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Kohler Distinguished Guest Series

{{Infobox theatre

| name = Distinguished Guest Series

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| caption = Home of the Kohler Memorial Theatre

| logo_image = Distinguished_Guest_Series_Logo.jpg

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| address = Kohler Memorial Theatre

| city = Kohler, Wisconsin

| country = United States

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| coordinates = {{coord|43.73902820|-87.78461490|format=dms|type:landmark_source:wikidata_region:US-WI|display=inline,title}}

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| opened = {{start date|1944}}

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| yearsactive = 70

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| website = {{URL|http://www.kohlerfoundation.org/distinguished-guest-series/}}

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Kohler Distinguished Guest Series is a series of lecture and performing arts programs began in 1944 with a current venue at the Kohler Memorial Theatre in Kohler, Wisconsin.

History

File:Waelderhaus 01.jpg

The Kohler Women's Club formally established the Distinguished Guest Series in 1944. The series arranged for guest lectures and art performances on a semi-regular basis during a season than ran from fall to spring the next year. "Through this series it is the club's purpose to bring to the membership impartial discussion of important events of the day by outstanding authorities. Programs of a purely artistic nature are for cultural uplift".{{cite news|title=Club Objectives|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=30 Sep 1947|page=13}} In the early years, the events were primarily arranged by Ruth DeYoung-Kohler.{{cite news|title=Celebrities To Feature Kohler Club Program|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 Sep 1950|page=5}}

The Kohler family had previously on occasion sponsored guest speakers and performers. In 1925, the John Philip Sousa band performed in Kohler for a crowd estimated at 30000.{{cite news|title=Thirty Thousand Hear Sousa's Band Sunday|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 July 1925|page=1}} On November 29, 1930, Admiral Richard Byrd appeared before an audience of about 2000 at the Kohler Recreation Hall to talk about his flight over the south pole a year earlier.{{cite news|title=Byrd Kohler Guest On 1st Anniversary|work=The Milwaukee Sentinel|date=30 Nov 1930|page=6-A}} Admiral Byrd returned in 1947 and appeared as a formal guest during the fourth season of the series.

In the early years, most of the events were limited to members of the Women's Club and were held in the Waelderhaus in Kohler, Wisconsin. Growing popularity of some of the musical events that were opened to the public necessitated that they be held at the Kohler Recreation Hall. In 1952, attendance for the Leslie Bell Singers totaled over 1500.{{cite news|title=31 Canadian Belles Of Song Enamor Huge Kohler Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Oct 1952|page=17}}

In May 1953, the Kohler Foundation announced that it would join the Kohler Women's Club as a co-sponsor of the series. This change followed the death of Ruth DeYoung-Kohler in March, 1953.{{cite news|title=Demonstration Home Opening Held|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 May 1953|page=17}} The events were primarily open to the public and in season 11, all but two of the events were held in the Kohler Recreation Hall.{{cite news|title='FilmoRama Adventure' Is Greeted By Capacity Crowd|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 May 1955|page=27}} The recreation hall opened in 1927 and was located in the Kohler store building, at the corner of Orchard and Highland St, in Kohler.{{cite news|title=To Open New Recreation Hall With Dance Friday|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=14 July 1927|page=7}} Most events were held in the Kohler Memorial center, at the Kohler High School, after it was completed in 1957.

Beginning with the 1970–1971 season, the afternoon lectures and the evening arts performances were separated with the Kohler Women's Club continuing the lecture series{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman s Club Announces Afternoon Speakers For Year|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=1 Oct 1970|page=24}} and the Kohler Foundation continuing the arts programs under the Distinguished Guest Series title.{{cite news|title=Distinguished Guest Series Opening At Kohler Oct. 10|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=24 Sep 1970|page=23}}

The arts series has continued and as of the 2018–2019 season was in its 75th year.{{cite video|date= Apr 15, 2013|title=Kohler Foundation's Distinguished Guest Series- Michael McDonald|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kxVmgTOSI0|publisher=TODAY'S TMJ4 |location= Milwaukee}}

List of notable guests

This is a selected list of guests who have appeared in the series. The selection criteria are based on documented appearances and the existence of Wikipedia articles. Announced schedules are not considered authoritative due to some speakers and events being rescheduled or cancelled.

=1940s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
11944–1945Lena Madesin Phillips – Oct 16, 1944{{cite news|title=Kohler Items Of Interest|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Oct 1944|page=7}}

Channing Pollock – November 1, 1944{{cite news|title=Channing Pollock To Appear Before Kohler Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=26 Oct 1944|page=17}}

Osa Johnson – Dec 6, 1944{{cite news|title=Osa Johnson, Noted Explorer, Will Speak|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 Nov 1944|page=9}}

21945–1946Margaret Culkin Banning – October 1, 1945{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Will Open Season At Waelderhaus|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=27 Sep 1945|page=14}}

Trapp Family Singers – Feb 26, 1946{{cite news|title=Trapp Family Singers To Be At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Feb 1946|page=2}}

Nora Waln – April 3, 1946{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Hears Address By Quaker Writer|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=4 Apr 1946|page=16}}

George Papashvily – April 17, 1946{{cite news|title=Best Seller Co-Authors To Be At Kohler Wednesday|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Apr 1946|page=6}}

31946–1947Franklin Pierce Adams – Nov 5, 1946{{cite news|title=Franklin P. Adams Qives Entertaining Talk|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Nov 1946|page=3}}

Erika Mann – Nov 5, 1946{{cite news|title=Erika Mann To Speak|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=4 Nov 1946|page=12}}

41947–1948Admiral Richard Byrd – Oct 22, 1947{{cite news|title=Admiral Richard E. Byrd To Speak At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=14 Oct 1947|page=3}}

Susan Reed – Nov 19, 1947{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Is To Have Real Treat Wednesday|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Nov 1947|page=6}}

Dorothy Thompson – Dec 3, 1947{{cite news|title=Dorothy Thompson To Speak At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=24 Nov 1947|page=2}}

Kurt Schuschnigg – Jan 7, 1947{{cite news|title=Conditions In Europe Told By Dr. von Schuschnigg|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=8 Jan 1948|page=3}}

Vivien Kellems – Jan 28, 1948{{cite news|title=Vivien Kellems Attacks Marshall Plan And Federal Income Taxes|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Jan 1948|page=23}}

De Paur's Infantry Chorus- Feb 15, 1947{{cite news|title=Delightful Concert Is Enjoyed At Kohler Hall|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Feb 1948|page=3}}

John Ott – March 17, 1948{{cite news|title=Plant Growing Demonstrated By Motion Picture|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=18 Mar 1948|page=18}}

Jesse Stuart – April 14, 1948{{cite news|title=Author Gives Colorful Talk|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Apr 1948|page=18}}

51948–1949Anna Russell – Oct 6, 1948{{cite news|title=Star Studded Program For Kohler This Year|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=28 Sep 1948|page=6}}

Raymond Moley – Oct 20, 1948

John Erskine – Nov 8, 1948

Norman Vincent Peale – Jan 19, 1949{{cite news|title=Reshaping Human Nature To Live Happily|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Jan 1949|page=11}}

Otto von Habsburg – Feb 16, 1949{{cite news|title=Archduke Flays Communism In Talk|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Feb 1949|page=1}}

Ruth Bryan Owen – March 9, 1949{{cite news|title=Ruth Bryan Owen Rohde Gives Talk About United Nations|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=10 Mar 1949|page=25}}

Joe E. Brown – April 24, 1949{{cite news|title=Joe E. Brown To Conclude Kohler Club Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Apr 1949|page=8}}

61949–1950Ilka Chase – Oct 19, 1949{{cite news|title=Ilka Chase Is Speaker|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Oct 1949|page=18}}

Adolphe Menjou – Oct 25, 1949{{cite news|title=Adolphe Meiijou Charms Large Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=27 Oct 1949|page=7}}

William Bradford Huie – Nov 16, 1949{{cite news|title="The Washington Scene" Is Presented|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Nov 1949|page=18}}

Burl Ives – Dec 6, 1949{{cite news|title=Burl Ives Thrills Audience With Ballads|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Dec 1949|page=14}}

Dorothy Liebes – Jan 18, 1950{{cite news|title=Top Textile Designer Gives Talk|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Jan 1950|page=12}}

Peter II of Yugoslavia – Jan 10, 1950{{cite news|title=Former King Of Yugoslavia Is Guest|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=10 Jan 1950|page=15}}

Alec Templeton – March 15, 1950

=1950s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
71950–1951Hildegarde – Oct 21, 1950{{cite news|title=Hildegarde Opens 65-City Concert Tour|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Oct 1950|page=10}}

Mary Garden – Jan 24, 1951{{cite news|title=Famous Opera Star Appears|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=25 Jan 1951|page=18}}

Ernestine Gilbreth Carey – Feb 14, 1951{{cite news|title=Co-Author Of "Cheaper By The Dozen"|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Feb 1951|page=10}}

Clare Boothe Luce – Feb 26, 1951{{cite news|title=Quality Of Greatness Is Topic Of Clare Boothe Luce|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=27 Feb 1951|page=10}}

81951–1952Vera Maxwell – Oct 3, 1951{{cite news|title=Fall Fashions Are Modeled|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=4 Oct 1951|page=29}}

Carleton Smith – Oct 17, 1951{{cite news|title=Be True To Yourself|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=18 Oct 1951|page=19}}

Camille Kelley – January 16, 1952{{cite news|title=First Woman Judge In South Will Be Speaker|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=14 Jan 1852|page=10}}

Hedda Hopper – April 2, 1952{{cite news|title=Hedda Hopper at Kohler Wednesday|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1368&dat=19520329&id=vlcxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gxAEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3643,3272587|work=The Milwaukee Sentinel|date=29 Mar 1952|page=5}}

Nelson Eddy – April 15, 1952{{cite news|title=Nelson Eddy Makes Big Hit|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Apr 1952|page=27}}

Princess Ileana of Romania – April 23, 1952{{cite news|title=Princess Ileana Of Romania To Be Speaker|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Apr 1952|page=6}}

91952–1953William F. Buckley, Jr. Oct 8, 1952{{cite news|title=Misunderstanding Of Freedom Is Big Danger Today, Editor Of Mercury Tells|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=9 Oct 1952|page=19}}

Leslie Bell Singers – Oct 22, 1952

Elsa Lanchester and Ray Henderson, – Nov 2, 1952{{cite news|title=Private Music Hall Pleases|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=6 Nov 1952|page=20}}

Rosita Forbes – Nov 19, 1952{{cite news|title=Rosita Forbes Gives Fine Talk|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Nov 1952|page=16}}

Richard Gump – Jan 21, 1953{{cite news|title=Merchant From Famed Store|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 Jan 1953|page=14}}

Harry Emerson Fosdick – Feb 4, 1953{{cite news|title=Dr. Harry Emerson Fbsdick Gives Fine Talk|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Feb 1953|page=16}}

Margaret Bourke-White – Feb 18, 1953{{cite news|title=World Famous Photographer Speaks|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Feb 1953|page=19}}

Oscar Levant – March 5, 1953{{cite news|title=Pianist-Humorist Levant Renders Brilliant Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=6 Mar 1953|page=4}}

Bertita Harding – April 15, 1953{{cite news|title=Wisdom Of The Past Stressed|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Apr 1953|page=18}}

Gershwin Concert Orchestra with Lorin Maazel,
Jesús Maria Sanromá, Carolyn Long, and
Theodor Uppman – May 10, 1953{{cite news|title=Gershwin Festival Program Held At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=11 May 1953|page=15}}

10{{cite news|title=International Talent On Kohler Programs|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=30 Sep 1953|page=16}}The news story announcing the lineup for 1953–54 refers to previous nine seasons being organized by Ruth DeYoung-Kohler.1953–1954Lloyd Wendt – Oct 28, 1953{{cite news|title=Author And Editor Addresses Kohler Women|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Oct 1953|page=18}}

Guard Republican Band of Paris Nov 21, 1953{{cite news|title=Guard Republican Band To Play Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Nov 1953|page=4}}

William Warfield March 7, 1954{{cite news|title=Warfield Gives Brilliant Baritone Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=8 Mar 1954|page=10}}

111954–1955Robert Shaw Chorale – Oct 3, 1954{{cite news|title=Famed Robert Shaw Ensemble Enjoyed At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Oct 1954|page=7}}

Obernkirchen Children's Choir – Oct 17, 1954{{cite news|title=Obernkirchen Choir Gives Fine Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=18 Oct 1954|page=19}}

Salzburg Marionettes – Nov 3, 1954{{cite news|title=King Sized Puppets Enjoyed|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=4 Nov 1954|page=19}}

Harlan Tarbell – Jan 22, 1955{{cite news|title=Dr. Harlan Tarbell Mystifies Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=24 Jan 1955|page=6}}

Fulton Lewis – Feb 12, 1955{{cite news|title=State Of Nation Healthy, View Of Fulton Lewis|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Feb 1955|page=24}}

Dorothy Maynor – Mar 1, 1955{{cite news|title=Dorothy Maynor Impressive In Song Recital|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Mar 1955|page=16}}

K. C. Wu – March 16, 1955{{cite news|title=Communism Topic|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Mar 1955|page=13}}

12{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club to Begin Meetings Oct. 5|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=1 Oct 1955|page=6}}There are some inconsistencies in the season numbering. The news story announcing the lineup for 1955–56 refers to this as the 13th season.1955–1956Marie Powers – Oct 22, 1955{{cite news|title=Menotti Productions Given At Kohler Hall Saturdav|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=24 Oct 1955|page=6}}

William Montgomery McGovern – Nov 16, 1955{{cite news|title=Communism In Theory And Practice Topic At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Nov 1955|page=26}}

Nikolai Khokhlov – Dec 7, 1955{{cite news|title=Speaker At Kohler Relates Experiences With Soviets|agency=The Sheboygan Press|date=8 Dec 1955|page=28}}

Jean Ritchie – Feb 1, 1956{{cite news|title=Jean Ritchie's Folk Music Delights Club At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Feb 1956|page=18}}

Jascha Heifetz – March 4, 1956{{cite news|title=Heifets Triumphs In Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 March 1956|page=20}}

John D. Craig – March 21, 1956{{cite news|title=Atomic Experiments Topic Of Kohler Woman s Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 March 1956|page=27}}

Eileen Farrell – April 13, 1956{{cite news|title=Eileen Farrell Is Enjoyed In Woman's Club Program|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=14 April 1956|page=6}}

131956–1957Camilla Williams with Todd Duncan – Jan 12, 1957{{cite news|title=Vocalists Delight Large Audience In Kohler Theatre|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=14 Jan 1957|page=10}}

Hazel Scott – Feb 12, 1957{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Has Hazel Scott And Ensemble|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Feb 1957|page=38}}

Winged Victory – March 9, 1957{{cite news|title=Winged Victory Chorus Gives Concert At Kohler Theater|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=11 Mar 1957|page=14}}

141957–1958Mark W. Clark – Nov 30, 1957{{cite news|title=General Mark W. Clark Is Speaker|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Dec 1957|page=3}}

Josef Traxel – Jan 12, 1958{{cite news|title=Josef Traxel Is Enjoyed At Kohler Memorial Theater|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Jan 1958|page=6}}

Norman Garbo – Jan 22, 1958{{cite news|title=Norman Garbo Pleases With Art Presentation|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Jan 1958|page=12}}

Hilde Gueden – Feb 16, 1958{{cite news|title=Soprano From Vienna Is Kohler Concert Attraction|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Feb 1958|page=6}}

Purdue Varsity Glee Club – March 22, 1958{{cite news|title=Purdue University Varsity Glee Club Pleases Crowd|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=24 March 1958|page=16}}

15{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Has Outstanding Year Planned|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=11 Sep 1958|page=35}}The news story announcing the lineup for 1958–59 refers to this as the 15th year.1958–1959Joyce Brothers – Nov 19, 1958{{cite news|title=Memory Wizard Is Speaker|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Nov 1958|page=25}}

Cesare Siepi – Nov 29, 1958{{cite news|title=Cesar Siepi, Basso, Enjoyed At Kohler Theater|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=1 Dec 1958|page=13}}

Mary Martin – Jan 12, 1959{{cite news|title=Mary Martin Triumphs Again|work=The Milwaukee Sentinel|date=13 Jan 1959|page=6, Part 1}}

Erroll Garner – Feb 18, 1959{{cite news|title=Erroll Garner, Wizard At Piano, Delights Listeners|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Feb 1959|page=16}}

Jarmila Novotná – March 18, 1959{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Is Captivated By Opera Star|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Mar 1959|page=20}}

Willy Ley – April 13, 1959{{cite news|title=Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Apr 1959|page=27}}

161959–1960Duke of Bedford – Oct 28, 1959{{cite news|title=Duke Of Bedford Speaks On Aristocracy|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Oct 1959|page=22}}

Irmgard Seefried – Nov 21, 1959{{cite news|title=Irmgard Seefried Appears In Program Of Sheer Artistry|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Nov 1960|page=10}}

Barry Langford – Jan 27, 1960{{cite news|title=Elegant Silver Is Topic|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Jan 1960|page=12}}

Marian Anderson – March 5, 1960{{cite news|title=Marian Anderson Triumphs In Kohler Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Mar 1960|page=18}}

Boston Opera Group – March 16, 1960{{cite news|title=Boston Opera Group Delights In Performance|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Mar 1960|page=20}}

Munro Leaf – April 20, 1960{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Regaled By Munro Leaf, Cartoonist|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=21 Apr 1960|page=20}}

=1960s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
171960–1961Don Freeman – Oct 19, 1960{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Enjoys Freeman's Chalk Drawings|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Oct 1960|page=24}}

J.B. feat. Shepperd Strudwick and
Mary Curtis Verna – Nov 19, 1960{{cite news|title=Kohler Memorial Theater Is Scene Of Powerful 'JB'|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=21 Nov 1960|page=9}}

Fiore de Henriquez – April 5, 1961{{cite news|title=World-Renowned Sculptress Demonstrates Art At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=6 Apr 1961|page=16}}

Risë Stevens – April 27, 1961{{cite news|title=Club Ends Season on High Note|work=The Milwaukee Journal|date=3 May 1961|pages=6–7, Part 4}}

181961–1962Marie Torre – Oct 4, 1961{{cite news|title=Marie Torre, TV Informant, Kohler Woman's Club Speaker|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Oct 1961|page=22}}

Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company – Nov 3, 1960{{cite news|title=Philippine Dance Troupe Mesmerizes Kohler Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=4 Nov 1961|page=3}}

Suzanne Johnson – Nov 15, 1961{{cite news|title=Miss Illinois Of '59 Calls Her Reign 'Enriching Experience'|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Nov 1961|page=23}}

Bach Aria Group – Feb 1, 1962{{cite news|title=Bach Aria Group Excels In Kohler Program|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Feb 1962|page=4}}

Mary Costa – Feb 28, 1962{{cite news|title=Mary Costa's Kohler Program Provides Delightful Evening|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 April 1962|page=22}}

Moura Lympany – April 14, 1962{{cite news|title=English Pianist At Kohler Training Course Has Style, Power, Eloquence|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Apr 1962|page=8}}

191962–1963Jerome Hines – Jan 22,1963{{cite news|title=Jerome Hines Triumphs In Costumed Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Jan 1963|page=20}}

Willard L. Beaulac – Feb 6, 1963{{cite news|title=Diplomacy As-Important As Arms, Ex-Ambassador To Cuba Declares|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Feb 1963|page=4}}

Lehman Engel – Feb 20, 1963{{cite news|title=Broadway Director Relates Experiences Of Stage Stars|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=21 Feb 1963|page=17}}

Carroll Glenn and Eugene List – March 10, 1963{{cite news|title=Pianist And Violinist Appear At Kohler Program|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=11 Mar 1963|page=3}}

Mary Costa – April 4, 1963{{cite news|title=Mary Costa's Return Concert At Kohler Theater Another Triumph|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Apr 1963|page=8}}

201963–1964Anna Chennault – Jan 15, 1964{{cite news|title='Women Of Two Worlds' Discussed By Mrs. Anna Cliemiault|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Jan 1964|page=13}}

Joy Adamson – Jan 29, 1964{{cite news|title=Lions Fierce? Absolute Nonsense, Author Tells Kohler Woman's Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=30 Jan 1964|page=11}}

Edith Peinemann – Feb 11, 1964{{cite news|title=Edith Peinemann, German Violinist, Performs For Kohler Woman's Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=12 Feb 1964|page=3}}

Ralph Votapek – Feb 29, 1964{{cite news|title=Ralph Votapek Plays The Classics In Compelling Manner At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Mar 1964|page=9}}

Jens Bjerre – March 11, 1964{{cite news|title=Explorer Tells Kohler Woman's Club Of 'Charming' New Guinea Cannibals|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=12 Mar 1964|page=15}}

Anna Moffo – March 25, 1964{{cite news|title=Anna 'Moffo-Treat To Eye, Ear In Kohler Woman's Club Series Climax|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=26 Mar 1964|page=10}}

211964–1965John Frederick Coots – Oct 7, 1964{{cite news|title=Prolific Composer Delights Members Of Kohler Woman's Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=8 Oct 1964|page=10}}

Beyond the Fringe with Peter Cook, Dudley Moore,

Alan Bennett, and Jonathan Miller – Oct 21, 1964{{cite news|title=Satirical Quartet Regales Audience With Ludicrous Look At Space Age|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 Oct 1964|page=9}}

Jim Fowler – Jan 13, 1965{{cite news|title=Naturalist, Birds Of Prey Perform For Kohler Woman's Club Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=14 Jan 1965|page=18}}

Elinor Ross – Jan 20, 1965{{cite news|title=Ingratiating Elinor Ross Enthralls Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=21 Jan 1965|page=13}}

Gina Bachauer – March 9, 1965{{cite news|title=Gina Bachauer Masters The Masters|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=10 Mar 1965|page=21}}

Thomas Franck – March 24, 1965{{cite news|title=Two Areas Of Free World Topic Of Kohler Woman's Club Speaker|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=25 Mar 1965|page=18}}

221965–1966Betty Furness – Oct 6, 1965{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Given Insight Into A Fascinating Subject-Women|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Oct 1965|page=18}}

Eve Merriam – Jan 12, 1966{{cite news|title=Crash Program Is Suggestion Of Eve Merriam For Kohler Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Jan 1966|page=20}}

Richard Ellsasser – Jan 27, 1966{{cite news|title=Recital At Kohler Memorial Theater Called Unique Musical Combination|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=28 Jan 1966|page=7}}

Greta Keller – March 2, 1966{{cite news|title=Vienna Songstress Charms Audience At Kohler 'In Continental Manner'|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=3 Mar 1966|page=18}}

Earl Wrightson and Lois Hunt – March 31, 1966{{cite news|title=Earl Wrightson, Lois Hunt Ride On Crest Of Popularity At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=1 April 1966|page=8}}

231966–1967Ferrante & Teicher – Oct 24, 1966{{cite news|title=Audience At Kohler Mesmerized By Piano Duo Of Ferrante And Teicher|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=25 Oct 1966|page=11}}

Harry Mark Petrakis – Nov 2, 1966{{cite news|title='Live life's Journey Truthfully, Well,' Writer Advises|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=3 Nov 1966|page=21}}

Robert Manry – Jan 11, 1967{{cite news|title='Voyage Of Tinkerbelle' Fulfills Life-Long Dream Of Newspaperman|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=12 Jan 1967|page=20}}

Little Angels – Feb 1, 1967{{cite news|title=Korea's Little Angels Charm Kohler Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Feb 1967|page=10}}

Bergen Evans – Feb 8, 1967{{cite news|title=Major Problems In A Static World Are Discussed Before Kohler Club|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=9 Feb 1967|page=11}}

The Romeros – March 7, 1967{{cite news|title='Romeros' Serenade Kohler Women|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=8 Mar 1967|page=18}}

Don Keefer – March 29, 1967{{cite news|title=Reefer's One-Man Show Depicts Chekhov's Characters, Writings|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=30 Mar 1967|page=20}}

Monica Dickens – April 12, 1967{{cite news|title=Dickens Wit Amuses Kohler Women|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Apr 1967|page=20}}

241967–1968Princess Nadine Tereshchenko – Oct 18, 1967{{cite news|title=Gracious Living Topic Of Princess Nadine|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Oct 1967|page=27}}

Joyce Grenfell – Nov 6, 1967{{cite news|title=Kohler Woman's Club Entertained By Multi-Talented Joyce Grenfell|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Nov 1967|page=11}}

McHenry Boatwright – Dec 5, 1967{{cite news|title=Vocalist McHemy Boatwright To Appear In Koliler Concert|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=1 Dec 1967|page=10}}

Sir John Wedgwood – Jan 17, 1968

Royal Winnipeg Ballet – Jan 27, 1968

Robert Edwin Lee – March 13, 1968{{cite news|title=Playwright Robert E. Lee Speaker At Kohler Woman's Cliib|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Mar 1968|page=26}}

251968–1969National Theatre of the Deaf – Oct 23, 1968{{cite news|title=Variety Spices National Theater Troupe Four-Part Presentation|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=24 Oct 1968|page=12}}

John Spencer-Churchill – Nov 6, 1968{{cite news|title=John Spencer Churchill Presents An Intimate Sketch Of His Famous Uncle|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Nov 1968|page=23}}

Jens Bjerre – Jan 27, 1969{{cite news|title=Uncensored Film-'Red China' To Be Shown At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Jan 1969|page=27}}

Minneapolis Symphony, Stanisław Skrowaczewski cond. – Feb 15, 1969{{cite news|title=84-Piece Minnesota Orchestra Performs With Dignity, Power|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Feb 1969|page=16}}

William Walker – April 16, 1969{{cite news|title=William Walker: Big Man With Big Voice|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Apr 1969|page=32}}

261969–1970Rita Hauser – Oct 1, 1969{{cite news|title=Human Rights Is Topic|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Sep 1969|page=10}}

Vienna Boys' Choir – March 3, 1970{{cite news|title=Vienna Choir Boys' Concert March 3|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=25 Feb 1970|page=17}}

William G. Callow – April 22, 1970{{cite news|title=Waukesha Judge Talks About Another Environmental Problem-Moral Pollution|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Apr 1970|page=33}}

=1970s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
271970–1971Pennsylvania Ballet – Oct 10, 1970{{cite news|title=Pennsylvania Ballet Splendid Fare|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=12 Oct 1970|page=19}}

New York Pro Musica – Nov 4, 1970{{cite news|title='An Entertainment For Elizabeth' Also Enthralls Kohler Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Nov 1970|page=24}}

Music From Marlboro – Jan 25, 1971{{cite news|title=Marlboro Music: Its Stimulating|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=26 Jan 1971|page=10}}

World's Greatest Jazz Band – April 1, 1971{{cite news|title=Jazzmen On A Sentimental Journey|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Apr 1971|page=8}}

281971–1972Marcel Marceau – Oct 6, 1971{{cite news|title=Marceau: He 'Speaks9 Silently Eloquently|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Oct 1971|page=16}}

Alexis Weissenberg – Feb 3, 1972{{cite news|title=Weissenberg: Rare Artistry|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=4 Feb 1972|page=8}}

National Players – March 11, 1972{{cite news|title=National Players Present Moving Drama A t Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Mar 1972|page=11}}

291972–1973Gregg Smith Singers – Oct 19, 1972{{cite news|title=Smith Singers: The 'Now' Sound|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Oct 1972|page=6}}

Emlyn Williams – Dec 1, 1972{{cite news|title=Late Dylan Thomas Steals Show|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Dec 1972|page=2}}

Lar Lubovitch – Feb 14, 1973{{cite news|title=Lubovitch: Master Of Body-Talk|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Feb 1973|page=4}}

Gary Graffman and Leonard Rose – April 10, 1973{{cite news|title=Graffman And Rose: A Pairing Of Giants|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=11 Apr 1973|page=15}}

301973–1974Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra – Oct 16, 1973{{cite news|title=Vienna Orchestra Entertains At Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Oct 1973|page=10}}

Cantigas de Santa Maria – Dec 2, 1973{{cite news|title=Audience Discovers Spanish Treasure|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=3 Dec 1973|page=9}}

Minnesota Orchestra – April 5, 1974{{cite news|title=Minnesotans: Rooted In Excellence|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=6 Apr 1974|page=4}}

311974–1975Shirley Verrett – Oct 14, 1974{{cite news|title=Verrett: Power Under Velvet|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Oct 1974|page=16}}

Susan Starr – Feb 18, 1975{{cite news|title=Miss Starr Plays With Theatrics|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Feb 1975|page=33}}

321975–1976Mantererdi Choir of Hamburg feat. Ian Partridge,
Nigel Rogers and Barbara Schlick – Oct 28, 1975{{cite news|title=Hamburg Company: Dazzling Discipline, Articulation|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Oct 1975|page=18}}

William Windom – Nov 20, 1975{{cite news|title=Thurber Safe With Windom|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=21 Nov 1975|page=19}}

Jelly Roll Morton tribute – Feb 28, 1976{{cite news|title=Jelly Roll Morton Concert Tickets Still Available|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=10 Feb 1976|page=7}}

Odetta – April 14, 1976{{cite news|title=Odetta: Velvet-Coated Power|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 April 1976|page=7}}

331976–1977Matrix – Oct 28, 1976{{cite news|title=Matrix: Perfection In Jazz|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Oct 1976|page=20}}

Fires of London – Nov 18, 1976{{cite news|title=Fires of London...a questionable form of art.|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Nov 1976|page=4}}

Nicanor Zabaleta – Feb 8, 1977{{cite news|title=Zabaleta: Celestial Strains Played in Perfect Precision|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=9 Feb 1977|page=9}}

Cincinnati Ballet – April 28, 1977{{cite news|title=Rare Treat Outside Now York City|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=29 Apr 1977|page=4}}

341977–1978Georgian National Ballet Oct 18, 1977{{cite news|title=Georgian Dancers: Electrifying|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=19 Oct 1977|page=22}}

Garrick Ohlsson Nov 22, 1977{{cite news|title=Pianist Ohlsson, Chopin Make Good Team|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=23 Nov 1977|page=11}}

Wagner Chorale Feb 6, 1978{{cite news|title=Wagner Choral Mixes Music Periods|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Feb 1978|page=4}}

Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra April 9, 1978{{cite news|title=Frans Liszt Orchestra set for Monday|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=8 Apr 1978|page=5}}

351978–1979Lionel Hampton Dec 4, 1978{{cite news|title=Jazz Great Lionel Hampton wows His Audience|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Dec 1978|page=6}}
361979–1980New Christy Minstrels – Nov 5, 1979{{cite news|title='New Christys' mix comedy, music|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=6 Nov 1979|page=21}}

Marian McPartland May, 1980{{cite news|title=Pianist McPartland nails the impulse|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=6 May 1980|page=2}}

=1980s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
371980–1981The Swingle Singers – Nov, 1980{{cite news|title=Swingle Singers mimic musical instruments|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=26 Nov 1980|page=2}}

Kurt Weill – Feb, 1981{{cite news|title=An Education in Kurt Weill music|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Feb 1981|page=2}}

381981–1982
391982–1983
401983–1984
411984–1985
421985–1986
431986–1987Dale Warland Singers
441987–1988
451988–1989
461989–1990

=1990s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
471990–1991
481991–1992
491992–1993
501993–1994
511994–1995Alvin Ailey – Sep 18, 1995

Bobby McFerrin with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – Jan 25, 1996{{cite news|title=Mcferrin Worry-free As Part Of Kohler Foundation Series|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1683&dat=19950816&id=kW0aAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-SwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7019,201788|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=16 Aug 1995|page=4E}}

521995–1996
531996–1997
541997–1998
551998–1999
561999–2000

=2000s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
572000–2001Three Dog Night Oct 21, 2001{{cite news|title=Three Dog Night will kick off Distinguished Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Oct 2000|page=C3}}

Ailey II Feb, 2001{{cite news|title=Ailey II, Dance troupe coming to Kohler as part of national tour|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=25 Jan 2001|page=C1}}

Sweet Honey in the Rock April, 2001{{cite news|title=Grammy Award-winning Sweet Honey in the Rock to perform in Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=12 Apr 2001|page=C3}}

582001–2002The Waverly Consort Nov, 2001{{cite news|title=Waverly Consort to perform in Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 Nov 2001|page=C7}}

Boys Choir of Harlem Feb 23, 2002{{cite news|title=Boys Choir of Harlem in concert it Kohler Memorial Theatre|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Feb 2002|page=C5}}

592002–2003London City Opera Feb, 2003{{cite news|title=London City Opera to perform 'Madame Butterfly' in Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=16 Feb 2003|page=C4}}
602003–2004The Ten Tenors Oct, 2003{{cite news|title=The Ten Tenors to open Distinguished Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=2 Oct 2003|page=C3}}

Forbidden Broadway Feb, 2004{{cite news|title='Forbidden Broadway' spoofs the goofier side of the Great White Way|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=5 Feb 2004|page=C6}}

The Roches April 3, 2004{{cite news|title=Singing Sisters, The Roches, will perform for Distinguished Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=25 Mar 2004|page=C5}}

612004–2005Shanghai Circus – Jan, 2005{{cite news|title=Swing with Shanghai Circus|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Jan 2005|page=C1}}

John Amos – April 9, 2005

622005–2006Salzburg Marionettes – Dec 2, 2005{{cite news|title=Salzburg Marionettes Theater will be pulling the strings for 'Hansel & Gretel'|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=17 Nov 2008|page=6}}

Hal Holbrook – March, 2006{{cite news|title=Hal Holbrook bringing legendary 'Mark Twain Tonight' show to Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=9 Mar 2009|page=W}}

632006–2007The 5 Browns – Feb 6, 2007{{cite news|title=One red hot show with 5 Browns|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=8 Feb 2007|page=C3}}

Toxic Audio – April 14, 2007{{cite news|title=They're Toxic, but oh so tantalizing. Unusual acapella group next for Distinguished Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=22 Mar 2007|page=C4}}

642007–2008MOMIX – Oct 7, 2007

Intergalactic Nemesis – March 1, 2008

Maya Angelou – April 26, 2008{{cite news|title=Distinguished Guest Series offers 'An Evening with Dr. Maya Angelou.'|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=10 Apr 2008|page=Weekend 5}}

652008–2009Leahy – Oct 18, 2008

Moscow Ballet – Jan,2009{{cite news|title=Russian National Ballet : Troupe bringing classic fairytale to Kohler stage|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=15 Jan 2009|page=C1}}

The Ten Tenors – April 22, 2009{{cite news|title='Opera without the boring bits' hallmark of crowd-pleasing Ten Tenors: Australian group to perform Aprill 22 for Distinguish Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=9 Apr 2009|page=B2}}

662009–2010Virsky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble – Oct 29, 2009{{cite news|title=Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap Kids coming to Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=18 Mar 2010|page=B3}}

Diane Schuur & Bobby Caldwell – Feb 12, 2010{{cite news|title=Diane Schuur and Bobby Caldwell swing into Kohler Friday, Feb. 12|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=4 Feb 2010|page=B1}}

=2010s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
672010–2011Ballet Hispanico – Feb 12, 2011{{cite news|title=Ballet with a Latin beat : New York's Ballet Hispanico will cha-cha and rumba on Kohler stage|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=20 Jan 2011|page=B3}}

John Tesh – April 19, 2011{{cite news|title=Following his dream : versatile John Tesh makes music a priority|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=31 Mar 2011|page=B1}}

682011–2012Cellicentric – Feb 18, 2012{{cite news|title=Cellicentric coming Feb. 18|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=9 Feb 2012|page=B6}}

Kenny Loggins – April 21, 2012{{cite news|title=This is it! : Grammy Award-winner Kenny Loggins to close out 2012 Distinguished Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=12 Apr 2012|page=B1}}

692012–2013Straight No Chaser – Dec 6, 2012

Shanghai Circus – March 6, 2013{{cite news|title=Amazing acrobats : new Shanghai Circus show is part of Distinguished Guest Series|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=7 Mar 2013|page=B1}}

Michael McDonald – April 27, 2013

702013–2014Air Supply – Nov 9, 2013{{cite news|title=A demand for supply : Distinguished Guest Series hosts veteran music group Air Supply|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=31 Oct 2013|page=B1}}

Five Guys Named Moe – Feb 14, 2014{{cite news|title=Blast from the past : Distinguished Guest Series presents "Five Guys Named Moe'|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Feb 2014|page=B1}}

Itzhak Perlman – April 5, 2014{{cite news|title=Itzhak Perlman to perform April 5 in Kohler|work=The Sheboygan Press|date=13 Mar 2013|page=B1}}

712014–2015Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott – Oct 19, 2014{{cite news|last1=Schmidt|first1=Elaine|title=Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott bring joy, artistry to Kohler recital|url=http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/arts/yo-yo-ma-kathryn-stott-bring-joy-artistry-to-kohler-recital-b99373232z1-279800942.html|accessdate=17 November 2014|work=Journal Sentinel|date=20 Oct 2014}}

Announced Schedule (subject to change):

Audra McDonald – Feb 27, 2015

Straight No Chaser – April 10, 2015

722015–2016
732016–2017
742017–2018
752018–2019Katharine McPhee - November 13, 2018
762019–2020

=2020s=

class="wikitable collapsible" width="550"
scope="col" width="100px" |Seasonscope="col" width="80px" |YearsNotable guest – Appearance date
2020–2021theatre under renovation
772021–2022
782022–2023
792023–2024

Notes

{{reflist|group=note}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{Official website}}

{{Kohler Company}}

{{Music venues of Wisconsin}}

{{authority control}}

Category:1944 establishments in Wisconsin

Category:Annual events in Wisconsin

Category:Kohler Company

Category:Lecture series

Category:Performing arts in Wisconsin

Category:Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

Category:Wisconsin culture

Category:Recurring events established in 1944