LAKEPORT — The time is fast approaching for the auditions, and then before you know it, it will be time for the 17th annual Winter Music Fest, Vaudeville 2009. The auditions will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, so you have just enough time to polish up your act, juggling while singing “Maggie”s Farm” for instance. Or practicing “Flight of the Bumblebee” with the other two tuba players in your group.
But don”t wait until your tuxedo gets pressed! Get a reserved place in the audition schedule now by calling Betty Lou on Wednesdays at the Main Street Gallery, 263-6658; or by writing to her at Lake County Arts Council, 325 N. Main St., Lakeport CA 95453.
Given the success of our presentations since we eliminated pre-recorded accompaniment, we will be continuing that policy. Groups of studio musicians in plastic, who have never been to Lake County in their lives but who get to control the rhythm and timing of the artists on our stage, provide a superficial polish that has not been missed. The warm and personal relationship that develops across the footlights is worth a lot more to all involved. We will be able to supply some accompaniment for singers, but your own buddy at the piano or guitar would be better. Auditions with pre-recorded music will be allowed.
The auditions will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre, and it would benefit you to have an appointment, or you”ll be waiting around until there is an opening for you.
It”s a good idea to have more than one number ready, since it is not just your talent that is important, it”s how the piece can be integrated into what else is being done.
This is the last time in this century that there will be two zeros next to each other in the date, and that will be reason enough to attend. But if you need more, and if just having a great time being entertained isn”t enough, recall that this is one of the ways that the Arts Council pays the bills at the office and Main Street Gallery and art fairs for kids. The event is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at the Soper-Reese, 275 S. Main, Lakeport, and this is one of the best entertainment buys in the Lake County calendar.
