Jim St. Vincent reflects on his commitment to Overture Center and its future

Jim St. Vincent is relishing his retirement, which allows him more time to support the causes he cares about most. Among them is Overture Center, where he and his wife, Judy, have been longtime patrons. The couple attends numerous performances and events each year, but their commitment goes beyond the audience. St. Vincent is currently in his second three-year term on Overture’s board of directors, where he also serves on several key committees: Equity and Innovation, Finance, Governance and the Executive Committee, as well as the Overture Forever Campaign Cabinet.

In this Q&A, St. Vincent shares what inspires him to dedicate his time, talent and resources to Overture—and why you might be inspired to do the same. 

How did you fall in love with Overture Center? 

My wife, Judy, and I started coming here when our kids were young for Kids in the Crossroads at the Madison Civic Center. When Overture Center opened, our first show in Overture Hall was “Jesus Christ Superstar,” where we sat in the top row of the balcony. Even from afar, we enjoyed the performance. Over the years, we’ve attended more and more shows, and last year alone, we attended over 30 events.  

What types of shows do you enjoy most at Overture? 

We enjoy a wide range of shows. In the past six months, we’ve attended Broadway performances—we've been subscribers for several years—comedians like Mike Birbiglia as well as Straight No Chaser and Black Violin. This summer, we attended Kids in the Rotunda to see how that program has grown since we experienced it with our kids. It was wonderful to see so many children enjoying the performance and thrilling that we’re back to three performances every Saturday. We never miss a Cabaret show. It’s a very special experience to be on Capitol Theater stage and enjoy dinner with others at our table. We love making friends at the Donor Lounge and learning about performances and cast at Cast Luncheons. “Come From Away” was one of the most memorable. And we regularly attend Cocktails with Tim & Karra and even joined them on the New York trip with fellow patrons to enjoy Broadway. 

What is one education and community engagement program that stands out to you? 

My wife and I experienced the Jerry Awards annual show for the first time last year. Nearly 700 high school kids came to Overture Hall to perform. It was so different than a sporting event like a state tournament because all the kids were cheering for—not against—each other. To hear that energy and see Overture’s impact on students from across the state was awesome. 

What do you want people to know most about Overture?  

Overture Center has a dedicated staff that is always exploring new ways to engage the community. While we host many national acts, the majority of our artists are local. Overture gives them the opportunity to share their skills and talents with the community. One initiative I‘m especially proud of is our Community Ticket program, which offers access to the arts for those who are underserved or less fortunate. It’s a great way to expose more people to the transformative power of the arts. 

Why do you support Overture Center? 

My wife and I chose to support Overture because the arts are very important to us. We’ve both been involved in music since childhood, and we’ve seen how the arts provide emotional support, personal growth and maturity. Learning to work together to create beautiful music is a skill that extends to all aspects of life. While we also support other organizations in town, like the Salvation Army to help the homeless, we feel it’s equally important to care for people through the arts, to make sure they have a place of solace, a way to soothe the soul.

Why is the Overture Forever Campaign vital to Overture and our community?  

The arts play a critical role in the development of our children, but with many schools cutting back on arts programs, Overture is essential in providing a space for kids to experience and participate in the arts. That’s why preserving this building for future generations is so important. As buildings age, everything from infrastructure to carpeting and seating starts to show wear. Overture is 20 years old, and now is the time for a significant investment to address maintenance and ensure the space remains functional and welcoming. 

The staff completed a 30-year study of the building’s maintenance needs, creating a long-term plan to guide the necessary updates. The initial $10 million investment is crucial to tackling the backlog of repairs, and some of those changes are already in place—like a new custom-built water softener that’s improving the longevity of the building’s equipment. The $20 million endowment is equally important, a gift that keeps on giving. It’s designed to generate a steady income, hopefully about $1 million annually, to support ongoing maintenance and keep Overture in top shape for years to come. 

Why did you decide to support Overture Center through planned giving, and what was that process like?  

We joined the Anderson Legacy Circle because we wanted another way to give back to our community. Through our estate attorney, we learned that the simplest way to do that was through my 401(k) plan. I can easily designate a percentage of my plan to Overture Center, my church or the Salvation Army. As our investments grow, so does the donation. The process is simple—I can make changes in just a few minutes online, which makes it easy to support organizations we feel are critical to the community—Overture being one of those.  

Why would you encourage others to give to Overture annually?  

It’s vital to support Overture so others can experience the arts as we do. On average, about 30 percent of audience members at art venues come from underserved communities. At Overture, that number is closer to 40 percent, thanks to the annual gifts that fund programs for those who otherwise might not have access. These contributions help provide no-cost, low-cost and pay-what-you-wish options, ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone. 

What’s the next step for people who want to get involved at Overture?  

I encourage people to take a behind-the-scenes tour. You’ll be amazed by this building—from the roof and catwalks to the boilers and air filtration systems. It’s an eye-opening experience that shows all the work that goes into keeping Overture running smoothly and ensuring the safety and comfort of both patrons and artists.  

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