CCPA announces Bushwhacker sesquicentennial programming

Nevada Daily Mail

The Community Council on the Performing Arts in association with the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee and the Bushwhacker Committee has announced the programming for Thursday evening of the 2005 Sesquicentennial Bushwhacker Days celebration.

According to Charlie Johnson, organizer of the one-night event, the CCPA will produce a four-hour talent extravaganza known as "Local Legends Through The Ages."

This variety-type show, which will be held on the main Bushwhacker stage, will feature former, current, and up-and-coming local performers and entertainers.

The June 16 performance is designed to showcase a wide diversity of music as well as other performance arts including: dance, comedy, dramatic readings and original acts.

"We're looking for entertainment from all across the county," commented Johnson. "Our sesquicentennial celebration is not just for Nevada, it's also our county's 150th birthday."

The organizers are looking for quality performers to be included in what is sure to be a memorable event.

"The underlying theme," says Johnson "is a local connection. Vernon County is blessed with a rich variety of talent of which we want to tap into." Entertainers that no longer live here, but still have that local bond are also encouraged to participate in the festivities.

As producer, the CCPA plans to highlight a number of performers from productions of the past 30 years, hopefully by the original cast members. The reprise of these performances will serve as the core of entertainment; however, the CCPA supports all types of performance arts and intends to make this production a true variety show.

According to Johnson, those participating in the "Local Legends Through The Ages" will be doing so on a volunteer basis without compensation. Each performer will be responsible for providing their own accompaniment or background music. Professional lighting and sound will be provided by the Bushwhacker Committee.

All acts must meet the approval of the CCPA Sesquicentennial Committee through an audition process. It is possible for an act wanting to be included in the talent showcase to not be selected based on quality, quantity, type of performance and appropriateness.

Anyone wanting additional information should contact Johnson at (417) 448-7502 or send an e-mail to him at charliej@neighborlink.us.