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Memories of Early Lions Club Minstrel Show

The 2026 Cambridge Ohio Lions Club Music and Comedy Show is over but the memories of those early shows live on. Several of the members who have been with the show for many years have shared their memories of those early days. The poster is from that first Minstrel Show in 1974.

Dave Wilson

Back in 1974, my life was centered around a group of a couple dozen guys and girls. We attended church together, sang together, played together, and ate a lot of Wally’s Pizza together. I had heard some of them mention something about a Minstrel Show but I had no idea what it was; much less the impact it was going to have on my life.

One thing that I knew for sure was that I had no one to hang around with on a Sunday afternoon because most of my friends were practicing for that “Minstrel thing.” I knew the rehearsals were being held in our church basement, so I thought I’d simply stop by, kill some time until it was over, and enjoy the rest of the day.

Among my friends were Jan and Pam Jonard. Their dad, Bob, was in Lions Club Minstrel Shows in Adena as a young man and loved the shows so much that he brought the idea to the Lions Club in Warsaw, where he was employed by the General Telephone Company.

I knew Bob well (since the Jonard home was a favorite gathering place) and he was like a second dad to me. I saw him as the ultimate “music man” and wasn’t surprised to see him leading the rehearsal. Almost immediately after I took a seat at the back of the room, Bob walked up to me, dropped a stack of music onto my lap and told me to “get up here and sing!”

I told him I was just there to meet up with my friends, but it didn’t matter. Let’s just say Bob was a pretty persuasive man and, suddenly, I was a member of the chorus in the first Cambridge Lions Club Minstrel Show. And little did I know of what my future now held.

I was under the impression that the Minstrel Show was simply a concert. Boy, was I wrong! Sure, there was the opening number; nothing unusual about that. And then, the emcee, referred to as “The Interloctor” (a term I had never heard before!) came forward and introduced the Lions sitting in the front row dressed in loud, kinda’ goofy looking outfits called “End Men” (yet another new term!). Still things seemed to be following what was in the printed program.

Then it happened: out of the blue, a man emerged from hiding in the orchestra pit in front of the Vergari’s State Theater stage. The man climbed onto the stage and actually interrupted the show, playfully threatening the Interloctor! The man, by the way, was Bob Wells and the Interlocutor was Andre Odebrecht, who I had as my high school trigonometry teacher less than two years earlier. And, believe me, at the time, that was weird.

It was at that point, I realized this show was more than just a concert. It was non-stop spontaneity and organized mayhem, a never-before-tasted brew of music (some great, some not-so-great), jokes (some funny, some not-so-funny) and interruptions served up with hysterical laughter.

Minstrel, Variety or Music and Comedy Show; whatever the name, what can I say? I was hooked for life and I’ve been on stage for every show. Thank you, with love, Bob Jonard.

Ron Guthrie

Convincing members of the Lions Club to have that first Minstrel Show was not an easy task. When Bob Jonard presented the idea to the club, there were many who didn’t think the idea would work. Ron was on the committee for that first Minstrel Show as knew they needed a different fund raiser since the light bulb project had reached its limit.

After much discussion, the group decided to try the idea at the State Theater. Ann Jonard got the wives together to make costumes for the members, who often made fools of themselves on stage to the delight of the audience. They arranged with Cambridge Singers to use their risers for the performance.

That first year, profits weren’t as plentiful as expected and soon they enlisted the help of sponsors. That list grew and grew by people who were enjoying the show as well as the purpose of the Lions Club to provide eye care in the form of glasses to many in the area.

Ron recalls Bob Wells wearing long underwear and streaking across the stage when the back flap accidentally came down a little. Another memorable moment was when Charmaine crossed the stage in a grass skirt with Andre Odebrecht chasing her with a lawnmower.

The first solo Ron sang at the Minstrel Show was “I’ll Kiss You on the Back Porch.” After that he often sang Elvis or Willie Nelson songs. When Ray Chorey joined the group, they sang duets at each show. This year they are going to sing, “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” a repeat from a previous show. Ron was also one of the original End Men, sneaking in jokes that sometimes weren’t previously approved.

Ron’s State Farm Insurance office sold tickets for that first show. You can tell Ron enjoys the show as he has been in it for all 50 years along with Dave Wilson. He is pleased that the proceeds are used for eye care. They have recycled 20,000 pairs of glasses and some years in the past have purchased nearly 200 pair of glasses for those in need. At the age of 90, Ron is now retired but enjoys the Lions Club because he remarked, “We do good things.”

Peggy Mehaffey Ringer

Bob Jonard brought the “Minstrel Show” to Cambridge Lions Club from Warsaw. If I remember correctly, Bob asked my dad, Commissioner J. O. Mehaffey, to be involved, don’t know in what capacity but I know he was involved in some of the antics. In that first show, J.O. performed his immortal “Ode to the Outhouse.”

They also got my mother, Frances, involved to help with music & other things, which included makeup and special makeup, outfits, and wigs for different interruptions. She also helped choreograph different dances and she along with some of the chorus girls did the Charleston. I still have her “Charleston” dress.


Mother was in charge of makeup.  I think the first makeup helpers she had were Shirley Bistor and Maxine Henderson.  Later Peggy Creek, Linda Johnson and I did makeup…and are still doing makeup this year. Not sure if there were any makeup people between the first I mentioned and the last three.


I drove my mother, probably with my little boys on some occasions, to Columbus and Wheeling, West Virginia to buy makeup.  She was very particular about the kind and color. At that time, we never heard of online purchases, but she had to personally pick it out.

I would meet Mother after I got off work and help her carry in the makeup and supplies and get the makeup area ready.  At that time, the Scottish theater had 3 stations with great chairs so there was a chair for each person to work.  After the theater was remodeled, they removed one of the chairs, but we still had 3 gals.

Mother also sang in the chorus until she was close to 90 years old. However, she attended the shows until she was 100. I have enjoyed singing in the chorus for nearly 3o years.

John Voorhies

John joined the Lions Club Minstrel Show that first year along with other members of that Faith Methodist Church Choir, which was where Bob Jonard was active with the young people’s group. John played guitar in that first band and recalls singing down front. They wore heavy make up so they didn’t appear washed out on stage.

He said, “We were one big group of happy, Christian, young people. We would gather at Jonards with a tray of Wally’s Pizza and either listen to music or play music.”

John moved from the area after those first years but never lost contact with his friends, many who were in the Lions Club.

Several years later, John was helping a neighbor charge their car battery. Someone make a wrong connection and the battery blew up in John’s face causing him to lose an eye. He was rushed to Guernsey Memorial and then to OSU, where they tried to make his face look more symmetrical by suggesting a prosthetic eye. This was an expensive undertaking for John, and his friends at the Lions Club bought the prosthetic eye for him. Later, he began wearing a patch on that eye. John has a special reason for caring about the Lions Club.

When he returned to the show, he played guitar again and often sang duets with Cheri Harding. John feels a strong dedication to the Lions Club and this year he paid for all the copyrights on the songs they are using, and is their music coordinator.

Cheri Harding

Bob Jonard was the reason Cambridge HAS the show in the first place. The Jonard kids and their friends were invited to help in the beginning. I joined by the 2nd or 3rd show…I was on the road with a band for awhile. Dave Wilson introduced me to Jan Jonard and the Jonards became my surrogate family for a few years…Papa Bob convinced me to join-up.

The Jonard family was all so musical and talented. Mom Ann was a violinist and wonderful singer, Papa Bob was an amazing performer, and all their kids could really sing! Pam and Rob were also very involved with CPAC,

Music has changed over the years from that first group at “The Minstrel Show” where there was a piano, guitar, bass, and drums in the band. When Berk Jones became the musical director, he used the City Band to accompany the show way back when it was at Vergari’s Theater and there was an actual band pit down front of the stage. Chorus’ Kids were a big part of the show back then.

When the show was developing, all the end men were required to perform a solo which was interesting because there were always a few that really didn’t want to sing solo. Bob Bistor and Ed Barborak were two state troopers in real life and always had special skits to throw into the show. Bistor and Barborak were a great team for Interruptions.

Back at my first show, I stood out in front of the main curtain singing “Am I Blue” while the stage scenery was changed behind the curtain. I’ve enjoyed being part of this fun endeavor created by our local Lions Club for many, many years.

Ray Chorey

The Cambridge Lions Club dedicates this 50th anniversary show to the Lions and many community members who have helped us bring a little laughter and love over these five decades. It is with this legacy of dedication, talent, and traditions that we have had the honor to share musical talent, some hoopin’ and hollerin’ that promotes the spirit of our community.

The hospital was building a new tower back in 1974 and the Lions Club had made a substantial pledge to the project. Bob Jonard just moved here from Wooster, where their Lions Club had an annual Minstrel Show. He suggested that the Cambridge Lions Club try that same thing to raise some money for the hospital. Their current project of selling light bulbs just wasn’t enough.

Bob Jonard, “the Father of the Cambridge Minstrel Show,” proposed something bold- local Lions stepping on stage to sing, joke, dance, and entertain. Skepticism was high.

As times changed, so did the show. What began with a Dixieland flair evolved with the audience, becoming the Variety Show in 2005, and the Music & Comedy Show we know today.

Music and Comedy have been headlined by the Endmen and Interruptions. The Endmen are not the end all – though some of the audience may wish so. Crowd reaction to their jokes and off key solos were readily endured. In the end, forgotten lyrics, slightly off-key renditions by ordinary members of our community would lead to memories full of laughter. Who can forget Wilson and his Hum Hum-burger joke? Scott Wilson and Tom Davey with their dry one liners?

None of this has captured the many Lions behind the scene doing ticket sales (Guthrie State Farm and Country Bits), ushering, building the stage (John Harmon and Jim Caldwell shout out!), lights, program and finance.

Thank you for celebrating 50 years of Music & Comedy with us.

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Cambridge Lions Roar at 50th Anniversary Show

Pop the champagne! Throw the confetti! Fifty years have gone by as fast as a spring breeze. We have experienced a terrorist attack, the birth of the internet, cell phones, and a global pandemic. Now it’s time to celebrate the 50th Golden Anniversary Cambridge Lions Club Music and Comedy Show on March 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 in Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. You’re sure to enjoy an evening filled with music, and laughter for only $10 a ticket. Good times never seemed so good.

The show began in 1974 when the Lion’s Club made a substantial pledge to Guernsey Memorial Hospital for the construction of a new patient tower. There was only one concern. How could they raise the money to meet their pledge? A long-time fund raiser of selling light bulbs door to door was no longer fruitful.

Bob Jonard brought the idea of a minstrel show to Cambridge Lions Club when he moved here from Warsaw.

Robert Jonard, “The Father of the Cambridge Minstrel Show”, had just relocated with General Telephone to Cambridge from Warsaw, Ohio. The Warsaw Lions Club had been hosting an annual Minstrel Show for several years. What was a Minstrel? Bob explained it was a group of entertainers who performed songs, dances and comic routines.

J.O. and Frances Mehaffey played instrumental roles in that first show.

This opportunity became a hot topic of debate in the club. Several leaders were adamant it would never work. Bob found a listening ear in Ron Guthrie. Soon J.O. and Frances Mehaffey became strong supporters with J.O. helping with antics like his “Ode to the Outhouse,” while Frances did make-up, special wigs, and choreography. This team put together the first show after many nights around a kitchen table. It was simply called A Minstrel Show.

Bob and Ann Jonard were active members of the skits and the chorus.

Where would the talent come from this group of Lions? Bob found it by taking Lion members out of their comfort personalities and having them perform. Some sang or told jokes while others took part in some hijinks. Many familiar faces appeared in that first two-day event at the State Theater. They included Jim Caldwell, Bill Channel, Bob Jonard, Andre Odebrecht, Commissioner J.O. Mehaffey, Judge Henderson, Wayne McCracken, Harold Knouff, Howard Cherry, Bill Lilienthal, Jack Taylor and yes – Ron Guthrie.

Dave Wilson and Ron Guthrie are the only two who have been in all 50 shows.

Two of the young men in that first show have appeared in all 50 shows. Ron Guthrie and Dave Wilson are dedicated Lions and add fun to the shows.

Ron Guthrie at the age of 90 is “King of the Front Line” by telling jokes (some good and some bad) and singing solos or duets. Ron has been an Endman for 44 years and was Interlocutor for three shows. In those early days, his State Farm Insurance office was a primary outlet for tickets to the show.

This ad appeared in the Jeffersonian for their first show back in 1974.

Dave Wilson was one of those young people just out of high school and part of the Faith Methodist Church High School chorus. They led the musical portion of the show. Sheryl Eynon and John Voorhies were also part of that group that appeared in the first show and are back performing again. Many remember Dave as being the voice of AVC before he became a County Commissioner. He has been an Endman for 44 years, an interlocutor one year, and the powerful voice that closes the show.

The original chorus was composed of many of the Faith Methodist Church High School Chorus.

While funny jokes and skits filled the State Theater during that first show, music was still the main feature and still is today. At that time, the chorus only had a mimeographed copy of the music and made up their own harmony. Some of the songs included A Bird in a Gilded Cage, Daddy Sang Bass, Sweet Gypsy Rose, and Mammy.

Frances Mehaffey wore this dress in 1974 with a group performing the Charleston.

The Flappers danced their ways into people’s hearts with the Charleston and the then popular Ballin’ the Jack. Over the years, the can-can, black light dance specials, tap dancing, and line dancing have entertained the crowd. You never know what to expect at a Lions Club Show.

Howard Cherry and Dave Wilson were well dressed for that first show in 1974.

Then and now, the Endmen and Interruptions provide laughter with their own brand of humor and often dress in outrageous costumes as well. No shots are barred as they are aimed at local politicians, business people, and innocent members of the audience. People still remember State Patrolmen Bob Bistor and “Chicken George” Ed Barborak doing “Who’s On First?”

The Interruptions Crew, composed of Kim Conrath, Steve Gierhart, Mike Carpenter, Mike Edwards, Matt Dolan and Jon Hudon for many years, did just that. They interrupted the show with skits like Paper Dance, Olympic Swimmers, Rubber Balloons, and Mike Edwards doing the news. All brought laughter from the audience.

Cheri Harding, Charlie Steel, and Janice Jonard Steel sang together in 1976.

Over the years the show themes moved from a Dixieland style repertoire to music that blended with changing crowds. In 2005, to become politically correct, the show was rebranded as a Variety show. Three years later it became what it is known by today as the Music and Comedy Show.

Amy Hudson, Emmy Wilson, Cheri Harding, and Barbara Simmons have fun in the alto section.

Now the focus for the Cambridge Lions Club is to help the blind and visually impaired. These Knights for Sight use all the proceeds from the show to purchase eye glasses and needed eye treatments to area individuals. Because of the great support from the community through attendance or community sponsorships, over $600,000 has been raised to provide care for those who need eye exams, eye glasses, diabetic supplies, and more. Your ticket purchase goes for a great cause.

Get your tickets for this special 50th Golden Anniversary Show to be performed at Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center on March 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 each evening. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Civic Center, saved for pick up, or saved at the “Will Call” window. Call 740-439-7009 for ticket information.

Karen Boyer directed the chorus in the 2025 Lions Club Show as well.

Many of the songs will be so familiar you will want to sing along. The show features director Karen Boyer with John Voorhies arranging the music. Most will recall songs like Country Roads Take Me Home, Sweet Caroline, and Life is a Highway.

Get ready to enjoy an evening filled with familiar songs, lots of laughter and some surprises along the way as you Hear Those Lions Roar.

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Living in a Musical World

Paul at Chorus Practice

Lions Club Chorus practices for their annual show.

March is the time for Lions to roar – the Cambridge Lions Club, that is. Hear those Lions roar when the 43rd annual Variety Show “That ’70s Show” takes place on March 17 – 19 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium.

In the center of all preparation and presentation of the musical portion of the show stands one man – Paul Hudson. He directs the chorus and band, arranges the music, and conducts practices in a very patient manner, as he clicks his fingers and taps his leg in time to the beat.

Paul directing

Paul sings along with the group as he directs, or at least mouths the words.

Add in the factor that the Lions Club thrives on having fun, and you can see that even though now retired, Paul’s twenty-seven years experience of teaching band comes in very handy to keep practices moving along smoothly. Lucky that Paul also possesses a great sense of humor.

Paul JG

The John Glenn High School Pep Band added enthusiasm.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg when you talk about Paul Hudson. Being a band instructor at John Glenn High School, he can play every instrument – percussion being his favorite, while strings are his challenge. Surprisingly, he has never had any private lessons.

Paul High School Band 001

Beginning to play trumpet in fifth grade, he continued with the band at East High School in Akron, Ohio.

In high school, he thought it would be fun to try out for a musical production, but discovered it was only open to choir members, while he was in the band. Next year Paul became a choir member and when he auditioned for a role in “Sound of Music”, won the role of Captain von Trapp – his first singing performance. “I didn’t even know I could sing,” Paul said with a smile.

SEOSO

Southeast Ohio Symphony Orchestra plays several area concerts each year with frequent performances at Brown Chapel on Muskingum University campus.

Paul can also be found as lead percussionist for the Southeast Ohio Symphony Orchestra, Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds, and Zanesville Memorial Concert Band. In his spare time, he substitutes at area schools.

Zanesville Concert Band

Zanesville Memorial Concert Band gives concerts at Zanes Landing Park.

Paul drums

The percussion section is where Paul feels most at home. Here he performs with the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds.

In order to see more of her busy husband, Amy decided to take the reins of the Color Guard, which performed with the John Glenn Band that Paul was directing. Since band is nearly a year long activity, their vacations were spent at places like Cedar Point, Ontario Canada, and Disney World accompanied by ninety to two hundred band and choir         members and several chaperons.

“It’s important that kids experience music to enjoy all their life.” As a teacher, he felt his job was to inspire others to play their favorite instrument.

Paul and Amy 2

Amy and Paul have shared many musical moments.

As busy as he is, Paul takes great pride in his musical family. His wife Amy is blessed with a beautiful singing voice, that she shares with the Variety Show. Sarah plays in the symphony and community band in Colorado, while Matthew, with a background in ballet and music, entertains at Universal Studios in Florida.

 

Most of Paul’s arranging is assisted by a great tool, MIDI. Basically, it involves an electronic keyboard with numerous switches hooked to computer software. What Paul plays on the keyboard shows up on the computer screen in musical notation. Hour by hour, he creates all vocal harmony as well as instrumental accompaniment, and it can easily be changed to fit the group. MIDI also plays back the arrangement so he can hear exactly what it sounds like. Many revisions are made as Paul is a perfectionist.

With all this musical ability, it was surprising to learn that music was only part of his dream as a youngster. Paul wanted to join the Air Force and be a jet pilot, but that dream was shattered because 20/20 vision was required.

SONY DSC

In 2015, Paul was named to the Lions Club Variety Show Hall of Fame.

See Paul in action at the Lions Club Variety Show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Cambridge on March 17-19. For the first time, he is going to not only direct but perform. Listen as he plays piano and sings, “The Piano Man”, Amy’s favorite song.

What would he like to do next? Paul still wants to be a pilot, but would also enjoy sky diving. Sounds like flying through the air in some manner is still in his dreams. He already flies above most in the world of music.

 

 

 

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The Cambridge Lions Club Variety Show’s 40th Anniversary “Blast From the Past”

Lions Club Chorus PracticeIt’s time to celebrate and have a good time as the Cambridge Lions Club prepares for their 40th Annual Variety Show.  Back in 1974, that first show was simply called, A Minstrel Show. Many familiar local personalities participated in that first show at the State Theater for a two night run.

Dave Wilson and Ron GuthrieTwo of those performers, Ron Guthrie and Dave Wilson, actually happen to still be around today, and will be participating in this year’s show, Blast From the Past. These guys never seem to tire of the antics of the Lions Club Show. Both fun loving fellows remember that first year when members persuaded young Dave Wilson to surprise Ron Guthrie with a pie in the face before intermission.  Little did they realize that the cream on top had soured after being left at room temperature for several hours.  When Ron got his pie-in-the-face, he also got quite sick for most of the second half of the show.

By the way, Ron did get even for the pie-in-the-face, as he had promised Dave that first night.  Several years later, five to be exact, it was arranged for Dave Wilson to get arrested during one of the skits. Handcuffs seemed the appropriate method to get his hands behind his back. And you guessed it, Ron surprised him with a pie-in-the- face.  Dave said recently he was rather relieved at that time, because he had been waiting for it to happen for all five years.

Bob JonardHow did this all get started? Back in 1973 the Lions Club had agreed to help finance a wing for Guernsey Memorial Hospital and they were looking for a way to raise some extra dollars. As luck would have it, Bob Jonard moved to the Cambridge area with his musical family.  Bob had recently been involved with minstrel shows in both Adena and Wooster, so he encouraged the local Lions to give it a try.

Of course, many felt it wouldn’t work.  However, Bob Jonard found a great listening ear and enthusiasm in Ron Guthrie. Soon John Mehaffey and his wife, Frances, became supporters. This team put together that first show around their kitchen tables, and it was a great success.

Many of the performers have been around since their youth, have gone away to college or jobs, and then returned to their home town to again join in the fun of the show. For many of the participants, this is one of the highlights of their year.

Lions Show BandWhile funny skits and jokes filled the State Theater years ago, music was the main part of the program and still is today. The chorus, groups, and solos would be at a loss without the accompaniment of the Lions Show Band.  In the early years, the chorus only had a mimeographed copy of the basic music with no harmony parts included. They each sang their own special harmony to create a beautiful sound. Some of the songs from that first show included: A Bird in the Gilded Cage, Daddy Sang Bass, Sweet Gypsy Rose, and Mammy.  

The Flappers danced their way into people’s hearts with a bit of the Charleston to the then popular, Ballin’ the Jack. Since then, the can-can, black light dance specials, and even line dancing have entertained the crowds. You never really know what is going to happen at a Lions Club Show.

Bob Jonard, Howard Cherry, Dave Wilson and Bob Bistor during a 1977 showThe End Men and Interruptions create most of the laughter during the evening. The Lions Club members enjoy their own brand of humor as they tell jokes and often dress in outrageous costumes. They have great fun themselves while entertaining the crowd. Every year and even every night their antics are a little different.

Focus for the Cambridge Lions Club is on helping the blind and visually impaired. These Knights for Sight use all proceeds from the show to help those in need pay for eyeglasses and eye-related treatments. Your ticket purchase helps a great cause!

Lions_Show_2013Even though The Lion Sleeps Tonight in Cambridge, Ohio, you can be certain to Hear Those Lions Roar on March 21, 22, and 23. They will be roaring their “Blast from the Past” at the Scottish Rite Auditorium with a 7:30 showtime each evening.  They want to entertain you and will tell you in song, It’s true we make a better day, just you and me. They have over the years discovered that singing helps one harmonize with the universe. Come on and Celebrate!

Coming to the show from out of town? From I-70 take Exit 178 at SR 209. Proceed west on 209/Southgate Road until you arrive downtown at the Courthouse. Make a right hand turn and two traffic lights later you are in front of the Scottish Rite Auditorium at the corner of Wheeling Avenue and 10th Street.  It is across from the Cambridge Post Office. Coming from I-77, take Exit 180B, which is US 40 West. After approximately one mile, you will arrive in downtown Cambridge. At the corner of Wheeling Avenue and 10th Street, you will find the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Hope to see you there!

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Cambridge Lions Go Hollywood

“Don’t You Hear Those Lions Roar?” as you pass the First Baptist Church in Cambridge, Ohio on a Sunday afternoon January through March. The parking lot is not filled with people attending a church event, but those practicing for the 39th Annual Cambridge Lions Club Music & Comedy  Show.

This year’s theme of “Cambridge Lions Go Hollywood” offers a wide selection of favorite songs ranging from the slow and mellow to those with vim and vigor.  While the songs are familiar, the arrangements may not be, as they were specially designed for this show by local well known musician and director of the show, Paul Hudson.

Paul has recently retired as Band Director from John Glenn High School and is active down many musical avenues including being percussionist in the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra.  “You Can’t Stop the Beat” when Paul is able to get everyone on the same musical wave. Frequently he tells the chorus members things like : “You have to know the words,” or “Listen to Tom play the melody.” Know he is hoping that after ten weeks of practice, the words will all be memorized and the rhythms will be somewhat correct.

Once the chorus has practiced for a few weeks, Lion Troy Simmons arrives to record the practice session using microphones over each vocal area to pick up the parts clearly. Then he makes a CD for each member so they can practice along with it during the week. So if you see someone singing while driving down the road and tapping out rhythms on their steering wheel, it very likely could be a Lions Club chorus member trying to learn all the words and parts correctly.

A big part of the success of the show also goes to accompanist Tom Apel, who appears in the local area at the piano wherever and whenever needed . Tom attends every practice and patiently plays the parts over and over again. Sometimes it seems he could use four hands! As it gets closer to show time, Tom will be joined by some other local musicians, who are part of the Lions’ Music & Comedy Show Band.

Being associated with the Lions Club, you can be certain that after practice, chorus members will say, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life.”  Lions Club members seem to have an extra dose of humor in everything they do.  Of course, this show is more than fun as the main purpose of these Knights for Sight is to raise money to help those in the area who need some assistance in paying for eyeglasses and eye care.

Make plans to attend “Cambridge Lions Go Hollywood” on March 29, 30, or 31 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in downtown Cambridge, Ohio for an evening of fun entertainment as well as contributing to a great cause. Tickets may be purchased online at www.cambridgelions.com or at Country Bits & Pieces. Tickets are $8 on Thursday evening or $10 on Friday or Saturday. All shows begin at 7:30.

Members will definitely tell you “There’s No Business Like Show Business” as they prepare for the 2012 “Cambridge Lions Go Hollywood.”  Let’s go on with the show!

Coming to the show from out of town? From I-70 take Exit 178 at SR 209. Proceed west on 209 /Southgate Road until you arrive downtown at the Courthouse. Make a right hand turn and two traffic lights later you are in front of the Scottish Rite Auditorium at the corner of Wheeling Avenue and 10th Street.  It is across from the Cambridge Post Office. Coming from I-77, take Exit 180B, which is US 40 West. After approximately one mile, you will arrive in downtown Cambridge. At the corner of Wheeling Avenue and 10th Street, you will find the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Hope to see you there!

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Fall in Love with the Cambridge Lions Club

Hear Those Lions Roar!  The 38th Annual Music and Comedy Show will be held at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Cambridge, OH on March 24, 25, and 26.  This is a fun filled show for the entire family to enjoy. Show time is 7:30 but you will probably need to get your tickets in advance as some evenings do get sold out.

The theme this year is “Fall in Love with the Cambridge Lions ” and the show is filled with love songs.  The background chorus is filled with local Lions Club members as well as others in the community who just enjoy singing and having fun. They are joined by a talented Lions Music & Comedy Show Band, who add a great sound to the evening.

Not only is this a night of fun and laughter, but there are some beautiful solos and quartets that take you back to reminisce about that love of long ago.  It is amazing  how much talent exists in the small town of Cambridge.  From vocal to instrumental, there is definitely music in the air.

The club’s slogan is “We Are Knights for Sight.” One of the great things about the evening is that all the proceeds go to the  Cambridge Lions Club projects dealing with improving vision internationally.  Their Sight First Program focuses on fighting blindness around the world.

Locally, they provide eye exams and eye glasses to low-income families and school children of Guernsey County.  This last year they purchased over 100 pair of eyeglasses.  At their events, they have a barrel  where you can drop off old, no longer used eyeglasses.  The glasses are then recycled and used in regions all over the world.

Since diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, they support the South Eastern Ohio Regional Medical Center’s Diabetic Support Group.  The Lions Club assists in providing educational material and medical supplies to the area with help from this group.

Get your tickets for a night of fun entertainment with lots of comedy routines as well as great musical variety.  Tickets are reasonable at $8 for Thursday evening, which is usually Senior Citizen Night, and $10 for Friday and Saturday evenings.  All shows begin at 7:30.

Rest assured that the price of admission will bring you lots of enjoyment and will help many with vision problems in our area and around the world. Come on out and Hear Those Lions Roar!

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