Something of an extravagance
You donut want to miss the Lincoln City Holiday Extravaganza
The Lincoln City Holiday Extravaganza, a new all-ages variety show celebrating local talent, will light up the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Friday, Dec. 19.
Tickets will be for sale exclusively at Lincoln CIty Donuts and Coffee, and it might be wise to pick up a few donuts while getting your tickets because business owner and extravaganza organizer Phillip Bleggi will not be making donuts for the event.
“I get up in the middle of the night when I’m making donuts for the next day,” he said. “There’s too much going on at this for me to not get a good night’s sleep first.”
The evening will showcase a wide mix of performers, beginning with “The Salty Scientist,” marine scientist Brittany Anderson. Anderson, who trains NOAA scientists and also teaches local kids, will lead interactive demonstrations featuring eye-catching chemistry experiments and a playful lesson in density. Guests will leave with a Jolly Lab Kit to continue experimenting at home.
Also featured is the one non-local entertainer, master magician John W. Stevens, who has been delighting audiences for more than 35 years.
Music is woven throughout the evening, with performances by Molly Meyers, a multi-instrumentalist whose original songs and magnetic stage presence have taken her to audiences around the world, and Will Goble, who assembled a special band for the night to put fresh twists on holiday classics.
The night will conclude with a community singalong featuring traditional Christmas favorites, bringing performers and guests together to close the show on a festive note.
Bleggi said the idea for the Holiday Extravaganza came from the holiday variety shows he enjoyed while living in Dallas.
“I remember the joy it sparked in everyone,” he said. “Even though Dallas is a big city, those shows always showcased local entertainment as much as possible which gave it a small-town feel.”
The Lincoln City event was designed to create that kind of local appreciation and enjoyment.
“My hope is that this is the first of many,” Bleggi said. “My hope is that it becomes something we can do every year, something people look forward to as part of the holiday season. I don’t think people always realize the level of excellence we have right here.”
Guests are encouraged to arrive early for pre-show fun. Admission includes cookies provided by My Petite Sweet and hot chocolate from Pacific Grind.
Friday’s show begins at 7 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. Tickets, $20 for adults and $5 for kids aged 10 and younger, are sold exclusively at Lincoln City Donuts and Coffee, located at 1640 NE Hwy. 101. For more information, call 541-921-7526.