The summer will end with a musical mix of talent from across southeast Saskatchewan.
The lineup for the Souris Valley Theatre's Summer's End Concert on Aug. 23 will keep toes tapping throughout the event, which will mark the theatre's big fundraiser this year as a slight deviation from the Party in the Park that was held in Woodlawn Regional Park last year.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the stage lighting purchased in May 2014 so the theatre can host concerts and plays anytime from June to September. The theatre has to raise another $5,000 to cover the cost of the lights, which were bought for about $7,000 total.
"Previously, we were renting lighting for our shows, so we had a lot of trouble putting on a different show for somebody who wanted to come in and rent the theatre. We weren't really able to accommodate that," noted Jocelyn Anderson, the theatre's manager. "Now we have our own lighting that will stay in the theatre year round."
If somebody wants to rent the theatre for a concert in the fall, Anderson said concerns over lighting are no longer an issue.
The performers will share the stage at Frehlick Hall in Woodlawn Regional Park.
Karissa Dawn Hoffart of Gladmar will kick off the event next Saturday at 4:30 p.m., followed by Lexie Tytslandsvik of Radville at 5:30. The Spencer Vaughn Band, with musicians from both Estevan and Edmonton, will be treating everyone to a pair of sets starting at 6:45.
Estevan's Chris Henderson and his Regina-based band will headline the event, taking the stage at 9 o'clock. Henderson has had a busy summer, performing daily at the Ranchman's during the Calgary Stampede and on the main stage at the Craven Country Music Festival.
"We tried to stick with a lot of local people. We like to try and promote local artists as much as we can. It's something we feel is very important to the community," added Anderson.
The gates will open at 4 p.m. at Frehlick Hall, and a barbecue, concession and outdoor beer gardens will be available.
The move away from last year's Party in the Park model was a necessary one logistically, and as a promotion for the theatre, there is no better for them to host than the main stage of Frehlick Hall.
"We used an outdoor venue last year, and it caused a lot of interesting problems. We needed a back up venue (in case of) weather. This year we just decided to stick with the theatre," said Anderson. "We have the building so we might as well use it."
While Summer's End is intended to help the theatre raise funds to cover some of its costs, the event will close the theatre's 2014 activities, following a promising season.
"The turnout has been quite a bit better than last year. It's definitely looking up. We had good crowds our last week of The Marvelous Wonderettes, and it's projecting to look about the same for The Odd Couple," Anderson said about the theatre season. The Odd Couple closed on Aug. 9.
Tickets may be purchased on the Souris Valley Theatre's website, at Henders Drugs or by calling 306-461-6869. Any remaining unsold tickets will be available at the door.
