Columbia Missourian Celebrates Its 100th Birthday with a ‘Party of the Century’
Tickets on Sale for Sept. 11 Party Featuring Son Venezuela, a Salsa Dance Band, at the Blue Note
Columbia, Mo. (June 18, 2008) — Billed as “The Party of the Century,” the Columbia Missourian will celebrate its 100th birthday with a major concert Thursday, Sept. 11 at The Blue Note, 17 N. Ninth St.
The event will be held in conjunction with the centennial/dedication celebration of the Missouri School of Journalism and the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute. The Missourian’s first issue was published on Sept. 14, 1908, the opening day of the world’s first school of journalism. For 100 years, its newsroom has served as a working laboratory for student reporters under the guidance of faculty editors.
Son Venezuela, one of the Midwest’s top salsa dance bands, is the headliner for the show, for which doors will open at 8:30 p.m. The nine-piece ensemble was voted “Best Latin Band” in the 2007 Pitch Weekly Music Awards.
The “We Always Swing” Jazz Series, which takes the occasion to kick off its 14th season, will co-sponsor the evening event.
“When we recognized how perfect the timing was for this event, and how perfect this band would be, we realized what a great idea it was to tie in the Jazz Series’ opening event with both the Missourian and J-School centennial,” said Jazz Series Executive Director Jon Poses, MA ’80. “I really felt, as a J-School graduate, l wanted to be part of the centennial celebration.” Poses, who founded the Columbia-based nonprofit in 1995, is also a freelance journalist and music writer.
The event planners, who include Assistant Professor Katherine Reed and Missourian Managing Editor Reuben Stern, BJ ’93, MA ’07, along with Poses, expect Son Venezuela’s appearance at the Blue Note to be one of the social highlights of the upcoming celebration.
“The Missourian has been in existence for 100 years, and we really wanted to throw a great party to mark that milestone,” Stern said.
Son Venezuela has been together nearly 15 years and has garnered attention and critical acclaim throughout the Midwest and beyond with its sellout crowds. “Son Venezuela (performs) with enough fire to keep the dance floor burning and enough new material to keep Latin music fans on their toes,” said lawrence.com, an entertainment news Web site.
Because organizers expect the dance/concert to sell out, those attending and associated with the centennial/dedication celebration can order tickets early by calling the Jazz Series box office at 573-449-3009 by Monday, July 7. Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, tickets to the event go on sale to the public at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at ticketmaster.com. People can reserve tickets with their credit cards by calling either Ticketmaster (866-646-8849) or the Jazz Series Box Office (573-449-3009), or by e-mailing the Jazz Series at info@wealwaysswing.org with order information. Applicable convenience charges apply. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door, which opens at 8:30 p.m. on the night of the show.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- $30 each for reserved 4-top table seats (Reserved table seats can be purchased individually or in groups up to four per table. Those purchasing fewer than four tickets at a table will be asked to share. Limited availability.)
- $20 each for reserved balcony seats (Seats are located upstairs in the renovated balcony section.)
- $15 each for general admission/standing room tickets ($10 for current students).
“We wanted to offer J-School people and Jazz Series clientele some seating options,” Poses said. “Reserved table seats and balcony locations allow people to sit and enjoy the event as a concert; they obviously can also get up and dance if they choose.”
Meanwhile, Poses said, general admission tickets – offered to the public as well as to students at a $5 discount – gives people the chance to move around and dance.
“I’m sure a lot of people returning will recall their days standing and watching bands at The Blue Note,” Poses said. “This is an opportunity for people to rekindle that vibe.”
The Blue Note is non-smoking, accessible and complies with all ADA regulations. For more information please visit the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series website.
Updated: April 28, 2020