Music in Bowling Green in the 1890s seems to be typical of the musical scene which was occuring all over the country. There were outlets for both classical and popular music enthusiasts, although the main center for performances, the Grand Opera House, scheduled many more popular events. The Daily Sentinel gave notice of all upcoming theatrical and musical events in its local column, "Tea Table Chat," and often the manager of the Opera House purchased ads on the same page detailing and promoting the entertainment. Usually performers were brought to the theater for programs two or three nights per week. In some cases a theatrical company would be contracted for a week, with a different performance presented each night. Occasionally, local groups would use the Opera House for their own productions or dances.

In August of 1890, the Daily Sentinel reported that the Opera House was "undergoing extensive overhauling," which included frescoeing the walls as well as putting up fire escapes. It also announced its upcoming season, which included the following theatrical events:

The Little Nugget Co., in a fine Irish Comedy, Sept. 1

James Reiley, in The Broommaker of Carlsbad

Robert Downing, in Damon and Pythias, Oct. [13]

Gibney, Gordon and Gibney

Mr. Barnes of a New York company

Al Fields' Minstrels

Farmer J.C.Lewis & Company, in Si Plunkard, with country band

Many of these comic dramas included songs and incidental music. Touring companiesfrequently brought their own bands, and the evening's entertainment was promoted with a street parade at noon.

On September 1, 1890, the following article promoted the opening night of the season:"Tonight is the opening night of the new opera house and Little Nugget, the attraction. Messrs. Hankey and Taber have refitted the house and the interior decorations will surprise the people. The band will be out, a first class orchestra will be present, and all in all the entertainment this evening will be one of the best of the season."

The next day the Sentinel applauded the "newly frescoed walls and the freshly painted woodwork," and declared the evening's production "a success." (DS, Sept. 2, 1890, 3) The first musical events of the new season were presented by the Gilbert Opera Company the next week, September 8-10, 1890. Three comic operas, "Mascotti," "Little Rude," and "Chimes of Normandy" were presented at 8:00 P.M. on successive evenings. Ticket prices were 15¢, 25¢ and 35¢. (5 Sept, 3). A review of the last performance recounted, "The Gilbert Opera Company played very largely and properly to empty seats." It denounced the poor quality and suggested that "the future of the Opera House depends on the quality of the performances presented (DS, Sept. 11, 1890, 3).

Return to the Southeast Tour of the Crystal City.