Symphony in the Flint Hills 2010

This was our fourth year to attend the Symphony in the Flint Hills.  This year's concert was in Chase County in pastureland owned by a Texas billionaire.  If you don't know about the Symphony in the Flint Hills you are missing out.  The grand finale is, of course, a performance by the Kansas City Symphony, but this even is so much more.  They bring in people to give talks all afternoon about the history of the area, the wildlife and vegetation, and other topics.  You can take a covered wagon ride across the prairie, go on a wildflower walk, and even stargaze once the sun goes down.  There are local musicians, cowboys, great food, art..........and it all takes place in the middle of a pasture somewhere in the Flint Hills.

This year's concert was threatened by weather all day long.  Mother Nature is a big part of this event happening.  Thanks to technology, we got text messages updates all day about the status of the weather.  Even though we drove through some rainy spots to get there it was an absolutely beautiful evening.  As you can see from the pictures, it was a little hazy, but it was still a stunning view from the hill.  No highways, no power lines, just grass as far as the eye can see.

They only sell about 5,000-6,000 tickets each year and every year it sells out within the first couple of hours.  It is always interesting to find a spot to sit and just watch the people go by.  You see all kinds.  One of our favorites this year was a gal walking around in her stiletto high heels.  Not exactly my choice of footwear for walking through a pasture, but hey, it takes all kinds.  Even the parking lot is an interesting experience, everything from Cadillacs and Lexuses to pickup trucks.


There is really no other way that I would rather listen to the symphony.  This year was a little different with the addition of a guest artist that performed with the symphony.  Lyle Lovett, who is a friend of the landowner, performed and while I am not a huge fan the selections that he did seemed to fit in.  Here is the website if you want to read a little bit more about this event.   

www.symphonyintheflinthills.org/