by Karina Hunter

Local band "Six Pack" prepares for the performance practicing a holiday favourite "Jingle Bell Rock", though he could not attend this practice, their drummer will perform with them at Friday's show.

Whether you’re looking for an evening out to relax before Christmas, missing the friendly knock of yuletide carolers or just in need of some festive fun to unwind and take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle by attending Manitouwadge’s 1^st Annual Christmas Showcase this Friday at the Manitouwadge High School Theatre this Friday, December 18^th from 7 to 9pm, you’ll also be supporting a great cause.  Whatever your musical taste, you are certain to recognize festive favourites as a diverse assortment of merry medleys will be performed by local artist including Six Pack, Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Choir, Vocalist Erica Magsen, Rewound, Vocalist Natalie Peterson-Labbée, Shirley Desjardins with the Catholic Christmas Choir,  Mike Bidgood & Bruce Herrick, a reading by Janelle Rusard The Line Dancers and others.  Admission to the unique sing-a-long and variety show is a non-perishable food item or monetary donation as organizers hope to re-stock the shelves of the community’s Neighbour to Neighbour Food Bank as staples for those in need will be significantly reduced when Annual Christmas Hampers are filled earlier that day. 

Organizers were wrapping up final details this week, including recruitment of volunteer drivers “It will be a very special evening and we don’t want anyone left out” said volunteer Natalie Labbée explaining that those without transportation can call Audrey at 826-3080 to arrange for a free ride to and from the event. Labbée also had lyrics to the songs transferred to a Power Point presentation which will be projected on the theatre’s huge backdrop offering attendees the opportunity to sing-a-long to the musical numbers performed. A great deal of planning and practice has taken place in the weeks leading up to Manitouwadge’s 1^st Annual Christmas Showcase as organizers hope for an audience filled with music lovers from across the Northshore.

Community Christmas Showcase

Friday, December 18th  7pm – 9pm @ MHS Theatre

Submitted to The Echo and the Chronicle Journal 12.12.09