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The five Edgewater Variety Shows were a benefit for two causes, one for the youth centre which received all the profit from the first show. This money should help with the basement, which had no sump pump protecting it when a waterline blew-off the main right outside the hall last winter. A sump pump was donated by Westburne Supplies of Cranbook freeing up the money earned at the show for other necessities.
The other cause is for the performers and audience who benefit from having good professional lighting. The designer lights that are there are difficult to adjust and we found them to be insufficient for the first show. The new lights are stored in a heavy plywood chest and can be removed after each event. The lights may be available to some incoming shows to make the Edgewater Hall an even more attractive venue - and the price was good.
A storage room has been built in the hall basement for the light gear and other paraphenalia used to put the variety shows on with.
Thanks to the crowds who came to enjoy and support our performers and the youth, your presence helped get the show on the road again!
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The Variety Show is your window into not only the music world, but also that of theatre and poetry. Come and see where your interest lies!
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I put these shows on independantly with help from several good friends, a great deal of support from local performers, and welcome assistance in the concession from the Recreation Society. The loan of my grand piano actually started everything off. A piano tuner friend of mine came all the way in from Calgary to move that piano for a Michael Kaeshammer Concert and tune it and the Hall piano at no charge to Edgewater.
The resulting funds, perhaps as much as $2,200 dollars not including the Jazz concert, were dedicated the flood devastated (but insured) basement and other essentials, too. I am sure our performers and audience would agree that, while a basement is necessary, it takes the tools of presentation, sound and light to create money-making, quality entertainment. After all the audience is there to see and hear the performers in a "more than real" atmosphere contributing to the "suspension of disbelief" that is the hallmark of a good performance.
I think there are opportunities to improve the Edgewater Hall as a very attractive and competitive spot for first class entertainment and concerts of moderate size (the hall seats 200). Fellow performers have already done the basic chores such as help build the acoustic baffles, the portable steps up to the stage, the stage screens, the acoustic banners, and the curtain installation.
The sound is very good, with no dead spots, though for the spoken voice and for small gatherings there is a bit too much reverb. This was addressed by the banners. The lights are the next step to a all-round facility.
After the stage lights and putting more money into the basement, I think a great addition would be extra storage space as there is none for stage equipment, tables, chairs and even mops and brooms. Perhaps some money from the Shows can make this possible. Besides looking after the nitty gritty, I hope that, by putting on these Variety Shows the Edgewater area can achieve some of the advantages larger centres enjoy.
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