The Minot Heritage Singers annual Variety Show has always been a night for comic relief.
This year, the group will add a night for flood relief.
That effort begins Wednesday when the group kicks off this year's show with an extra performance dedicated to the ongoing recovery effort in our community.
Last fall the men's chorus voted to postpone travel plans to New England in order to focus on performing to help their own city. The "Bridge Over Troubled Water" concert in Williston plus the community "Messiah" concert netted generous offerings. The group then added money from its travel fund to generate a total gift of $30,000 that was given to Minot Public Schools to purchase musical instruments and supplies lost in flooded schools.
According to a release, with the new year comes a new goal. The group wants to match their first gift of $30,000 and is hoping for a fast start during this year's Variety Show run, Feb. 15-18 and Feb. 22-25. A portion of every ticket and silent auction item sold on all seven nights will be dedicated to helping Minot recover from last summer's disaster.
Also, opening night Wednesday will be special. Pitching in to help will be several guest groups: The Harvey Centennial Singers, Dakota Dixie, Java Jive Jazz and the Treble Makers. Long time accompanist Lynn Jensen will be joined by Dawn Marie Bergeron, saxophonist Micah Holmen, and Bismarck singer/songwriter Luke Graner. Dave Jensen will again lead the Heritage Swing Band.
The usual musical treats will be woven inside a comic script written by John Scheeler. As usual, the theme is a well-kept secret, but the fun is not. This dinner theater-style evening has become a traditional event for many and promises to be a great night out for many folks new to Minot as well.
Tickets for the meal and entertainment are $20 and can be purchased at the MACA office in the South Broadway Plaza or by phone order at 833-6585.