Category: News and Events

  • Next Act Seeking New Board Members to Take the Organization/Astra into Next Era

    Next Act, Inc., the not-for-profit that formed in 2014 to create an endowment for, completely renovate, and, ultimately, in 2018, reopen the historic Astra Theatre in downtown Jasper, is seeking applicants for new members for its board of directors.  The request for applicants follows the plan for three of its longer-tenured members to resign at…

  • “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” Coming to the Astra on August 4

    E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is coming to the Astra Theatre on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. The screening is being presented by and through a unique partnership and collaboration with Jasper Community Arts. This special community-minded event during Strassenfest is open and free to the public, but seating is limited by capacity. Free will…

  • “Rock Lotto” Takes Shape After Lottery-Style Draw Forms Bands

    Bands for the area and region’s first “Rock Lotto” event at the Astra Theatre on July 21 have been formed. Musicians from local and regional bands The High Road, Fun Guns, Sparrow and Crandall, and more have been divided up through a unique lottery-style draft held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at the Astra Theatre.  The 12 total…

  • First “Rock Lotto” Fundraising Event to be held at the Astra in July

    The area’s first “Rock Lotto” will hit the Jim and Pat Thyen Performance Stage at the Astra on July 21, 2018, at 7 p.m.  The unique event will take 12 local musicians, divide them into three bands, and have the newly-formed “bands” perform five songs each.  Audience members will receive a voucher worth ten points to vote…

  • Pokey LaFarge to Perform Intimate Solo Acoustic Set at the Historic Astra Theatre in October

    American musician Pokey LaFarge will perform a solo acoustic set at the historic Astra Theatre on Saturday, October 6, 2018.  Doors for this intimate performance will open at 6:30 p.m., a yet-to-be determined opener will perform at 7:30 p.m., and LaFarge will take to the Jim and Pat Thyen Performance Stage at 8:30 p.m. LaFarge is…

  • Wizard of Oz coming to the Astra on June 2!

    The 1939 classic Wizard of Oz will be screened at the historic Astra Theatre on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance online by CLICKING HERE or at the door the night of the show.   The Greater Jasper Downtown Business Association (the Downtown Merchants) is sponsoring the presentation. Widely…

  • Astra’s Marquee Re-Lighting Date Set for April 11

    The historic Astra’s recently renovated and refurbished iconic sign and marquee is set to be relit for the first official time on Wednesday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.  The marquee lighting event will, effectively, also serve as a ribbon-cutting of sorts for the soon-to-be 83-year-old facility as it heads into its first official event since being…

  • East Nashville Recording Artist, Smooth Hound Smith, to Perform at the Historic Astra Theatre in May

    Smooth Hound Smith, a self-described foot stomping Americana roots duo, will perform at the historic Astra Theatre on Saturday, May 12, 2018.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with a yet-to-be-determined opening act beginning at 7:30 p.m. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE. The East Nashville duo utilizes a combination of foot percussion, fuzzed out finger-picked guitar patterns, and…

  • Amid Complete Renovation, Next Act/Astra Launches 2018 Membership Drive

    Next Act, Inc., the 501c3 renovating the historic Astra Theatre in downtown Jasper, has launched its 2018 membership campaign.  Launched while the building is currently undergoing a complete and total renovation and remodel lead by general contractor Seufert Construction, proceeds from the campaign will be used to pay for final design elements in the theater…

  • Welcome to our Board of Directors Members

    Next Act, Inc., has added two new members to its board of directors:  Ben Nowotarski and Rafaela Schaick.  Steffi Schmücker has also joined the board in a consultant’s capacity. “Our original board of directors is now almost four years in on our journey and, as is the case with most not-for-profit by-laws, we saw the…