Backus offering Gospel concert

The Citizens for Backus/AB is presenting an evening of Gospel music featuring talent from International Falls and the surrounding area.
The performance, slated for Monday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m., will include performances by pianist Henry Wiens, the Evangelical Covenant Vocal Ensemble, the Borderland Youth Choir, and the Falls High School trumpet ensemble.
Wiens is a “contemporary Gospel” pianist, noted Citizens for Backus/AB spokesperson Margarett Patnode, adding he blends Gospel with jazz. He has performed all over the United States.
The evening will conclude with two songs written by Wiens himself, as well as a Gospel hymn sing-a-long. Members of the audience will be invited to join local choir members in singing some well-known favourites.
“We’ve never tried this before, so it ought to be fun,” Patnode said.
Tickets for the concert cost $12 (Cdn.), $30 for families, and $6 for students. Proceeds will go towards the repair of the roof on the old school building.
In related news, for those who missed the show here last month, the VALA Follies will be staging an encore performance at the Backus Auditorium in International Falls on Saturday, April 9.
The show features song and dance routines by 14 local women who take on identities of burlesque performers, doing impersonations of Bing Crosby, Mae West, and Judy Garland.
Ticket prices for the Backus show have not been set yet.
Backus also is holding soup suppers for the public on the first Thursday of every month from 4:30-7 p.m. The menu features homemade soup, bread, dessert, and a beverage for $6 (Cdn.).
The food is prepared by Jay Hawkinson. “He’s very well-known in town for his culinary skills,” Patnode said. “We’ve been having a lot of fun doing it.”
This month’s soup supper will be held today to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.