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If you haven’t been to a Saline Varsity Blues Gala, you’re missing something special. This non-profit organization knows how to throw a party. It’s elegant, it’s entertaining, and it’s a ton of fun with DJ, dancing and cash bar. There are deals to be made with an excellent array of items up for bid during their silent auction, and some specialty items (Elton John tickets, Florida vacations, and more) with a limited number of participants – which means better odds of winning!
Saline Varsity Blues is a show choir consisting of three casts, Varsity, Junior Varsity and Kids Cast. At this year’s gala, the Varsity cast will perform a preview of this season’s upcoming tour show, featuring the music of Queen. There will be other solo performances as well that take the audience back to 1985’s LiveAid global outreach concert – the first worldwide, epic event that took place on two stages, one in Philadelphia, and one Live From Wembley Stadium.
Sam Scarlett is a senior in the cast with the most seniority. He has been a member of Saline Varsity Blues for ten years and enjoys the intimate environment of the Gala performance. “It’s a much more attentive audience, we get to interact with them during a performance and that is fun to play around with,” Scarlett said.
Maggie Robbins, a sophomore in the cast agrees, “I like that we can see people’s faces, unlike when we perform at the high school,” she said. “It’s more personal.”
“We only perform a smidgen of the show during the gala,” says Shelby Wood, a junior. “It’s a chance for people to gain interest, so they’ll come out to see the entire show in July.”
Saline Varsity Blues has been performing for audiences since 1983. Each year, the Varsity Cast goes on tour and has performed in NYC, Nashville, on Royal Carribean Cruiselines, at Disney World in Orlando, and next at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Pat Douglas has been directing Saline Varsity Blues for fifteen years and likes that the gala gives the cast an opportunity to thank their supporters. Her longevity speaks to how much Saline Varsity Blues benefits the kids. “I love working with the youth in our community and educating them on many different aspects of performing. The cast members also learn many life skills along the way such as, working together to accomplish a goal, time management, self-esteem and projection. This organization has an incredible board of directors that work tirelessly to make sure this non-profit show choir is able to continue year after year.”
Christine Gerdes, Saline Varsity Blues board President, enjoys being a part of something her daughter is passionate about while being involved in the community. For her, the gala’s sneak peek and big-ticket auction items are a major draw. “I always love to see the first glimpse of the high school cast's tour show and costumes. And the big-ticket raffle items are always exciting; this year, this includes tickets to see Elton John!”
The Live From Wembley Gala will be an opportunity to have an exciting, entertaining, enjoyable night out at one of Saline’s favorite venues. More importantly, it’s a way to support a group of kids who consider the organization so much more than just a show choir. “VB is my family away from family,” said Zach Lindemann, a sophomore in the cast.
Tickets are still on sale. Visit www.salinevarsityblues.com to purchase.
Saline Varsity Blues Gala
Friday, Feb. 7, 2020
Travis Pointe Country Club
6:30pm – 11pm Dinner served promptly at 7:15pm.
Tickets: $65 available at salinevarsityblues.com
Contact (for Saline Post only/not public): 734-255-2617 or ajscarlett@comcast.net
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