The big question for many local people could well be, "How many great performers paying tribute to the 'greats' of the music world can you pack into one evening or one afternoon's entertainment? " When "Legends" returns to the stage of the Saltcoats Community Hall this year on March 9, 10 and 11 for their fifth time in six years, this area may be provided with a probable answer to the query. In any other venue the program would be a steal at double the price. Add delightful meals for Friday and Saturday and scrumptious desserts for Sunday afternoon and you have an offering few could resist. Local organizers report sellouts for Friday and Saturday and tickets beginning to move quite dramatically for the Sunday performance. Phyllis McCallum at 744-2990 is again the person in charge of sales and seating.
It is a thrill for all who know her to welcome back Devra Straker who returns home for the 5th Legends at Saltcoats performance. Originally from Saltcoats, Devra now resides in Ottawa with her husband and their 4 month old baby girl. She has worked in television and film as well as stage across Canada and in the U.S. Select theatre credits include A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Dark Star: The Roy Orbison Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music, The Rocky Horror Show, and Evita. She is thrilled to be able to help her community continue to raise funds for numerous organizations within the town and always looks forward to doing the show. Devra will be paying tribute to artists such as Patsy Cline, K.d Lang, Tina Turner, and Loretta Lynn.
Gerrad Everard will be joining the Legends cast for the first time. Gerrad hails from his family's cattle and grain farm near Wawanesa, Manitoba. He has performed on four continents, over 30 states in the U.S and right across Canada. "ROK 2G0" marks Gerrad's debut album - a taste of country with a rock'n roll edge, putting a new spin on 11 legendary songs. The album is dedicated to both Canadian Farmers and Artists and will be available for purchase at the show. Gerrad will be performing artists such as Mick Jagger, Allan Jackson, Elvis, and Little Richard.
Kevin Dabbs returns as part of the cast for his 3rd year. Originally from Winnipeg, Kevin now resides in Edmonton with his wife Christine Bandelow. Kevin has toured North America as the drummer with recording artist Mike Plume. He has also performed in countless theatre productions - most recently as the lead in the Mayfield Theatre's production of the smash hit musical "The Wedding Singer". Kevin has also recently released his debut CD "Policeman's Creek" which will be available for purchase at the show. Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney, and Buddy Holly are just some of the artists Kevin will be seen performing in the upcoming show.
Kieran Martin Murphy will be back for his 5th year. Martin has performed on many stages across both Canada and the U.S. as well as television and film. Theatre credits include Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, The Buddy Holly Story, and Jesus Christ Superstar just to name a few. Martin is also part of the trio known as "The Pretenors" in which he portrays the infamous Luciano Pavarotti. They have performed to sold out houses across North America. Martin will be paying tribute to such artists as Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, and of course Pavarotti.
Christine Bandelow returns for her 4th year as part of the Legends cast. Originally from Calgary, Christine now resides in Edmonton. She has worked in both television and film, and has toured the world as a performer - including performing for the troops overseas. She has both choreographed and performed in the award winning musical "RENT" in such places as Spain, Mexico, and Montreal. She has performed in numerous other stage productions including West Side Story, The Buddy Holly Story, Oliver! and Cabaret. Christine will be performing artists including Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, and Linda Ronstadt.
This is a show not to be passed by. Those who have attended earlier shows know how personably the artists interact with those attending. The troupe's professionalism combined with the attractive, convenient and uncrowded venue in which they are performing to appreciative audiences makes these performances occasions that will be talked about for months to come. At double the ticket prices these shows would be a bargain!
