The Beausejour Kickers kick up their heels. PHOTO: Craig Mackenzie
“No whining was allowed” at the Variety Night held for competitors and their friends after day one of this year’s 55+ Games.
Emcee Dan provided humour warmth. PHOTO: Craig Mackenzie
The audience thoroughly enjoyed an evening of line dancing, magic and music … and no fines for whining had to be collected.
The community of Beausejour was selected by ALCOA (Active Living Coalition for Older Adults of Manitoba) to host the games this year which took place from Tue. Jun 16 through Thur. Jun 18. Local groups were invited to provide entertainment at a number of venues.
Dan Franklin, emcee for Variety Night, injected his “down south” sense of warmth and humour with his introductions and comments throughout the evening.
The “Beausejour Kickers” kicked off the evening. Their colourful red ties flew as they twirled and whirled through their intricate dance steps. It was shared with the audience that all members were over 65.
“George the Magician” followed with his feats of wonder, deception and illusion. Classic skits with ropes and cards were interspersed with humorous anecdotes.
George “the Magician” mystifies. PHOTO: Craig Mackenzie
The “Last of the Howling Coyotes” took the audience back to the pop music of the 60’s featuring the Beatles, CCR, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, etc.
Back to the 60’s with the “Last of the Howling Coyotes”. PHOTO: Craig Mackenzie
The feature and closing performance was the “Dream Catchers”. They opened with Chris Ledoux’s tune Five Dollar Fine (for Whining) their theme for the evening.
This was followed by 50 minutes of great country tunes from the likes of Patsy Cline, Randy Travis and Buck Owens, to mention a few.
No fines for whining were collected by the Dream Catchers. PHOTO: Craig Mackenzie
Special guest, Don Zueff, fiddled a few tunes that brought some folks to the dance floor.
They wrapped up with the awarding of a dream catcher to an audience member who sang along with every song they played.
John Linklater the spokesperson for the band , remarked that no fines were collected as there was no whining.
Reeling with the Ste. Anne’s Reel. PHOTO: Craig Mackenzie
Bruce Schade, Host Committee Chairperson and Community Recreation Director, thought the evening went well.
The event was well attended. Nobody left until it was over and the music was age appropriate.
