Red lips are sealed on the line-up, but performers are getting set for one of the most happening nights in Masset: the Valentino Cabaret.
With acts that push the boundaries of island talent and taste, the crowd at Valentino’s could be forgiven for forgetting what the night is all about.
Shauna Huber is a new board member at the Tidal Elements Whole School Society — a 16-year-old islands non-profit best known for organizing spring break and summer activities for local kids.
Last year, Huber said Tidal Elements ran a trip to Laskeek Bay, where children got to help ancient murrelet chicks launch into the sea.
This spring, the society will bring a group of younger children to Prince Rupert for skating and swimming lessons. In the summer, they plan to send an older cast of youth to an islands theatre camp.
Huber says she can well remember the Little Shop of Horrors musical that the theatre camp kids put on a couple years ago.
“I felt it was the best thing I’d seen on island,” she said.
“It was so cool to bring the north and south-end kids together. They were 10 days down at camp, and they put on an awesome performance.”
On stage at Valentino this Saturday, Andre Johnstone and David MacLean will emcee a whole night of awesome performances.
“We have a lot of music this year,” said Huber, adding that singer Joelle Rabu and the Tow Town Band are both on the bill. DJ Darrell Oike will close it down with a set that includes storytelling and dance.
Because it sells out every year, Huber said Valentino’s tickets have to be bought in advance. There are 30 tickets at Queen B’s café in Queen Charlotte, and another 120 between Green Gaia and The Ground in Masset.
Gourmet desserts and appetizers will be sold at the show, not to mention drinks at the bar, and all sales support Tidal Elements. Local businesses are donating door prizes, and the Village of Masset helps out with the hall rental.
“It’s gonna be a good night,” said Huber.
“It’s always a good night!”
Doors for the Valentino Cabaret open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 in the Howard Phillips Community Hall.