Old favourites returns this week to lend the Nord Bridge Senior’s Centre and hand and a few songs a a lot of laughs and a whole lot of Canadian culture with their regular show at the Yates Centre Feb. 17 and 18.
 Old Favourites 6, features New West Theatre performers past and present, playing , well, old favourites for a good cause.

“ It’s the first sesquicentennial (celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday) show of the year, so there will be a lot of Canadian singers, songs and comedy,” observed performer Jeff Carlson, who will be joined by Arlene Bedster, Erica Hunt, Scott Carpenter, Kelly Roberts, Andre Royer and Jordana Kohn on stage.

“It’s the first of many 150 year celebrations this year,” echoed Erica Hunt.
 Arlene Bester will be performing a pair of Joni Mitchell songs and a kd lang number. There will also be songs made famous by Roger Whittaker.

“ He’s not Canadian, but he loves Canada,” joked Carlson.
 There will also be familiar hits from bands like Doug and the Slugs, the Stampeders, Blue Rodeo, Toronto, Trooper, the Irish Descendants, David Francey and Stompin’ Tom Connors and much more.

“It’s hard to do songs from every Canadian band,” Hunt observed.

“We’ve got some new, fresh comedy and we‘re bringing back some classic songs from a decade ago, but you’re guaranteed to see a fresh new show,” she continued.
“ And Jeff Carlson does a cowbell solo,” Carpenter added.

“ Everybody plays an instrument, so you’ll see all of us lifting guitars, ukuleles, piano or percussion,” Carlson continued.

 

“I can’t lift a piano though,” Bedster chuckled.

Carlson noted there will be plenty of comedy as well.

“Bob and Doug of course and there will be a lot of hockey references,” Carlson said.

“We hope to sell out. Last year we did. It’s popular, and this year were 85 per cent sold out otherwise we wouldn’t have to create a new show every year,” Carlson said.

 The group have been enjoying rehearsing together since December.

“Arlene tapes each rehearsal. We could just  have a recording of us laughing every night,” Carpenter said.

“We rehearse two nights a week. And we‘re all old friends, so we’re laughing a lot,” Carlson said.

They praised Kelly Roberts, the music director for creating the arrangements for the music.

“ We’re looking forward to getting together and singing some Canadian songs and help a Canadian group raise some money,” Carlson said.
 The shows are  Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $33 with a 10 per cent discount for a purchase of 10 or more tickets.
Tickets available at the Ticket Centre or call 403-329-7328.