CLARKSVILLE, Mo. — Raintree Arts Council is channeling Johnny, Willie and Waylon, as well as Dolly, Tammy and Loretta.
The group’s annual fund-raiser is a hoedown entitled “Encore Goes Country.” The jamboree takes place Saturday, April 6, at The Apple Shed on Highway 79 in Clarksville.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the meal catered by Vicky Keely and her crew. Tickets are $30 each and reservations may be made by calling 573-754-0335.
Local musicians will provide entertainment and contests are planned. Debbie Ingram and Judi Bruce are putting the show together.
“People in our Encore audiences and in the Encore cast have been asking for a country theme for several years,” Ingram said. “So, after years of doing other themes, Judi and I decided it was time to dedicate an Encore show to just country music.”
Ingram, who is known widely for her renditions of Patsy Cline songs, said the audience can expect musical gold from the 1950s to 1980s.
People are encouraged to wear country and western attire because there will be a best-dressed contest for women and men. Winners get a trophy and $30. Then, there’ll be something to shout about. Bruce has conjured what amounts to a hollering contest, which she hopes will be a hoot. “Who’s the king and queen of the best earsplitting, piercing cattle call, spouse call, yee-haw or any obnoxious yelling?” Bruce asks. “Come to Encore and display your talent. I thought that would be more interesting than a dance-type contest.”
“We hope to get some really unusual-sounding ‘calls’ or ‘yells’ during this contest,” Ingram adds. “It should be a lot of fun for the participants and for the audience.”
A cash bar and a silent auction will be available. Payment for tickets may be made by cash, check, Venmo or PayPal.
Raintree is a not-for-profit that sponsors arts programs throughout the year in Pike and Lincoln counties. Proceeds from Encore are used to host activities for all ages.
“Encore gives people the opportunity to be able to come and enjoy a dinner show experience and not have to drive in to the city to do it,” Ingram said. “The atmosphere of The Apple Shed is rustic, but elegant, with dinner being served by the Keely crew to each table, so the audience can relax and enjoy the entertainment.”
CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:
Debbie Ingram plays piano and emcee Judi Bruce listens as Angela Maier sings a song during the 2023 Encore, which featured a 1950s motif. This year’s event takes place April 6 and will have a country music theme.