Panida welcomes New Old Time Chautauqua
Steeped in vaudeville and music, chautauquas blend a little bit of learning, laughter and foot-stomping fun.
Saturday, you can add fundraiser to the definition as the acclaimed New Old Time Chautauqua will liven up the Panida stage for a fundraising performance for the historic theater.
The event, set to begin at 7 p.m., will feature the New Old Time Chautauqua, a group of talented musicians and performers known for their captivating show. The ensemble, true to the spirit of the old-time chautauqua movement, brings together vaudeville, music and laughter in a show that transcends the generations. This will be their third visit to the beautiful Panida. On their first visit in 1989, the group opened the Panida after a long renovation.
One of the main acts is The Flying Karamazov Brothers, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The brothers have appeared on Broadway six times, featured on the small screen on “Seinfeld”, and on the big screen in “Jewel of the Nile” starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito.
Their shows are interactive with audience members asked to bring objects to the stage for the brothers to juggle. If they can do it, they get a standing ovation; if they drop an object, they get a pie in the face. Objects have to be heavier than an ounce, lighter than 10 pounds, and no bigger than a bread box. Dream up the hardest, slipperiest, funniest objects you can bring to the Panida!!!
Another performer will be Jim Page, named by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine as “One Of The 50 Most Influential Musicians In Seattle History” Jim is an amazing guitarist as well as a genius songwriter who has penned songs for Christy Moore, Dick Gaughan, Roy Bailey, The Doobie Brothers, and Michael Hedges. He’s toured with Dick Gaughan, Planxty, Leftover Salmon, and Rob Wasserman. He’s shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Donal Lunny, Barry Melton, Robert Hunter, and Björn Afzelius.
Another featured performer is Artis the Spoonman. He is the planet’s most famous and creative spoon goon! He reached worldwide fame when Chris Cornell and Sound Gardin recorded “Spoonman” and it went to the top of the charts! Amazing!
As part of a NOTC's mission to engage the community, local musicians will be invited onto the stage to play with the band. In addition, NOTC will also be at the Sandpoint Farmer’s Market on Saturday.
All proceeds will go toward the ongoing preservation and maintenance of the theater, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its architectural splendor and cultural significance.
"We are thrilled that Jerry and Becky Luther are hosting the New Old Time Chautauqua for this special fundraising event," Lauren Sanders, Panida managing director, said. "Their exceptional talent and commitment to preserving the traditions of vaudeville and music align perfectly with the Panida's mission to celebrate and promote the arts. We encourage the community to come together, have a wonderful time, and support this important cause."
In addition, the Panida has reserved 70 free seats for those who might not otherwise be able to attend.
“Thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, we are able to gift this experience to some of our local community members,” said Sanders.
The event will take place at the Panida Theater, located at 300 N 1st Ave, Sandpoint, Idaho. Doors will open at 6:30 PM, and the performance will begin at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at panida.org
Information: panida.org