The talent is all lined up for this year’s running of Cochrane Vision Theatre’s annual Variety Show, with a comic, a poet and musicians ready to hit the stage May 24 at the theatre at the Cochrane RancheHouse.
Seven acts are slated to entertain the crowd at the event, each with a short set of about 15 minutes to demonstrate their skills.
“It will be very relaxed performances by these entertainers who are giving their time freely,” said Lucy Mills, vice-president of the theatre group. “It will be a fun, entertaining evening, with the proceeds going towards a good cause.”
While the event is open to all, Mills said it’s more geared towards older youth and adults.
Admission is $10, with profits being contributed to a trust fund in the name of Cochrane teenager Brandon Thomas.
Last year they donated to Ronald McDonald House, but this year Mills said she wanted to contribute to a local cause.
The 2012 Variety Show raised about $500.
Thomas was killed following a collision with a suspected drunk driver last December. Since then, his family has joined the nation-wide organization Families For Justice, which fights for harsher punishment for impaired drivers.
“Unfortunately, these events effect families in a financial way, as well as emotionally,” said Mills. “We want to raise as much as we can — we want to help out.”
In addition to the Thomas family, the local Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be in attendance. Although not yet confirmed, Mills said she’s hoping the group will start the show with a brief presentation on the dangers of drinking and driving.
“Drinking and driving is something that people don’t realize — they think they are okay to drive after a drink or two,” said Mills. “But it’s like walking around with a loaded gun.”
A raffle is on the docket for the evening of entertainment, but Mills said the group at Vision Theatre is still on the look out for prize donations.
Any donations can be dropped off by May 23 at the Cochrane Eagle office at 126A River Avenue.
Performers include:
BRYN THIESSEN: Is a preacher at the Cowboy Trail Church every Tuesday at the RancheHouse. He is a poet, storyteller having appeared on TV in Cowboy Country and in Cowboy magazine, as well as being a rancher.
VERNE LUCHINSKI: Singer/song writer/recording artist- Verne Luchinski has been playing the guitar and singing for 45 years and is currently working on recording an album of original tunes. His EP should be released before this summer. While focusing on writing and recording, he teaches guitar to students at the Legacy Children Foundation.
DOROTHY MAE: Singer/song writer/ recording artist started her career at the age of 12, singing from the heart to audiences large and small, on television and radio, about her Metis roots, to churches and anywhere there is a need and a cause. Years of mastering her craft in music lead her to a Covenant Award for Aboriginal Album of The Year for her original album ROOTS.
PURE COUNTRY MUSIC: A fiddle band made up of musicians from many walks of life and experience coming together to provide some thigh-slapping, toe-tapping fiddle music, that aims to entice everyone to the dance floor.
