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National acts helping Wichita arts scene

February 04, 2011|By Megan Strader | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — On a Friday evening, it's not tough to find a local musician setting up for a show. Something that hasn't been deterred by a major venue now occupying a chunk of Wichita's downtown.

"They might come down and check out a big act down at the arena and maybe they might swing through Old Town and see some local musicians later that night."

Jared Brickman is the Executive Director for ROK ICT - an organization working to promote arts in Wichita. He says Intrust Bank Arena has not only turned people on to live music, but has even given local artists a bigger stage to play on.

"Just this past month they had the anniversary event where they invited a bunch of local musicians to come in and play. They had a really big turnout and that's a really great thing for the bands."

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Wichita is also seeing its share of big name plays coming through, The Lion King being the latest addition to Century II's lineup.

"So far, as we've seen at Music Theatre Wichita, the impact of the arena, and the high quality shows that do come on tour, it has all been good for us," said Wayne Bryan, Producing Artistic Director, Music Theatre of Wichita.

Just as a good concert can hook people on live music, a good play can hook people on the theater.

"So when a really first class tour, like Wicked last year and like Lion King coming up, when those come through it makes every body happy because they see those good shows and then want to see what else the community has to offer."

And it comes down to the people of this area to keep that interest growing.

Bryan adds, "People have to keep showing up to see them, it's as simple as that. If people support what's here, there will be more and more good stuff here."

Cementing Wichita as an arts and enterainment hub.

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