Performers raise funds for schools

Cowabunga is returning to the stage this weekend after a year's hiatus due to the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts lobby renovation.

"We've had a lot of really nice feedback," organizer Diana Radhert said. "We didn't get to do it last year and people are jazzed it didn't just go away."

The event is the Friends of Bigfork Schools' biggest fundraiser of the year — in its peak raising about $15,000 to support Bigfork schools. The backbone of that money is sponsorships ranging from $25 to $1,000, organizer Mary Knoll said.

Through the money raised, FOBS funds a variety of "wish list" projects and supplies for Bigfork schools. In the past, those projects have ranged from sand toys to the initial funding for the Virtual High School.

Radhert said they expect this year's earnings, through sponsorships and ticket sales, to be lower with the economy, but she's still optimistic.

"No matter the outcome, the money is not the only reason we do this," Radhert said. "It's a really fun way for people with talent to show off. It's one of the only ways to do that. It gives arts an opportunity to perform."

Still, the event in years past has always sold out its Friday and Saturday shows, with only a few of the 425 seats open in its Sunday matinee. Usually only a few dozen tickets are left on show dates, Knoll said.

The more than 20 acts in this year's show include a traditional opening act by the LEAP gymnastics group as well as the Bigfork Elementary School kindergarten classes, vocal groups, tap performances, skits and piano pieces. Auditions were held in January and the show had to turn about a third of those who auditioned away.

"There's a lot of talent in this town," Knoll said. "(The term) variety show truly fits what we produce here."

The show relies on help from the community, with nearly as many volunteers helping out in the box office, concessions, backstage and in other capacities as performers, Knoll said. Valley resident Cindy Lewis, who has a history in the arts, helps block and order the show.

"She remains one of the major components," Knoll said.

A change for this year's show will be that a group of kids will split the MC role as well as share in the closing act, Radhert said.

"It spreads out some of the fun for more kids," Radhert said.

This year's theme is "Live at the O-COW Corral!," a Western theme that several acts have incorporated into their performances. Past themes have included space, the 1950s and Hawaiian.

The show is usually held the week of St. Patrick's Day, but due to scheduling at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, where the show takes place, and the timing of the schools' Spring Break, it's a little later this year.

Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, April 11. Tickets are available in advance at Bigfork Drug, Electric Avenue Gifts, LEAP after-school and Bigfork Elementary School, as well as from Radhert or Knoll. Costs are $7 for adults and $5 for students and children. The show is also still looking for additional sponsors.

For more information, contact Radhert (250-5594 or diana@montanasky.us' or Knoll (249-8576 or knollmc@aol.com).

Local performer shows range of talents in acts

Whether it was gymnastics, a comedy routine, choir or tap dancing, local Jerry Gaiser has been in the annual Friends of Bigfork Schools' Cowabunga variety show every year since its inception nine years ago.

He'll be on stage in the show for perhaps the final time this weekend, performing his 2008-09 state-winning Humorous Duo act with Bigfork High School student Jacob Sefcak.

"Jerry is very special to us," organizer Diana Radhert said. "He's been in the show every year since it began and this is sort of his last time probably."

As a performer with an interest in theatre, particularly in his involvement with the Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre, and his parents' leadership in LEAP after-school programs, entering the variety show every year was just a natural fit.

"It's a fun thing to get to do," Gaiser said. "If you want to do something crazy and different, then you can. I think it's great just to be able to showcase what everyone in town can do."

Gaiser, who graduated from Bigfork High School last year, has been attending Flathead Valley Community College and will leave in January to attend college in Australia, where he was born.

"There's so much to him — he's immensely talented," organizer Mary Knoll said. "Wherever we've needed help, he's willing… I can't imagine doing one without him."