A Message from Rustin Lippincott

Welcome to the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center and the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts 2011-12 Artist Series! You, the patrons, along with the Board of Directors, volunteers and the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center staff have been instrumental in the success of the Center since we opened our doors in 2007. Fairfield, Jefferson County and people of Southeastern Iowa have instilled confidence in the Arts and Convention Center and I'm very excited to welcome the Sondheim Artist Series to the stage.

The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center is solidifying its niche every day with the wide variety of activities offered here. In a very short time, we have watched this Center become the place that Fairfield residents and visitors alike come for rich and diverse entertainment as well as gatherings and joyous occasions. We have shared in many experiences, been impressed and inspired - all in the fellowship of great performances. Nearly every day I have the privilege of hearing from community members, patrons or visitors how the Center has touched their lives in a positive way. These "thank you" statements are the basis for everything that happens at the Center. 

The Center's emergence as the arts and entertainment venue for Southeast Iowa has me wondering, how do we follow up on the past 12 months that had audiences amazed, entertained and inspired? Before I get to that, let's reflect on the 2010-11 Artist Series which featured numerous sold out performances, including the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Patsy Cline tribute show, Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater, Spencers:  Theater of Illusion, Ricky Nelson Remembered, Neil Diamond Tribute and The Music Man.

So how do we improve on that? We are on the right track with this season's Artist Series.  From Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, to the national tour of Fiddler on the Roof, to A Christmas Carol and Yesterday, A Tribute to the Beatles to Clifford the Big Red Dog LIVE and The Golden Dragon Acrobats, the 2011-12 Sondheim Artist Series features 25 performances of the finest in music, dance, comedy, acrobats, illusion and theater. I firmly believe there is truly something for everyone this season. 

You may not be familiar with every group coming to the Artist Series, but I am confident these shows will enrich your life, inspire your soul and entertain your spirit. Each time you walk through the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center doors, in the heart of downtown, please know that the Center staff, volunteers and Board of Directors are committed to making this place an exciting and attainable venue.

If you haven't had the opportunity to enjoy an event at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, I encourage you to take a walk through this amazing facility. The Center is the ideal place for a variety of special events. Whether you choose our Expo Hall for an elegant reception, our spacious meeting rooms or our Executive Conference Room for a first-rate meeting, the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center offers the space you need with a welcoming atmosphere for any event.

Whether it's your first time to the Center or you have your favorite seats in the theater, thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you at the Center!




Rustin Lippincott
Executive Director
Fairfield Arts and Convention Center - Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts
Fairfield Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureau