By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Only 200 tickets are still available for Saturday’s Symphony in the Flint Hills.

This year’s theme is Ad Astra, and celebrates the changing of the North Star, which will happen in 1,000 years.

A special performance by the WahZhaZhe Osage Ballet from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, will be at 4:30 p.m.

WahZhaZhe is the name the Osage called themselves. They believed they came from the stars.

“It’s the first time ever they are performing in Kansas,” director of engagement Gwen Obermeyer said.

The concert will have additional music featuring on Jump!Star, an intergalactic arts initiative under direction of George Ferrandi.

ARISE, a multicultural and multigenerational community choir from Wichita, will perform African-American stories and music.

ARISE stands for African-Americans Renewing Interest in Spirituals Ensemble.

“The addition of this talented and spiritual group is going to add an element we’ve never had before,” symphony executive director Christy Davis said.

A display of celestial sculptures will follow the concert. Stargazing will be the wrap-up event.

“Gates open at noon,” Obermeyer said. “We highly encourage people to come for the full day experience.”

Before the symphony, there will be covered wagon rides, cowboy poetry with awards, a story circle with Osage tribe members, and education tents that provides learning on different types of projects.

Activities in five tents will include talks on climate and agriculture, challenges and opportunities of rural Kansas, the people’s dance, traditional dance and regalia of the Kaw Nation, star stories of the Osage, Polaris and African American cultural expression, a tour of the sun, constellations and star charts, and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon mission.

Symphony in the Flint Hills is at Irma’s Pasture, outside Bazaar on US-177. Tickets are available at the symphony website or eventbrite .com.