Saturday night was a showcase of talent from throughout the Battlefords and area at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.
It was Battlefords Shines, the fundraiser event to raise money for the Dekker Centre.
A large audience was in attendance to see the talent both on the stage as well as off. The works of several local visual artists was prominently displayed inside the lobby.
Featured was the work from the following artists: Michael Brokop, Chasity Moosomin, Lynn Strendin, Kamila Badura, Bob Carnahan, Holly Hildebrand, Chris Hodge, Jean M. Dunn, Marilyn Richardson, John Bowyer, Mariann Taubenssee and Faye Erickson.
Also featured was live auction art that was painted live at the event by students from North Battleford Comprehensive High School.
A number of models displayed the fashions of Melissa Squire, former North Battleford resident who has a boutique in Saskatoon.
On stage, performers ranged from Indigenous artists Wild Bear Singers, Lyrik Albert and Calvin Wuttunee, to dance from Dance Connection and Annette’s School of Dance, to the New Orleans’ inspired sounds of “Jivin; Jackie and Big Baby T” with the adaptation Drop Me Off in North Battleford, to the country sounds of Troy Wakelin, and the music of the NBCHS Jazz Band.
Dekker Centre general manager Kali Weber was happy with how the night proceeded.
“I thought the show had lots of energy, it’s so wonderful to see these different artists showcased,” said Weber. “The audience response was awesome.”
The decision had been made to turn Battlefords Shines, which had been held before at the Dekker Centre, into the major fundraiser event.
It is part of the Dekker Centre overall strategy to turn around the financial picture at the performing arts facility. In addition to fundraising, the Dekker Centre has focused on increasing attendance by booking a wider variety of acts appealing to a wider audience, including families.
For Battlefords Shines, an estimated 250 tickets were sold in advance and the hope was to raise over $10,000. Final numbers are expected early this week.
