Starry Nights goes on hiatus in 2010

The Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series will take a hiatus in 2010, with plans to return the following year.

"We have been in contact with a number of artists and their management since last summer, and have come close to getting commitments to perform at Starry Nights," said co-chair Jeri Fouts. "But in the end, none were able to follow through based on their recording and touring schedules for this winter and spring.

"It has been disappointing, but this is a reality we must deal with when we are asking performers to donate their time, especially given the economic climate," Fouts continued. "The good news is that we have laid the groundwork for Starry Nights 2011, and it looks very promising already. A phenomenal artist who couldn't make it this season has given us a tentative commitment for next year, and we know it will be worth the wait, because musically it will be a great fit for the event. We appreciate everyone's patience, and hope that our sponsors and supporters will join us again when we return with the event in 2011."

Starry Nights is the major fundraising engine for the Sisters Schools Foundation, which just launched a new Web site at http://www.sistersschoolsfoundation.org.

"Our schools continue to rely on the generous support of our community, and with that in mind, we are talking about other fundraising ideas this spring through the Sisters Schools Foundation," said co-chair Susan Arends. "In the meantime, we encourage those who have supported Starry Nights in the past to still consider making a donation to the Sisters Schools Foundation this year through the foundation Web site."

Sisters Starry Nights began in 1997, and has featured concerts with headline artists including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Kenny Loggins, Lyle Lovett, Lee Ann Womack, Kathy Mattea, Michael McDonald, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Karla Bonoff, Kim Carnes and John Hiatt.

In its first 12 years, Starry Nights has raised more than $910,000 in net proceeds for the Sisters Schools Foundation and supported a wide variety of programs and activities at Sisters elementary, middle and high schools. The event is organized by a volunteer planning committee comprised of parents, students, school staff members and other community members.