Cowabunga What A Show !!!
Story by Jim Jackson photos courtesy of Karen White

It was 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16th when the curtain rose on the first Cowabunga, a moovin groovin show. The Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts was filled to capacity as organizers put the final touches on many hours of preparation. Long before the first act, the work had begun with organizational meetings, committee meetings, auditions, advertising and sponsorship sales and nearly a million other details.
All that work paid off with a wonderful evening of family fun and entertainment. There were 22 performances divided into two acts. The audience was supportive and enthusiastic. The positive energy that flowed between all those present made it an evening this reporter and participant will never forget.
I'm sure that what happened that night happens all across our country and I take comfort in the fact that people still yearn for the chance to participate in live entertainment put on by their friends and neighbors.
The magic that happened in Bigfork came from the connections we all made with each other and the special feeling of community that it created for a few wonderful hours.

Roy Hegger was the "most excellent" master of ceremonies.

Justin Call amazed the audience with card tricks
Keila Shorter danced to "Ollie Ollie Oxen"
Allie Wilson Gaines tapped to "So Special"

Mallery Knoll, Quinci Paine, Cambria Ulrich, and Madison Wood danced to the tune
"Avenue C"

Lucas Yatch did an outstanding job in "Elvis Lives" recreating the King's performance of "Burning Love."

He came from Chicago to help out and did a tribute to one of his mentors.
John Lee Hooker.
Blues Brother, Basement Boy Jimmy

Laura Holmquist, volunteer extrodinaire and VIP Usher, staffs the raffle booth. Husband Brett contributed a variety of entertainment. Thanks to both for their cheerful dedication.

3rd graders, Travis Knoll, Bailey Vogt and Ronnie Grenier-Hemphill showed their karate moves by turing them into a dance called "Dance of the Dragon.

Derek Minemyer did a musical comedy sketch based on Roger Millers famous song, "King of the Road."

Charlie Richmond had a cow bandana on his head and fuzzy slippers when he walked on stage, but he played "Promised Land" to a boogie woogie beat that left the keyboard smokin. The house went wild with applause and appreciation.
Diana Rahdert (left) and Mary Knoll (right), were two of the major powerhouses behind the success of this show. Mary is listed as production manager, and program layout and design, but that is only a fraction of the things that Mary did besides spread positive energy and a can do attitude everywhere she went.
Diana Rahdert is listed as the Cowabunga "Mascot" and also on the program layout and design but again, this doesn't tell of the countless hours spent in auditions, planning meetings and getting things done.

T.J. Shannon an 8th student in Bigfork, played a guitar solo, an original composition called, "The Difference Between Peace & Sorrow."

This four piece band called itself "A Band" and played some alternative hard rocking guitar bassed tunes. They got the second half going on a high energy note. Ian Duncan, Aaron Biby, Daniel Williams and Graham Johnston played "Machine Gun/What We're All About"
Shauney and Jaylee Haveman, a talented mother daughter duo sang and original tune called "We Give Our Love."
The Clayton Brothers put on a display of the fine art of tap dancing. They were moving so fast, the camera couldn't capture their hands or feet without blurring.

Michael White was the final act, playing with virtuoso style, two classical pieces, "Tarantella" and "Fire Dance." Michael is a junior at Bigfork High School and until this show, a lot of people didn't even know he played the piano.

Debbie Ingram, PTA President, Karen White, stalwart PTA and community volunteer and Lois Sullivan, a dedicated volunteer grandma, ham it up for the camera. The PTA raised more than $2,500. for programs in the school.
This show was a success because so many people were involved in its production. In addition to the key players alread mentioned, a nod should go to Andrea Goff, Rob Hotchkin, Skyler Doak, Brach Thomson, Lane Jones, Terrie Rundle, Debbie Dow, Jayson Dow, Tyler Paine, Matthew Jacob, Beth Frank, Don Diggins, Norm Thorsen, Peppy Wood, Abigail Hegger, MaryAnn & Elisabeth Quist, Tooie Johnston, Cary mathis, Lois Sullivan, Jeff Sullivan, Mitzi Carpenter, Denise Grenier, Brenda & Lena Olson, and Angela Gross. Sorry if I left anyone out. Everyone connected with this event should give themselves a high five for living life the way it was intended, in the joy of excitement and creativity.  
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