An evening of music on the prairie, hosted by KAKE News anchor Larry Hatteburg, will kick-off a busy Kanza Days weekend.

On Friday, May 6, the South Kansas Symphony and the Southwestern College Youth Symphony (both under the direction of Daniel Stevens), and the country and bluegrass sound of Pop & the Boys will perform on the Dick and Dolly Bonfy Ranch at 24011 141st Rd. in Winfield.  Gates will open at 4 p.m.

“Show up at 4 p.m., bring a picnic and beverages to enjoy, and make a night of it,” Dolly Bonfy says.  “PrairieMan by Stan Herd will be watching over us all. It is such a beautiful way to celebrate the glory of springtime in Cowley County.”

The schedule for the evening includes:

• 5-6 p.m.—Pop & the Boys
• 6-7 p.m.—The Southwestern College Youth Symphony
• 7-7:30 p.m.—Pop & the Boys
• 7:30-8:45 p.m.—South Kansas Symphony

Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children age 12 and under. Tickets will be available at the gate or by calling Lou Tharp at (620) 229-6272.

“This event has been in the works for more than a year,” says Stevens.  “We have masses of volunteers who are contributing and with their imagination and effort – and the beauty of the Bonfy Ranch as a canvas – it will be more than a concert. Dining out under a spring sky in Kansas to the sounds of a live orchestra is an event to remember.”

Along with the music, vendors will also be there.  If any vendors would like to be a part of this event, go to www.southkansassymphony.com.  If anyone would like to volunteer their time, contact Julie Headrick at (620) 229-6141.

“The concert site sits down in a natural amphitheater, along a creek bed,” Headrick says. “Participants will get to not only enjoy the scenery, music, and vendors, but also prairie tours where they will be led by knowledgeable guides who can identify the wildflowers and grasses that are native to our area. It promises to be an experience beyond the ordinary.”