Rotary’s Starlight Lounge pays homage to the ‘three B’s’

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 8, 2022.

Celebrating the music of Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Bublé, 11 singers and an 18-piece band will whisk audiences away on two magical nights of music Oct. 12-13.

The Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise is hosting a Starlight Lounge two-night event at the Yates Memorial Theatre starting at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Fran Rude, with musical director Ken Rogers, the two have put together an ensemble of talented singers and musicians.

“Fran and Ken, who are well known in the musical theatre world here in Lethbridge, have put this on with a group of singers originally for the Alzheimer’s Society, and then the Jazz Festival. The Club was looking to do some fundraising that would be really good for the community and we thought, let’s do a new version of the Starlight Lounge,” said Don Robb, co-president of Sunrise Rotary. “They wanted to do something that celebrates the music of Bennett, Barbra, and Bublé – the three B’s – because each one is iconic and a popular singer.”

Using music from the trio’s careers the concert will run two nights with a special student discounted dress rehearsal on Oct. 11, making for a perfect date night activity or fun outing with friends and family.

“We would love to fill every seat, it’s the kind of thing that’s perfect for a family event or a group of people looking to catch a show, the idea is a fun evening of fine music for all,” said Robb.

The event will be donating all proceeds towards the Rotary Club’s projects within the city.

“As much as possible we want to get the funds to where they are actually working. Administration costs for the Rotary projects are kept extremely low. Worldwide, there is a rating system for charities and the Rotary is highly rated because our admin costs are kept so low. That means a high percentage goes to the actual project,” said Robb.

With a goal to help funding towards community projects, the Club will be donating money back into the community for projects such as renovations towards the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy space in the provincial building downtown.

“We try to do as much as we can in the community,” said Robb. “We also support international projects because that is part of what Rotary does. But we are also making sure that this is going towards building a stronger community. Giving direct help to lots of people.”