By Muncie
10/16/19
ABBACADABRA
It was truly magical. Last Tuesday Chouteau County Performing Arts presentation was high on the list of the best shows ever. For fans of ABBA it was memory lane. Singing along to the familiar songs was part of the magic. The lyrics seem to come out of nowhere. I even saw some tears as the musical world slipped back to the ‘60’s and 70’s.
I know that the weather kept the audience from filling the auditorium but even with the snow and icy roads the count was 260 brave souls. They did not regret the trip because it was the most entertaining show on record. There was a lot of audience participation especially with the youngsters. Bracelets were given to them when they came in. Lighted sticks were thrown to them as well as fake $1.00 bills. The Kiddos had a great time even though they hardly knew who ABBA was.
Some other interesting facts were made known to me that I think will be interesting to you as it was to me. Abbacadabra went from Fort Benton to Deer Lodge the next evening. On Thursday evening they performed in Helena. The show there was sold out with 500 people at $25.00 per ticket. Those of you who have season tickets saw the same show for $5.60. Nowhere in the world can you get a bargain like that. Besides all of that you get delicious cookies, coffee and lemonade at intermission donated by our very active Fort Benton General Federation of Women’s Club. The treats are looked forward to at every CCPA performance. GO
WOMEN’S CLUB
I met a woman from Great Falls, who has purchased 2 seasons tickets for years. She likes to bring a friend with her although she was alone that evening.
I am looking forward to seeing her again and asking more questions about why she braves the terrible road conditions. Actually, I already know from the few minutes we chatted during intermission. She loves the CCPA programs and also attends the Consortiums in Great Falls and Fort Benton. She is a music lover and I’ll have more to report on her when I see her again. (She also sat in the row of seats behind me so I know I will see her again.) She is a true supporter of CCPA.
CCPA
The next show is a week from next Saturday on October 26th. Put it on your calendar now. It will feature Dennis Stroughmatt. He plays Creole music from the Missouri Ozarks.
Broaden your musical horizons by learning about other parts of our wonderful United States of America by attending this concert. Were you able to watch Ken Burn’s “Country Music” documentary? It was 16 hours of history in music. I do not know how Burn’s does all that research as the early musicians and singers are all gone to musical Heaven?
I have always loved Country Music. When I was young, years ago back in Michigan, we used to call it Hillbilly music. I love the fiddle, the guitar, and any stringed instrument. I liked it when I could understand all the words that were being sung.
I hope that many of you readers feel the same but if you do not…that is o.k. We have a right to our opinions and that we can agree to disagree. See you there!
HALLOWEEN
There are several Halloween parties happening that evening. Watch for their ads in the River Press.
The one that I choose every Halloween is the Shonkin Lasagna Dinner party on Sunday the 27th. Although Shonkin was a thriving town at one time all that is left now is their Community Center. The residents who live in the area have been busy restoring the building and it is a pleasure to visit them and see the improvements they have made during the year. This dinner and auction are a fund raiser to make the improvements.
So, fly your brooms over to our sister city and have a barrel of fun. Wear a costume, although it isn’t necessary because they let you in no matter what, and there are prizes. There are many varieties of lasagna and great desserts. There is a donation jar somewhere around. The auction is a riot and even though I am trying to downsize, I always manage to find something to bid on that I cannot live without. See you there!
This is a good spot to say hello to a reader of the “View”. I would also like to say thank you, (and how thrilled I was,) for the birthday/Halloween card. I have not received a BOO card for a long time. Happy Halloween to you Ken Smith.
FORT BENTON ROCKS
This Rock Program is about the most wonderful “Senseless Act of Beauty” that ever brought our community together. There are over 60 participants in our town joining the over 16,000 “Rockers” in the United States and around the world.
I have a newspaper article from Judy Kurth that is all about the Rock Program. I will try to get a copy of that article to your readers somehow. Another source is the internet. It has facts and figures of how this program has spread.
Tracy tells me that the Rockers will again begin painting and hiding next spring. She and I will let you know when so you can join us. I intend to become a Rocker then.
Look for information about when and where in the River Press. I will also let you know when Backroads of Montana will air the story about Olivia and the Rock Program. Will spring ever get here?
I just saw in the Community Calendar that there is a painting of rocks at the Library on Friday the 18th at 2:00 p.m. They are going to take p9ctures to send to the Backroads of Montana. Be sure to be there if you have been involved in the program. I would really enjoy seeing your pictures on PBS TV.
REMINDERS
- Bingo at the VFW next Monday the 24th.
- CCPA performance on Saturday the 26th at 7:00 p.m. Elementary School.
- The Shonkin Lasagna Dinner and Auction is on Sunday the 27th.
- Always check your Community Calendar in the River Press weekly. It is a wealth of information.
PLEASE FLY AN AMERICAN FLAG.
PLEASE WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS IN SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS.
PLEASE DO A GOOD DEED A DAY EVEN IF IT IS JUST TO SAY HELLO AND SMILE.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS AND EMT’s.
