On Stage at the Pearl
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| Barb Robertson |
Barb Robertson is known locally for her riveting vocals and passionate delivery. Friendly, personable and "nothing special," in her own words, just another Bonners Ferry neighbor, she's made hearts tremble each year at the Boundary County Rodeo, belting out not only the U.S. National Anthem, but the Canadian as well ... she has a voice that belies her stature, a voice that is pitch-perfect and possessed of incredible range ... and a rare ability to instill, wrench, coax and cajole the emotions of her audience with each note she hits, and by her clarity.
She performed recently in the musical "Walk a Mile"at the Pearl, and appears frequently with Terry Shervin.
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Quarter Moon,
a little ol' band from Bonners Ferry. A
little bit like a little ol' band from
Texas ... except the beards aren't quite
as long, the guy without the beard isn't
playing drums (and his last name isn't
Beard), and the hot chick isn't in the
video pointing to a hot car going down
the road ... she's front and center on
stage ... leading an awesome
band. "A how how how ...!" |
Voting was done by fans, DJs, and other musicians; those best qualified to appreciate skill and talent.
People in Bonners Ferry are used to exceptional talent, but Trenee Solt, Mike Meier, John Marquette and Jerry Causi, a little band from Bonners Ferry, are not only putting local audiences in awe ... they're gaining a national audience of appreciative and discerning fans.
Much of their original material is written by Trenee Solt.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for soup, bread, desserts and drinks from the Pearl Theater Cafe. Performance starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Each month "On Stage at the Pearl" features local and regional artists in performance, mainly new and upcoming performers who have amazing talent, but not much time on stage.
Carolyn Testa and The Pearl offer a venue where local performers can hone their skills, learn the stagecraft in front of the best ... and worst audience in the world, the family and neighbors who come to see them.
When it goes well, it's the most exilharating experience in the world. As George Carlin said, "I went out there and killed em!" "I knocked 'em off their feet!" "I had 'em in the palm of my hand!"
When it doesn't, you begin to understand why the best in the business refer to such performance as "I bombed," "I crashed and burned," "I died."
Some ... come to find that they thrive and grow better or, like most, realize that what the best who make it look easy do is in actuality exceedingly hard; talent is only the beginning. Stagecraft. Audience interaction, stage presence, professionalism ... timing ... experience ... perseverance. It's easier to go at and find a "real" job.
In my past, I tried my hand at stand up comedy. Looked to me like an easy way to get rich ... making people laugh. I'd been doing that since kindergarten.
I worked several gigs, writing material, reading and re-reading, trying to memorize. Re-writing and re-reading ... standing in front of a mirror to check my delivery. Dressing for the show.
My wife, Debbie, had to drive me to every one; I needed to practice my material ... and, I'm ashamed to say, I became physically ill on the way to every show. My stomach knotted up, my hands shook so much I couldn't read the script.
When they laughed, I was "slaying them!" When they just looked at me and said "huh?" I recognized that this is not easy! This is WORK!
Just by trying, though, I met some great people; the world of comedy is very small and those who've made it tend to help those trying; Jay Wendell Walker, Nick Theisen, Rick Reed ... comedians with nerves of steel who knew what I'd felt, had crashed and bombed and who'd kept at it and are still doing it today ... they make their living by making people laugh.
Thanks to the Pearl, we have the chance to see both those who have and those who want to.
Those interested in being featured for "On Stage" should become regulars at the monthly "Pearl Theater Performer's Circle," where local talent has the opportunity to take the stage and shine.
The next Performer's Circle is 7 p.m. Friday, April 27. For more information call Victoria Thompson at (208) 304-0866.