Marie Galyean: Ring in 2016 at the Nampa Civic Center
A fun evening with a gourmet dinner is planned this New Year’s Eve at the beautifully decorated Nampa Civic Center, with entertainment by the Alley Cats, according to Event Coordinator David Smith.
Tickets are $80 for the full-service dinner, or $45 for show and hors d’oeuvres, and may be reserved by calling 468-5500 or online at: www.nampaciviccenter.com.
Smith says the outdoor Christmas lights on the center are “absolutely gorgeous, not garish, but subtle and elegant.” He added that the Alley Cats, who bring their own contemporary style to the greatest hits of the 1950s and ’60s, are an ideal blend of musical talent and timing. He quoted Jay Leno, who described them as “a tough act to follow … talented, funny and a must-see.” Their program will include favorites such as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” “My Girl” and “Stand By Me.”
The quartet formed while they were studying music at Fullerton College in California and have been featured at Disneyland, on television and in recordings and stage appearances. They are considered America’s “premier Doo-Wop Group,” Smith added.
The meal will feature beef and salmon, a no-host bar and free champagne at midnight. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m.
The city of Nampa recently announced the hiring of John Cantlon, a Caldwell native, as director of the Civic Center. Mayor Bob Henry commented that “John … is the perfect director to take the Nampa Civic Center to the next level, particularly with the planned Best Western Plus hotel slated to open late next year,” next to the center.
WOMAN’S CENTURY CLUBHOUSE AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES, MEETINGS
The first civic club to form in 1900 in the pioneer town of Nampa was the Woman’s Century Club. It reached its goal of bringing a public library to the village with the opening of the first library rooms in 1904. The club has continued its charitable work with scholarships, library support, Salvation Army donations and contests for school children, including its annual spelling bee and poetry, short story and artwork contests. President this year is Jean Hogin.
In 1928, the club purchased the Sommermeier family’s Victorian frame house near downtown and used it for meetings, fundraisers and other activities. Unfortunately, due to a decrease in membership, the stately building is now for sale.
However, it is still available to the community for receptions, parties, meetings and musical recitals. The rental cost is reasonable and is handled by First Vice President Peggy Shaver. For more information or rates, contact Shaver at 465-4584.
MUSIC THEATRE OF IDAHO TO OFFER CHRISTMAS FAVORITE
The charming musical, “Miracle on 34th Street,” will be offered this coming weekend in Jewett Auditorium at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. It will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Music Theatre of Idaho director is Jean Andrews.
Tickets purchased or reserved in advance cost $20 general, $18 for seniors and $17 for students. All tickets are $22 at the door. Call 468-2385 or go to mtionline.org.
Staff member Trina Rhoades says the music by Meredith Willson is a lot of fun, and the story about Macy’s and Gimble’s department stores, and a Kris Kringle (Eric Pew) who is on trial to determine his sanity, is as heartwarming as always. Barbara Brand is the Macy’s manager whose daughter, Susan, played by Amelie Andrews, still believes in Santa. Fred is portrayed by Mac Fishman, and the judge is Tom Welsh.
The live orchestra is directed by Steve Kuykendall, an instructor at Northwest Nazarene University
Marie D. Galyean is a journalist and freelance writer who has lived in Canyon County for more than 40 years. Do you have any news about West Treasure Valley people, events and other subjects of interest? Email your ideas and stories to: riedevine@cableone.net.
This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Marie Galyean: Ring in 2016 at the Nampa Civic Center."