A night of comedy and music is coming to the 108 Mile Ranch.
On June 1 at the 108 Mile Community Centre the 108 Mile Lions are hosting Kenny Shaw, a Vancouver Island-based musical comedian. Donna White, the Lion’s administrative director, said they just wanted to bring a little laughter to the community while raising some money for the club.
“We need a laugh in our society whenever we can get it, everything that will reduce the stress. There are so many issues and awful things you hear in the news all the time,” White remarked. “Just to provide an evening of laughter, it should be fantastic.”
Shaw has been in show-biz for decades now, both performing for Canadian Peacekeeping Forces overseas and opening for artists like Billy Idol. He received the BC Country Music Association’s “Entertainer of the Year Award” four times in a row and has been inducted into their hall of fame.
His style features a blend of high-energy antics, animated storytelling, good music and a very large hat. Shaw is also known for having a soft spot for volunteer work, receiving the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2018.
“He likes charity work so he makes it affordable for us,” White explained. “It should just be a really good time.”
White said that she found out about Shaw through her sister-in-law, who works in entertainment, and after looking up his work thought he’d be a good fit for the community. His blend of music with telling jokes should appeal to South Cariboo audiences. As an added bonus Shaw’s wife is a disc jockey, so in between his sets they’ll be able to get a dance floor going.
All proceeds from the night will go towards funding the various services the 108 Mile Lions offer the community throughout the year. This includes two bursaries for $750 each they offer to students, donations to groups like the 100 Mile and District White Cane Club and the 100 Mile House Minor Soccer Association and community events they run or sponsor.
“Obviously you need money to do pancake or Santa breakfasts and we also provide things at Mile 108 Elementary School,” White said. “Our annual fundraising is pretty important.”
There are 100 tickets available for this show with doors opening at 6 p.m. June 1. They’re on sale now for $25 at Donex Pharmacy & Department Store, Mary’s Country Kitchen, Rusty Iron Coffee Company, the Canco 108 Mile Supermarket and the 100 Mile Free Press office.
If any tickets are left over they’ll be sold at the door for $30 with each ticket holder getting access to both the show and a bowl of chilli. A cash bar will also be on hand for those looking to enjoy some drinks.
White hopes that between ticket sales, a cash bar and a 50/50 draw the club will raise between $4,000 to $5,000. She encourages anyone with a love of comedy or who wants to help the club out to buy their tickets now.
“We like to do activities and events out here at the 108 because a lot of people don’t like driving at night. We definitely have an older crowd living out in the area here so they appreciate it when they can go to something local and don’t have to go on the highway,” White said.