INCONCERT

This is the 39th year of the Ilse Newell concerts on the Forgotten Coast. The concert series is named for Ilse Newell, who moved here in the early 1980’s. She was a member of, and sang in the choir at, Trinity Episcopal Church and was active in promoting arts activities in the community.

After her untimely death in 1985, an anonymous donation of $10,000 was made in her memory and provided the finances to establish a performing arts fund in her name.

The initial organization of the concert series began in 1985 at Trinity Episcopal Church with the help of Bedford and the late Eugenia Watkins, the late Tom Adams, the late Rev. Glen Totman, and his wife Nancy, the late Myra Ponder, the late George Chapel, and other members of Trinity Episcopal Church.
 

These individuals played a huge role in forming both the Ilse Newell Fund and the Bay Area Choral Society (BACS). The first BACS concert was performed in Trinity Episcopal Church in 1989. Eugenia Watkins conducted the BACS until 2007. Bedford Watkins served as pianist to BACS until 2007.

Bedford and Eugenia Watkins were trained musicians who also came to this area in the early 1980’s after Bedford retired as Head of the Piano and Harpsichord Department at Illinois Wesleyan College. Through their leadership and vision, they brought in talented musicians to perform classical and Choral music, with Trinity Episcopal Church as the venue.
 

For a number of years, the Ilse Newell Fund operated as a committee under the Apalachicola Area Historical Society. In 2015, the administration of the Ilse Newell Fund transferred to a dedicated Board of Directors, under the guidance of then Board President Bo May. The range and quality of musical talent flourished under his leadership. Mr. May expanded the concerts to the nightclub venue of Rio Carrabelle.
 

On June 22, 2017 Rick Watson took over the leadership of the Ilse Newell Fund, as President. In late 2017, Arlene Wingate was made an Honorary Board Member, and given the title of Board Member Emeritus. In March, 2022, Steve M. Watkins became the President of the Ilse Newell Fund for the Performing Arts.

Board members are all volunteers who give generously of their time to scout and secure talent for the concerts. All money raised through donations and community support goes to securing performers. No board member receives any financial compensation.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Ilse Newell organization, you will be welcomed! There are many ways to participate. Send an email with your contact information to us at inconcert.apalachicola@gmail.com.

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The Ilse Newell Fund board is delighted to bring a full lineup of talent for your enjoyment for this 2022-23 season.

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Ilse Newell Fund Board of Directors:
Steve M. Watkins……………………………President
Carol Guild……………………….……..Vice President
Shirley N. Taylor……………………………..Secretary
Karen Brown…………….……………………Treasurer
Ginny Griner…………………………..……….Director
Arlene Wingate….……….Board Member Emeritus

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