Our Digital Billboard Campaign

Throughout 2011 The Grand will have a 24/7 presence on Lamar Digital billboards located at University & Asbury, US 20 near Century Dr & JFK north of Asbury Road. They will be used to promote most every event at the Grand with a goal of attracting as many patrons as possible to our wonderful venue and to support all the events that we have scheduled in 2011. The first posting will alternate BUDDY with THE 4 FRESHMEN.

Nutcracker breaks attendance records

The Dubuque City Youth Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Grand Opera House was attended by a record 2,029 persons surpassing last year by more than 300 persons.

Artistic Director Marina O’Rourke is already working on the Heartland Ballet Spring Gala in March of 2011. The spring production will feature three brand new and original one act ballets including a new work choreographed to original music composed by Clarke University music professor David Resnick.

Resnick’s composition, “A Novel Idea” will be performed by the composer onstage with the dancers. Titles of the two other original works will be announced in January.

Concession Stand News

In early January we will switch from Pepsi fountain product to cans in time for the February events. Cost is virtually the same. They will supply recycle containers for us and they will pick them up when necessary. ONLY Pepsi products can be in these recycle containers. So, we'll have to be careful about that.

Pepsi will supply a cooler for us to keep the product in upstairs and downstairs.

This opens up a much greater variety of product to sell, including lemonade, orange drink,etc. And, would allow us the luxury of opening up a second soft drink stand in the box office area when there is a great demand as during the ballet.

This switchover will save us from wasted product, the expense of CO2, cups, ice, etc. Progress!

Marina O'Rourke talks about the 2010 Nutcracker at the Grand

Marina O'Rourke in the Dubuque Academy of Ballet studio 

Chapter Six was great

Chapter Six did a fantastic show Sunday at the Grand. Attendance wasn't what we would have liked, but the 130 who came saw a terrific display of musicianship and showmanship. They interacted skillfully with the audience of all ages (6-80) who responded with a standing ovation.

This is a class act. But, the Dubuque Arts Council is noted for bringing high quality entertainment to Dubuque. It's unfortunate that so many decided not to bother to see this exceptional group of young men.

New Security System installed at the Grand Opera House - Dubuque

Thanks to a grant from the Dubuque Racing Association/Mystique Casino, the Grand Opera House now has a state of art Video Security System. Video cameras and monitors have been placed at strategic locations on the first four floors of the building. Extra security measures were considered necessary because of the number of young people using the building after school and early evening to attend classes at the Dubuque Academy of Ballet.

All activity in the lobby, stairwells and studios can now be seen from several monitoring sights as well as from off site computers linked to the devices.