If we believe the prediction of the ground hog, spring will come early this year. But if you’re looking for an antidote to cabin fever, there will be plenty of music to enjoy in Merrill the weekend of Feb. 22-23. Whether it’s the standards, oldies, country, pop or rock, there will be something for everyone at the Merrill Area Variety Show on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Lanes. Local talent will include Jim Sheridan, Karen Cournaya, Paul Kienitz, Mark Robl, Hunter Dux, Butch Grell, Eric Leigh, Paula Cegielski, Jose Garcia, Jr., Theresa Schmeltzer, Deb Merkel, Don and Dawn Swan, Gabrielle and Hannah Lotharius, Lindsey Jimenez, and Double Take. Tunes2Go Mobile DJ Service will provide musical back-up and lighting. Tickets for the show are $10 in advance or at the door. Proceeds will go to HAVEN, the Household Abuse Victims Emergency Network, which serves all of Lincoln County.
Then on Saturday, HAVEN will present the 4th annual Love Me Tender concert with both afternoon and evening performances by Elvis Presley tribute artists Chris Lonsdorf and Dakota Pongratz. They will be singing the variety of Elvis’ music across the decades of his career, accompanied by Tunes2Go. A few of the variety acts from Friday night will also be on hand. Performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for either show are $10 in advance or at the door. For more information or advance tickets, please contact Judy or Karen at HAVEN by calling 715-536-9563. Lincoln Lanes is located at 1208 N. Center Ave. in Merrill.
HAVEN is grateful to all who are contributing their talents and efforts to make these events possible. Tunes2Go owner Lou Kassien has been involved with the show since 2010, when he saw an article about the Elvis event being sponsored by HAVEN, and volunteered to set up the sound using his Pro Audio equipment. Lou says, “Once you know Judy, you are never forgotten!” referring to HAVEN Executive Director Judy Woller, who is an ardent Elvis fan. Many of the performers that appear in the Variety Show are, in Lou’s words, “those talented people in our area that we’ve found and tripped over in the years of being in the karaoke business.”
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 with 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 crisis line at 715-536-1300.