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On Stage at the Pearl
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April 9, 2012 |
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Barb
Robertson |
Saturday, April 14, 7 p.m. "On Stage at the
Pearl" presents two local favorites Barb
Robertson and "Quarter Moon," with Trenee Solt,
Mike Meier, John Marquette, and Jerry Causi.
Barb Robertson is known locally for her riveting
vocals and passionate delivery. Friendly,
personable and "nothing special," in her own
words, just another Bonners Ferry neighbor,
she's made hearts tremble each year at the
Boundary County Rodeo, belting out not only the
U.S. National Anthem, but the Canadian as well
... she has a voice that belies her stature, a
voice that is pitch-perfect and possessed of
incredible range ... and a rare ability to
instill, wrench, coax and cajole the emotions of
her audience with each note she hits, and by her
clarity.
She performed recently in the musical "Walk a
Mile"at the Pearl, and appears frequently with
Terry Shervin.
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Quarter Moon,
a little ol' band from Bonners Ferry. A
little bit like a little ol' band from
Texas ... except the beards aren't quite
as long, the guy without the beard isn't
playing drums (and his last name isn't
Beard), and the hot chick isn't in the
video pointing to a hot car going down
the road ... she's front and center on
stage ... leading an awesome
band.
"A how how how ...!" |
Quarter Moon, the defacto House Band at the
Pearl, placed third nation wide for the month of
January with their song "Something We Can Do" in
the Folk Rock category from "Our
Stage," and third among hundreds in
multiple genres as the band to watch in the
coming year.
Voting was done by fans, DJs, and other
musicians; those best qualified to appreciate
skill and talent.
People in Bonners Ferry are used to exceptional
talent, but Trenee Solt, Mike Meier, John
Marquette and Jerry Causi, a little band from
Bonners Ferry, are not only putting local
audiences in awe ... they're gaining a national
audience of appreciative and discerning fans.
Much of their original material is written by
Trenee Solt.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for soup, bread, desserts
and drinks from the Pearl Theater Cafe.
Performance starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at
the door.
Each month "On Stage at the Pearl" features
local and regional artists in performance,
mainly new and upcoming performers who have
amazing talent, but not much time on stage.
Carolyn Testa and The Pearl offer a venue where
local performers can hone their skills, learn
the stagecraft in front of the best ... and
worst audience in the world, the family and
neighbors who come to see them.
When it goes well, it's the most exilharating
experience in the world. As George Carlin said,
"I went out there and killed em!" "I knocked 'em
off their feet!" "I had 'em in the palm of my
hand!"
When it doesn't, you begin to understand why the
best in the business refer to such performance
as "I bombed," "I crashed and burned," "I died."
Some ... come to find that they thrive and grow
better or, like most, realize that what the best
who make it look easy do is in actuality
exceedingly hard; talent is only the beginning.
Stagecraft. Audience interaction, stage
presence, professionalism ... timing ...
experience ... perseverance. It's easier to go
at and find a "real" job.
In my past, I tried my hand at stand up comedy.
Looked to me like an easy way to get rich ...
making people laugh. I'd been doing that since
kindergarten.
I worked several gigs, writing material, reading
and re-reading, trying to memorize. Re-writing
and re-reading ... standing in front of a mirror
to check my delivery. Dressing for the show.
My wife, Debbie, had to drive me to every one; I
needed to practice my material ... and, I'm
ashamed to say, I became physically ill on the
way to every show. My stomach knotted up, my
hands shook so much I couldn't read the script.
When they laughed, I was "slaying them!" When
they just looked at me and said "huh?" I
recognized that this is not easy! This is WORK!
Just by trying, though, I met some great people;
the world of comedy is very small and those
who've made it tend to help those trying; Jay
Wendell Walker, Nick Theisen, Rick Reed ...
comedians with nerves of steel who knew what I'd
felt, had crashed and bombed and who'd kept at
it and are still doing it today ... they make
their living by making people laugh.
Thanks to the Pearl, we have the chance to see
both those who have and those who want to.
Those interested in being featured for "On
Stage" should become regulars at the monthly
"Pearl Theater Performer's Circle," where local
talent has the opportunity to take the stage and
shine.
The next Performer's Circle is 7 p.m. Friday,
April 27. For more information call Victoria
Thompson at (208) 304-0866. |
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