by Karina Hunter

Natalie Labbee introduces the 1st act, the OLOL Children's Chorus she leads herself.

The theatre at Manitouwadge High School has rarely seen its seats filled to capacity as they were Friday, December 18^th as residents of all ages came out in support of the first Manitouwadge Community Showcase variety show for the

Performances included Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Chorus directed by Natalie Labbée; traditional hymns by the trio of Shirley Desjardins, Gary Stillmack and Joan MacEachern; guitarist Betty Gillman performed “Magical Manitouwadge Christmas” a re-write of the popular Tender Tennessee Nights which had the crowd roaring with laughter; Christmas Bluegrass by Rewound; an energetic performance by the Manitouwadge Line Dancers who re-grouped for the worthy cause after a 17 year hiatus; readings by Janelle Russard and Sandra Brooks; Rock and Country band Six Pack had young and young at heart dancing in front of the stage as they wrapped up the performances, energizing people for the sing-a-long which followed. The evening was an incredible success and plans are already in the works for a Spring Fling which will follow a similar variety theme as well as next year’s repeat of the evening when they will welcome people for the 2^nd Annual Community Christmas Showcase.  

Julia Gervais, ready and eager to perform (check out the entire chorus in the video below, generously provided by her Mom).

I like to call this video “Dance like nobody’s watching” young Julia Gervais was so sweet, her sincerety obvious as she is clearly unaware when the crowd is giggling early on that all the hoopla is initially for her (later she catches on which is equally cute) before long she  inspires the entire choir; watch as her contageous enthusiasm spreads throughout the group. (thanks to her Mom for sharing this wonderful video!)

The Manitouwadge Line Dancers gave an energetic performance enjoyed by all.

Natalie reminded everyone during one of the breaks between groups that the Nite on the Town Entertainment Series (NOTES) of the Arts will be featuring He Sang, She Sang in January and seats MUST be filled for this incredible series to continue.  For more information visit their website @ Nite on the Town Entertainment Series or pick up your tickets (just $25 for adults, $10 for kids) at the Rendez-Vous Restaurant, The Cow Palace or

Submitted to The Echo & the Chronicle Journal 12.19.09

Neighbour to Neighbour Food Bank.  Organizers Elizabeth Paynter and Natalie Labbée were proud to announce having collected 15 boxes of non-perishables “The variety of donations was great, so much more than the typical canned goods, a lot snacks for kids lunches and winter comfort food necessities” said Labbée, this in addition to nearly a hundred dollars in cash donations.