Fun, fun, fun fundraiser

Both concerts are sold out, but for those who don’t have tickets, the New Crusty Minstrels will hold an open rehearsal on Wednesday, May 16 at SML Gallery, beginning around 6:30 p.m., according to Jerry Hale. He said visitors can drop by for a sampling of the music as they browse the gallery or they can bring something to sit on and stay until the rehearsal is over. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

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Quick - think of a gym. Did you associate the word with sports, high school P.E. class and sweaty socks?

Whatever it was, it probably wasn't flip-flops, Hawaiian shirts and drinks with umbrellas, but that's exactly what New Crusty Minstrels wants audience members to think of during concerts planned for May 18-19 at the SML YMCA.

The musical ensemble - which includes a dozen people singing and/or playing instruments - is presenting Margaritaville, a singalong featuring songs by Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys and other fun-in-the-sun groups.

The event will take place in the Y's gym, which can be rented to groups of all sorts for anything from parties to meetings to wedding receptions.

"There is no limit to what can be offered here and the space is phenomenal," said Andrea Fansler, director of the Y. "When you can hold up to 400 people in one room, I think the lake would be hard-pressed to find somewhere else."

Clif Collins, a member of the New Crusty Minstrels, said both shows, each for 350 people, are sold out. Guests will be seated at tables, decorated in a tropical theme, throughout the gym. Each table will have a view of the 12-foot-by-12-foot screen on which song lyrics will be projected for those who aren't familiar with the lyrics.

Before you start thinking about the hollow sound of basketballs and the squeak of sneakers ringing through a gym and start wondering how it's going to sound when more than 350 people are belting out "Cheeseburgers in Paradise," hold on.

"It's not the normal cement block walls you and I had in high school," said Collins. "It looks really nice and the acoustics are good."

The only thing that's gym-like is the rule about the floor. Fansler said no high-heeled dress shoes are allowed in the gym, which has cushioned flooring. She said the floor could easily be sliced open by someone wearing the wrong shoes.

Flip-flops, however, are good to go.

Margaritaville ticket holders are welcome to bring food and beverages (including alcohol) to the singalong. For those who'd rather let someone else do the cooking, Hot Shots Family Fun Center will sell Cheeseburgers in Paradise and donate a portion of the sales.

Collins said it should be a fun evening for everyone in attendance, not to mention a beneficial one for hundreds of others.

Margaritaville is a fundraiser for Lake Christian Ministries and SML Good Neighbors, two nonprofits that service low-income families in the lake area. Proceeds from the event will be split between the two charities.

In addition, guests can leave cash or check donations in baskets on the tables. Donations made to LCM will be matched by an anonymous donor; New York Times-bestselling author and part-time lake resident David Baldacci will match SML Good Neighbors donations. Any donation not designated for one of the two charities will be split between the two and doubled.

For more information, call Nancy Woolley at 297-1199 or Jerry and Ferne Hale, 721-7222.