They had talents for all seasons; Dexter talent show keeps ‘em applauding
Published 8:19 am Tuesday, May 8, 2018
- The St. Andrews Sisters were met with an inspirational round of applause at the Dexter Talent Show on Saturday at the Dexter United Methodist Church. From left, Penny Kinney, Coni Nelson and Alice Holst as Sister Mary Genesius (Kinney), Sister Mary Cecelia (Nelson) and Sister Mary Jude (Holst). Photos by Deb Nicklay/Deb Nicklay@austindailyherald.com
Benjamin Franklin once said “Hide not your talents, they for use were made; what’s a sundial in the shade?”
Well, let us tell you, all manner of talent shone bright at the Dexter Talent Show on Saturday at the Dexter United Methodist Church.
For two hours, the traditional show kept a packed house tapping its toes in response to all sorts of musical presentations that were mixed with all types of comedy and skits.
Talent show organizer Vandy Newman takes a bow before the audience singalong of “This Land is Your Land,” during the show finale.
The audience hooted at the antics of a trio of walker-pounding, heel-clicking grandmothers (used in their rendition of “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena,”), featuring Leslie Meyer, Mary Gilles and Nancy Heimer.
The St. Andrews Sisters, whose combination of jokes and song (such as the takeoff on the Crystals’ “Da Doo Ron, Ron,” to “Da Doo Nun Nun”) kept the audience laughing and clapping when Alice Holst implored that they believed “To do wop unto others as you would have them do wop unto you.”
In between numbers, Pastor Jon Marburger played the part of emcee, cracking jokes – the hokier the better:
“What do cats eat for breakfast?” he asked, eyebrows raised, with a wait-for-it grin. “Mice krispies!” (groans all around).
The entire show harkened back to a time when variety shows were part of the American entertainment fabric. All types of music could be heard – country, gospel, popular, a violin concerto followed by a hand-clapping, fiddle finessing “Pink Ankle Rag.” The finale invited all entertainers back to the stage to sing, “This Land is Your Land.”
Members of the Cherry Grove Cowboy Band perform their rendition of “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” during the Dexter Talent Show.
“Well, it’s just fun to do,” said Diane Wolfe, a member of the group, “Second Edition.” About a third of the group came to be a part of the Dexter show, presenting the rousing, “Rock-a-bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody,” and Cuban mambo, “Sway.” Member Leslie Meyer couldn’t quite contain her enthusiasm, having to stop for a “dance moment,” and do a cha-cha aside before returning to vocalizing.
In counterpoint was Nathan Davidson playing standards such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” on his soprano sax; or the UMC choir singing, “By and By,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
The two-hour show is organized by 92-year-old Vandy Newman of Austin and a former Dexter resident.
“We try to incorporate all ages and all types of talent,” said Newman. “You kind of know the talent that’s around and we approach them and ask if they would like to share it.”
Leslie Meyer of Austin mugs it up during “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” performed with Mary Gilles and Nancy Heimer – and walkers.
The show began some 30 years ago, then went “on hiatus” for a time. About three years ago, the show was revived again. Proceeds go to the church – but one gets the impression that the fundraising aspect isn’t as important as the fun-raising.
“It’s all local,” said Marburger. “From skits to music to the cowboy band – it’s anything you would find in a variety-type show.
“More importantly, it’s a way to bring the community together. We decided instead of putting on another dinner, let’s do this.
“It’s just a fun time to just enjoy our neighbors… and let their talents shine.”
