HAVEN’s annual Variety Show and “Love Me Tender” events will once again take the stage at Lincoln Lanes on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 27.
The Variety Show will bring together talented local artists to entertain the public with an array of musical styles. Those performing will include Paul Kienitz, Karen Cournaya, Double Take, Chris Lonsdorf, Harold Melo and Chasqui, Debbie Merkel, Jerry Duginski, the duo of Gabrielle Kassien and Hannah Lotharius, and Whiskey Train featuring Matt Kassien. The show begins at 1 p.m., and tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for ages 6 through 17, with no charge for children age 5 and under.
Then on Saturday evening, Feb. 27, the 7th Annual “Love Me Tender” event returns, with three Elvis Presley tribute artists performing. Garry Wesley, Dakota Pongratz, and Chris Lonsdorf will each take the stage to commemorate the King of Rock and Roll.
Garry Wesley is a multi-award winning international tribute artist who performs Elvis classics from all eras. In 2010 he was honored by the City of Memphis as Number 1 Elvis Tribute Artist World Wide, and he is the only artist to ever receive this award. Garry has entertained in Memphis during Elvis week every year since 1988.
Returning to “Love Me Tender” is Dakota Pongratz of Plover. Dakota was most recently the winner of the 2015 “Kings of the Valley” Contest held in Appleton which adds to his previous awards from contests in Necedah and Appleton. He portrays Elvis across the span of his career.
Also reprising Elvis is local performer Chris Lonsdorf. Chris pays tribute to the young Elvis of the 1950s era as he sings and dances to many of his original hits. Chris also participates in contests and enjoys entertaining Elvis fans.
Musical back-up and lighting for both the Variety Show and “Love Me Tender” will again be provided by Tunes2Go Mobile DJ service. The regular Lincoln Lanes bar menu will be available during both events.
“Love Me Tender” begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $20 per person in advance, or $25 per person at the door. Advance tickets are available from HAVEN by calling 715-536-1300.
HAVEN is grateful to Lincoln Lanes, Tunes2Go, Zastrow the Beer Man, Brickner’s Park City, Breaman Merrill Ford, the Badger Hotel, the Merrill Chamber of Commerce and Merrill High School MP3 for sponsoring and helping to make these events possible.
Proceeds will go to benefit the work of HAVEN, Household Abuse Victims Emergency Network. HAVEN is a non-profit agency and United Way affiliate which serves people who are affected by domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse by providing secure shelter, advocacy and resources. The shelter and main office are located in Merrill. Office hours are also held on Mondays at the Tomahawk Annex. If you need help or more information, please call the 24-hour phone number at 715-536-1300 to talk with an advocate.
