William Florian Brings 'The Spirit and Songs of the 60s' to Sidney

William Florian, former lead singer for The New Christy Minstrels, will take the stage at Sidney High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, to weave together music, stories and humor in his upbeat and heartwarming show "Those Were The Days."

The audience will be treated to hits from the 1960s originally performed by Peter, Paul and Mary, Neil Diamond, John Denver, The Mamas and the Papas, and other well-known artists of the era. Songs will include "This Land Is Your Land," "Puff, The Magic Dragon," "Where Have All The Flowers Gone," and "Leavin' On A Jet Plane."

The High Plains Arts Council is bringing Florian to Sidney as part of their 2019-2020 season. Tickets for the show are $13 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students (including Western Nebraska Community College) and children under five are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce by check or cash, and will also be available the night of the performance.

The Cheyenne County 4-H youth will be offering a pulled pork meal in the Sidney High School Commons area prior to the concert, beginning at 5 p.m. Club members are offering a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, dessert and a drink for $7. Proceeds from the dinner will assist 4-H members in the Cheyenne County Robotics Program. Funds raised by the dinner will be applied to registration fees, challenge kits, robots and supplies for a regional qualifying tournament to be held at West Elementary on Jan. 11, 2020

Florian's career almost did not get off the ground. His seventh-grade teacher told his mother to take his guitar away until his math grades improve. Fortunately, his mother did not agree. While in high school, he recorded a rock n' roll album with his buddies, and after graduation he and his younger sister Nanette took their act on the road. In the mid-1970s, they were asked to join and tour with The New Christy Minstrels singing lead.

Florian later went on to enjoy a successful solo career. His musical gifts and engaging personality mesmerize audiences, draw them in, and make them feel like they are part of the performance.

He has become known as the "American Musical Ambassador Of Peace." His mission is to travel the world spreading goodwill and messages of peace through his music. Florian's "Those Were The Days" show reminds audiences that "peace and love" and great songs with inspiring lyrics are as important now as they were in the 1960s.