By Katie Ryan
Local artists of all genres are teaming up for charity once more.
Arts for Life Jam is back and will be hitting the stage on Vermilion’s Lakeland College campus this Sunday, leading up to their March 21 performance at Lloydminster’s campus. Arts for Life 2010 is the brainchild of Sarah Makins, owner and director of Fame Dance and Performance Arts Studios, which will feature 13 different performances all in the name of goodwill for others.
“It’s bringing together and inviting different artists of various genres – so dance groups, singers, actors, theatrical companies – all getting together,” said Makins.
Unlike last year, when Arts for Life celebrated and raised awareness of the environment, this year the variety type show is turning its eye on their fellow man.
“This year we are raising money for FOCUS. FOCUS is a group in Vermilion and they deal with adults with developmental disabilities or brain injury and then the family and kids, there is some support services for them as well,” said Makins, adding that Arts For Life is organized in partnership with Future Shift Lloydminster. “Also, we are working with Big Brothers and Big Sisters which is just a fantastic international charity. There are just so many worthy causes out there, it’s unbelievable.”
Forgoing the rigmarole of preparing for competition, Fame students are instead performing for charity, something Makins hopes will instill compassion and altruism in her students.
“With the dance students, it’s to know the power of their performance instead of simply going to perform for a medal of some kind, they are actually really doing something for their planet and for people around them,” she said. “They can really, really help and actually make a difference. It’s taking dance to an entirely new level.”
Arts for Life will not only feature Fame dancers, but also Vermilion Ukrainian Dancers, Kendra Jones Studio of Highland Dance, Lloydminster Ladies of Belly-dance, Vermilion and Marwayne Company dancers, Sinfully Sweet. Dancing won’t be the only Arts for Life attraction, The Shivers, Vote Against Reason and the Lakeland College Conservatory of Music will provide the music, as will singers Angela Rugama and Cesar Juarez-Vargas. Musical theatre performances will be provided courtesy of Vermilion Theatre Productions and Lakeland College Musical Theatre for Kids.
Since last year’s inaugural Arts for Life production, interest has grown – both for participation and entertainment value.
“To have 13 different groups wanting to participate with us – it’s so gratifying. Interest has increased dramatically, so that’s really fantastic, that shows there is definitely support for getting arts groups together and working together. There’s no competitive edge of any kind,” said Makins.
“We’ve got different performers of all ages and levels of experience, so it’s taking away the level or layering system of art and just saying that anybody who has a talent, wants to work hard and wants to help out with these two important charities, come out and join us.”
Makins hopes the communities of Vermilion, Lloydminster and surrounding area once more support local talent and local charities by attending Arts for Life Jam 2010. Admission is by donations for both performances.
Arts for Life Jam 2010 takes place in Vermilion on Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at Lakeland College Alumni Hall and in Lloydminster on March 21, at 2:30 p.m. at the Vic Juba Community Theatre. For more information call 780-871-1494.