On hand for the groundbreaking at the Brownville Concert Hall, left to right, were: John Lauber, Eric Stallbaumer, Tom Bliss, Bob Sailors, Steve Charleston, Janet Palmtag, Jan Chism Wright, and Dr. Jeffrey Meade.

The Brownville Concert Series (BCS) recently held a formal groundbreaking on the long-planned renovation of the Brownville Concert Hall. Joining in the festivities were Brownville Concert Series board members Jeffrey Meade (president), John Lauber, Jan Chism Wright, Janet Palmtag (vice-president), Eric Stallbaumer of AHRS Construction, Bob Sailors of the Brownville Village Board, Stephen Charleston of the Department of Economic Development and Tom Bliss of Southeast Nebraska Development District.

The Brownville Concert Series organized into a separate 501(c)(3) corporation in 2016 in order to accept the gift of the Brownville Concert Hall, donated by James H. Keene, III and Ruth Haley Keene. It then became necessary for the building, which was originally built in 1990, to be brought up to current codes regarding Fire Standards and Americans for Disabilities Act requirements. BVH Architects in Omaha, the original architects involved with restoration of the building in 1990, was hired to design and oversee the renovation.

The BCS received a $350,000 grant from the Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development Tourism Development Community Development Block Grant in 2017. Projected costs at this point total $775,000 (including $35,000 for the purchase of a seven-foot 1985B Steinway Piano).

The Brownville Concert Series has been conducting a targeted Capital Campaign that included applying for grants from major foundations, area businesses and key individuals. They have obtained cash and commitments totaling over $531,075 to date (including the CDBG).

BCS has instituted a special level of giving called The Grand Club (Grandeur) for those donating $1,000 or more to raise the remaining 30% ($250,000).