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City Band's variety show set for tonight
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MONROE - The annual Monroe City Band Variety Show and Cabaret Night will be at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Turner Hall.

Tickets are available from band members or at the door for $7. Seating is cabaret-style and the doors open at 7 p.m. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Themed "Cops and Robbers," this year's show features theme music of television police dramas and comedies, such as "The Andy Griffith Show," "Barney Miller," "Peter Gunn" and "Dragnet." Guest performers are vocalist Tracy Bristow, and Madison guitarist Doug Brown. The Monroe Theatre Guild "Cabaret Players" will also be on hand to bring to life O. Henry's short story "Ransom of Red Chief."

Dave Mosher will act as master of ceremonies and host for the evening, and Randy Schneeberger directs the band on stage.

The Variety Show is an outgrowth of the joint effort between the Monroe Lions and the City Band known as the "Modern Minstrel Show," a popular and well-attended event held annually from the 1960s to the early 1980s featuring local talent assembled by band's founder and director Allan F. "Pat" Barnard. The show gradually transitioned into a cabaret-format and moved to Turner Hall in the mid-1980s.

The Monroe City Band is in its 66rd season and performs summer concerts with a full concert band in Monroe's Twining Park. The Swiss-style bandshell has been the band's summer home since 1965. Concerts this summer will be on June 8 and 25, and July 4, 13 and 27.

To join the city band, contact director Schneeberger at 608-325-9722.