Kicking off with the cabaret

By Melanie Jacob
Journal Staff Writer


There are only a couple of weeks left before the illustrious Junior Chamber International (JCI) cabaret kicks off the Summer Sizzler weekend and preparations are nearly complete.


"We're trying something a little different this year I guess," said Vanessa Ollerich, co-chair of the cabaret and treasurer for JCI. "Normally, when we partnered with the rodeo, we typically had a country band. This year we're going with rock."


Last year, 40 oz. Philosophy was supposed to open for Hey Romeo. However, due to inclement weather they were unable to make it and so the local band stepped up and played all night.


"It's a very awesome atmosphere and I'm expecting the numbers to be similar to last year, maybe even a bit bigger," said Michael Ulriksen, events manager for the City of Humboldt. "It's one of the few things where parents and adults can go out and it'll be a lot easier for parents to get a babysitter since there's no admission."


The band that will be performing is called Little Wicked and they are originally from Winnipeg. They've played in Humboldt before at the Bella Vista Inn, which is how Ollerich came across them.


The event will start at 9 p.m. and will be for adults over the age of 19. The band will start playing at 10 p.m. and is expected to finish by around 2 a.m.


"There is no charge for entrance, but we will have a donation box set up at the door," said Ollerich. "There will be a 50-50 and any money that JCI raises will go towards the purchase of the grandstands for the new exhibition grounds."


So far, Ollerich said preparations for the cabaret have been going smoothly. Even if the weather is bad it wouldn't matter since the event is happening indoors at the curling rink.


"It's real high energy and everyone has fun," said Ollerich. "It's a great kickoff to much more to come that weekend with the derby, tractor pulls, and midway."


According to Ulriksen, the rink will be set up so that there's room for people to sit and a big area set up for people who want to dance.


"JCI have done an excellent job in providing an event that's most attended and most popular," said Ulriksen. "It's a great way to kick off the weekend and do something for the adults."