For 20 years, Frankie and the Fairlanes have been a musical time machine, transporting enthusiastic fans all the way back to the 50s and 60s.
A fun journey that is a sure-fire fundraising winner for churches, non-profits and service groups.
And this year, leader Michael Lambert is rolling out a new, two-act fundraising presentation titled Channel Surfin’.
A musical mash-up of memorable TV theme songs, no doubt with an instant recall factor.
The band debuts the show this Saturday evening (May 9).
Buckle up and enjoy the ride way back in time to the Ed Sullivan Show, Ricky Nelson and Elvis.
And it’s about more than just the music, prepare for a very visual journey.
There’s room for audience interaction as well, enthuses Lambert.
“Expect a bit of audience participation because there’s certainly a couple of sing-alongs that we know you’re going to enjoy.”
Their kickoff to a new season will mark a milestone for one of the members.
For Tina Lambert, this will be her final official performance after 17 years with Frankie and the Fairlanes.
She admits it will be a tough time not being on stage with the boys, even though there were times during performance when she felt outside her comfort zone.
The things you do for love, laughs Tina.
She adds, “I was a vintage Tina on stage with my roles in Frankie and the Fairlanes. And I quite enjoyed having conversations with the audience.”
And Michael’s thoughts on looking over and not seeing his wife on stage?
“I’m a little concerned. I know that the band will do just fine and the show will still be visual and check most of the boxes that we always have. I’m probably more worried about all the stuff I’m going to forget because Tina’s my safety check. Oh, do you have this? Do you have that?
“And she puts all the costumes for all the members in the in the dressing room and gets that ready. She manages the merchandise table. So there’s a lot of things she does other than, you know, the audience sees her up there doing a bit of singing and some acting and some hula hooping.”
Their first event of the new season is 7 p.m. Saturday at Central United Church for their Channel Surfin’ debut.
You can purchase tickets here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/118843994RR0001-central-united-church/events/frankie-the-fairlanes/
Written by Ian McCallum
