the-us-4-28-2022-b.pdf?ceid=7665871&amp;emci=02aeed4b-eac7-ec11-997e-281878b83d8a&amp;emdi=243933db-17ca-ec11-997e-281878b83d8a">particularly in communities of color</a>.

For them, it is important to start early to address the effects, said Ian Ellis James, an Emmy award-winning Sesame Street writer known by his stage name William Electric Black. He is the author of the illustrated children’s book “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.williamelectricblack.com/a-gun-is-not-fun">A Gun Is Not Fun</a>.” He said young children in areas afflicted by gun violence are more aware of it than parents may think.

“They know about flowers and candles and cards in the street. They walk by them every day,” he said.

Through children’s literature and theater, Black works to reduce urban gun violence. “If you start when they’re 5, and you go back when you’re 6, 7, 8, 9, you’re going to change the behavior,” he said.

In the spring, he will collaborate with New York public school P.S. 155 in East Harlem with a series of gun violence awareness and prevention workshops for early readers, using puppets, storytelling and repetition.

“They won’t even get rid of assault weapons here in this country. So my thing is, we have to go in and we’ve got to help them help themselves save themselves,” Black said. “We’re really kind of failing at that.”

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22CLAIRE%20SAVAGE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By CLAIRE SAVAGE Associated Press/Report for America</a>CHICAGO (AP) — As the new school year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/back-to-school">swings into gear</a>, some students carry heavier worries than keeping up with homework: Demand has been growing steadily for children’s books that address traumatic events such as school shootings.Sales of books for young readers on violence, grief, and emotions have increased for nine straight years, with nearly six million copies sold in 2021 — more than double the amount in 2012, according to NPD BookScan, which tracks U.S. retail sales of print books.As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mental-health-crisis-schools-768fed6a4e71d694ec0694c627d8fdca">anxiety and depression rates have soared</a>&nbsp;among young Americans, educators and advocates say children’s books can play a role in helping them cope.“While it might be second nature to try to shield kids from the harsher realities of life and scary news, it’s proving difficult to avoid big society issues,” said Kristine Enderle, editorial director at Magination Press, the children’s publishing arm of the American Psychology Association. “Kids face these issues and challenges in their day-to-day life.”One book, “I’m Not Scared … I’m Prepared,” was reprinted several times to meet demand after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">massacre at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School</a>&nbsp;in May, according to the National Center for Youth Issues, the nonprofit group that published the book. The story, first published in 2014, features a teacher who shows children what to do when a “dangerous someone” is in their school.Bookstores around the country see interest in titles from the genre rise and fall depending on local and national headlines, according to bookseller Barnes &amp; Noble.Some newer titles engage directly with real-world gun violence.In “Numb to This,” a graphic novel released this month, author Kindra Neely details the 2015 Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon, which she survived, and the aftermath as she tries to heal amid repeated shootings elsewhere. Initially, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers editorial director Andrea Colvin said she was shocked when Keely pitched the idea.“I had to remember that, yes, this is what our stories are like now. This is what young people have experienced,” Colvin said.Michele Gay, whose 7-year-old daughter Josephine was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, turned to children's books herself to help her two surviving daughters. One picture book she read to them was “The Ant Hill Disaster,” about a boy ant who is afraid to go back to school after it is destroyed.“It was one of many books that was of comfort to them and gave them a little bit of confidence to just face one more day, one more minute, because we can do it together,” said Gay, who advocates for improved security in schools through a nonprofit she co-founded, Safe and Sound Schools.Parents should make sure books addressing trauma are age-appropriate and backed by psychologists, experts say.It's important to be aware of whether children are aware of or feeling stress about frightening things in the news, said Aryeh Sova, a Chicago psychologist who works with children who attended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/highland-park-chicago-shooting-updates-4e9e0cf0aaa9954ae4fee30c5dd28bc8">July 4 parade in suburban Highland Park, Illinois</a>, where seven people were killed in a shooting. A child asking lots of questions about an event may signify that they are anxious or fixated on it, he said.“If it’s coming from the kid’s need, then books could be a great way for kids to learn and to read together with their parents and to review it on their own and to process it at their own speed, at their own pace,” Sova said.But bringing up violence when a child isn’t worried about it could increase their anxiety unnecessarily, Sova said.Some young children experience gun violence at alarmingly high rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2022-05/2020-gun-deaths-in-the-us-4-28-2022-b.pdf?ceid=7665871&amp;emci=02aeed4b-eac7-ec11-997e-281878b83d8a&amp;emdi=243933db-17ca-ec11-997e-281878b83d8a">particularly in communities of color</a>.For them, it is important to start early to address the effects, said Ian Ellis James, an Emmy award-winning Sesame Street writer known by his stage name William Electric Black. He is the author of the illustrated children’s book “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.williamelectricblack.com/a-gun-is-not-fun">A Gun Is Not Fun</a>.” He said young children in areas afflicted by gun violence are more aware of it than parents may think.“They know about flowers and candles and cards in the street. They walk by them every day,” he said.Through children’s literature and theater, Black works to reduce urban gun violence. “If you start when they’re 5, and you go back when you’re 6, 7, 8, 9, you’re going to change the behavior,” he said.In the spring, he will collaborate with New York public school P.S. 155 in East Harlem with a series of gun violence awareness and prevention workshops for early readers, using puppets, storytelling and repetition.“They won’t even get rid of assault weapons here in this country. So my thing is, we have to go in and we’ve got to help them help themselves save themselves,” Black said. “We’re really kind of failing at that.”

Demand soars for kids' books addressing violence, trauma

<div>  <script src="https://embed-1007167.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="bc1d5df0-ec54-4ad4-927d-27ec1755a073" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

By STEPHANIE VANDER WEL <a href="https://theconversation.com/loretta-lynn-was-more-than-a-great-songwriter-she-was-a-spokeswoman-for-white-rural-working-class-women-191932">The Conversation</a>

Loretta Lynn’s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/04/arts/music/loretta-lynn-dead.html">death at the age of 90</a> marks the end of a remarkable life of achievement in country music.

Her dramatic life story – retold in the 1980 award-winning film “<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080549/">Coal Miner’s Daughter</a>,” based on <a href="https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/loretta-lynn/coal-miners-daughter/9781538701690/">Lynn’s 1976 biography</a>
 – made Lynn a household name. She grew up in poverty in a small 
Kentucky mining town, marrying and starting a family as a teenager 
before reaching unprecedented heights of commercial success as a 
recording artist of modern country music.

But as a <a href="https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/music/faculty/faculty-directory.host.html/content/shared/arts-sciences/music/new-faculty-profiles/vander-wel-stephanie.html">scholar of gender and country music</a> and author of “<a href="https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p084959">Hillbilly Maidens, Okies, and Cowgirls: Women’s Country Music, 1930-1960</a>,”
 I know that Lynn represented more than just star power and fame in 
country music – she spoke to the concerns of women, especially white 
working-class women in rural and suburban America.

Lynn’s rise in the 1960s took place when country music appeared tied 
to conservative politics. It was a time when Merle Haggard’s “<a href="https://academic.oup.com/california-scholarship-online/book/28551/chapter-abstract/238414028?redirectedFrom=fulltext">Okie from Muskogee</a>,”
 with its attacks on counterculture, marijuana and draft-card burning, 
became a populist anthem for the country’s cultural conservatives.

In contrast, Lynn’s songwriting continued the legacy of <a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-kitty-wells-20120717-story.html">Kitty Wells</a>, <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/09/25/country-music-hall-famer-jean-shepard-dead-82/76568704/">Jean Shepard</a> and other women in country music who were willing to speak up about the concerns of American women.

Lynn’s songs defied societal expectations by connecting her musical 
representations of working-class and rural women to broader social 
issues affecting women across the U.S.

She aimed for her music to articulate the fears, dreams and anger of 
women living in a patriarchal society. It railed against those who 
idealized women’s domestic roles and demonized outspoken feminists.

Specifically, for a generation of predominantly white women in the 
1960s and 1970s who did not identify as urban or college-educated 
feminists, Lynn’s music offered candid conversations about their private
 lives as wives and mothers.

As Lynn <a href="https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/loretta-lynn/coal-miners-daughter/9781538701690/">stated in her autobiography</a>, her audience recognized her as a “mother and a wife and a daughter, who had feelings just like other women.”

She did this through clever and witty songwriting and lyrical 
techniques that combined the vernacular of her audience with her 
resonant voice.

Meanwhile, the song arrangements of Owen Bradley of Decca Records 
directed Lynn’s musical talents to a broad audience. He combined the 
edgier sound of honky-tonk instrumentation – electric guitars, pedal 
steels and fiddles – with the polish of the Nashville sound by including
 the smooth sounding vocal harmonies of the vocal quartet the <a href="http://www.jordanaires.net/">Jordanaires</a>, as heard in numerous country, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll recordings.

This provided a sound of strength and conviction to accompany Lynn’s 
bold and forthright songs as she laid bare the double standards of 
gender roles. 

With her assertive and resonant voice, Lynn, in her 1966 track “<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/loretta-lynn-best-lyrics-songwriting-175002/">Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)</a>,” warns men not to expect women to be waiting at home, sexually available for them after they’d spent the night drinking:

Well, you thought I’d be waitin’ up when you came home last night You’d been out with all the boys and you ended up half tight Liquor and love, they just don’t mix Leave that bottle or me behind And don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind

In a similar vein, Lynn, who <a href="https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/loretta-lynn/coal-miners-daughter/9781538701690/">claimed that her songs about wayward husbands</a>
 were inspired by her fraught marriage to Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn, 
confronted the “other woman” in songs such as 1966’s “You Ain’t Woman 
Enough” and 1968’s “Fist City.”

Fully aware that her personalized accounts became political messages for her fan base of women, Lynn co-wrote and recorded “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/10/04/loretta-lynn-the-pill/">The Pill</a>”
 in 1975. It was a rare foray into the topic of women’s reproductive 
rights for country music. In typical fashion, though, Lynn approached 
the issue from the perspective of a rural working-class woman:

I’m tired of all your crowin’ How you and your hens play While holdin’ a couple in my arms Another’s on the way This chicken’s done tore up her nest And I’m ready to make a deal And ya can’t afford to turn it down ‘Cause you know I’ve got the pill

The song’s sexual innuendos about cavorting roosters and hens 
incorporated the double entendres and humor of early blues and country, 
while providing a frank discussion about female sexual pleasure. It also
 addressed the right for women to take control over their bodies and 
reproduction.

The song came out just two years after <a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/410/113/">the Supreme Court passed Roe v. Wade</a>, granting women the ability to govern their own reproductive health through abortion.

Indeed, Lynn commented on the Supreme Court’s ruling in her autobiography:

“Personally, I think you should prevent unwanted pregnancy rather than get an abortion. It would be wrong for me. But I’m thinking of all the poor girls who get pregnant when they don’t want to be, and how they should have a choice instead of leaving it up to some politician or doctor who don’t have to raise the baby.”

Her recording “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/10/04/loretta-lynn-the-pill/">The Pill</a>”
 spoke to married women who wanted to be able to space out their 
children and prevent unwanted pregnancies so that they could pursue 
educational and professional opportunities.

In interviews, Lynn discussed at length how female listeners flocked 
to her after concerts, relieved to find a public figure with whom they 
felt comfortable to discuss birth control. 

Not everyone was thrilled, though. Male country <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/after-country-stations-banned-loretta-lynns-the-pill-it-became-her-biggest-pop-hit">disc jockeys banned</a>
 “The Pill” from the airwaves. Nonetheless, the recording became her 
biggest seller in 1975 and furthered Lynn’s reputation as a spokeswoman 
for white rural working-class women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664893801410.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHANIE VANDER WEL <a href="https://theconversation.com/loretta-lynn-was-more-than-a-great-songwriter-she-was-a-spokeswoman-for-white-rural-working-class-women-191932">The Conversation</a>Loretta Lynn’s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/04/arts/music/loretta-lynn-dead.html">death at the age of 90</a> marks the end of a remarkable life of achievement in country music.Her dramatic life story – retold in the 1980 award-winning film “<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080549/">Coal Miner’s Daughter</a>,” based on <a href="https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/loretta-lynn/coal-miners-daughter/9781538701690/">Lynn’s 1976 biography</a>
 – made Lynn a household name. She grew up in poverty in a small 
Kentucky mining town, marrying and starting a family as a teenager 
before reaching unprecedented heights of commercial success as a 
recording artist of modern country music.But as a <a href="https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/music/faculty/faculty-directory.host.html/content/shared/arts-sciences/music/new-faculty-profiles/vander-wel-stephanie.html">scholar of gender and country music</a> and author of “<a href="https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p084959">Hillbilly Maidens, Okies, and Cowgirls: Women’s Country Music, 1930-1960</a>,”
 I know that Lynn represented more than just star power and fame in 
country music – she spoke to the concerns of women, especially white 
working-class women in rural and suburban America.<h2>Speaking up, singing out</h2>Lynn’s rise in the 1960s took place when country music appeared tied 
to conservative politics. It was a time when Merle Haggard’s “<a href="https://academic.oup.com/california-scholarship-online/book/28551/chapter-abstract/238414028?redirectedFrom=fulltext">Okie from Muskogee</a>,”
 with its attacks on counterculture, marijuana and draft-card burning, 
became a populist anthem for the country’s cultural conservatives.In contrast, Lynn’s songwriting continued the legacy of <a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-kitty-wells-20120717-story.html">Kitty Wells</a>, <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/09/25/country-music-hall-famer-jean-shepard-dead-82/76568704/">Jean Shepard</a> and other women in country music who were willing to speak up about the concerns of American women.Lynn’s songs defied societal expectations by connecting her musical 
representations of working-class and rural women to broader social 
issues affecting women across the U.S.<div><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A6IDd8Os7RLpa9DNKz4Wc33" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" style="border-radius: 12px;"allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>She aimed for her music to articulate the fears, dreams and anger of 
women living in a patriarchal society. It railed against those who 
idealized women’s domestic roles and demonized outspoken feminists.<h2>‘There’s gonna be some changes’</h2>Specifically, for a generation of predominantly white women in the 
1960s and 1970s who did not identify as urban or college-educated 
feminists, Lynn’s music offered candid conversations about their private
 lives as wives and mothers.As Lynn <a href="https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/loretta-lynn/coal-miners-daughter/9781538701690/">stated in her autobiography</a>, her audience recognized her as a “mother and a wife and a daughter, who had feelings just like other women.”She did this through clever and witty songwriting and lyrical 
techniques that combined the vernacular of her audience with her 
resonant voice.Meanwhile, the song arrangements of Owen Bradley of Decca Records 
directed Lynn’s musical talents to a broad audience. He combined the 
edgier sound of honky-tonk instrumentation – electric guitars, pedal 
steels and fiddles – with the polish of the Nashville sound by including
 the smooth sounding vocal harmonies of the vocal quartet the <a href="http://www.jordanaires.net/">Jordanaires</a>, as heard in numerous country, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll recordings.This provided a sound of strength and conviction to accompany Lynn’s 
bold and forthright songs as she laid bare the double standards of 
gender roles. With her assertive and resonant voice, Lynn, in her 1966 track “<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/loretta-lynn-best-lyrics-songwriting-175002/">Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)</a>,” warns men not to expect women to be waiting at home, sexually available for them after they’d spent the night drinking: Well, you thought I’d be waitin’ up when you came home last night You’d been out with all the boys and you ended up half tight Liquor and love, they just don’t mix Leave that bottle or me behind And don’t come home a drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mindIn a similar vein, Lynn, who <a href="https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/loretta-lynn/coal-miners-daughter/9781538701690/">claimed that her songs about wayward husbands</a>
 were inspired by her fraught marriage to Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn, 
confronted the “other woman” in songs such as 1966’s “You Ain’t Woman 
Enough” and 1968’s “Fist City.” <h2>A lasting legacy</h2>Fully aware that her personalized accounts became political messages for her fan base of women, Lynn co-wrote and recorded “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/10/04/loretta-lynn-the-pill/">The Pill</a>”
 in 1975. It was a rare foray into the topic of women’s reproductive 
rights for country music. In typical fashion, though, Lynn approached 
the issue from the perspective of a rural working-class woman: I’m tired of all your crowin’ How you and your hens play While holdin’ a couple in my arms Another’s on the way This chicken’s done tore up her nest And I’m ready to make a deal And ya can’t afford to turn it down ‘Cause you know I’ve got the pillThe song’s sexual innuendos about cavorting roosters and hens 
incorporated the double entendres and humor of early blues and country, 
while providing a frank discussion about female sexual pleasure. It also
 addressed the right for women to take control over their bodies and 
reproduction.The song came out just two years after <a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/410/113/">the Supreme Court passed Roe v. Wade</a>, granting women the ability to govern their own reproductive health through abortion.Indeed, Lynn commented on the Supreme Court’s ruling in her autobiography:“Personally, I think you should prevent unwanted pregnancy rather than get an abortion. It would be wrong for me. But I’m thinking of all the poor girls who get pregnant when they don’t want to be, and how they should have a choice instead of leaving it up to some politician or doctor who don’t have to raise the baby.”Her recording “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/10/04/loretta-lynn-the-pill/">The Pill</a>”
 spoke to married women who wanted to be able to space out their 
children and prevent unwanted pregnancies so that they could pursue 
educational and professional opportunities. In interviews, Lynn discussed at length how female listeners flocked 
to her after concerts, relieved to find a public figure with whom they 
felt comfortable to discuss birth control. Not everyone was thrilled, though. Male country <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/after-country-stations-banned-loretta-lynns-the-pill-it-became-her-biggest-pop-hit">disc jockeys banned</a>
 “The Pill” from the airwaves. Nonetheless, the recording became her 
biggest seller in 1975 and furthered Lynn’s reputation as a spokeswoman 
for white rural working-class women. Her music also inspired the women in country music who followed her 
to further explore issues of gender roles. Lynn’s legacy lives on in the
 music of female country artists – such as <a href="https://www.reba.com/">Reba McEntire</a> and <a href="https://www.mirandalambert.com/">Miranda Lambert</a> – who learned from Lynn how to create music that confronts and triumphs over the societal obstacles that women face.While all of country music will mourn the death of Lynn, it is 
perhaps her female fans who will feel the loss more acutely. Lynn gave 
them a social and political voice, and helped make country music a genre
 relevant to the complexities of women’s lives.Stephanie Vander Wel is an Associate Professor of Music at the University at Buffalo.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/191932/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>

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