CREEDE— For 26 years the Creede Variety Show has helped highlight and showcase local talent and welcomed spring to the area.

This year, 28 incredibly talented local people performed to a sold out crowd at the Creede Arts Council’s 26th show emceed by Joann Ricci-Schlough. Past audience favorites Rich Ormsby, John Goss, Steve Baxter and Jim Turnbull once again wowed the audience with their usual outstanding performances.

People like Goss have been a part of the show from the first few years and add to the unique talent that is brought to the stage. The show began as a way to bring people together and celebrate local talents, whatever those talents may be. “One thing we do is make sure not to limit the type of talent we have at the show, whether it is a monolog, singing, dancing, acting— people can do whatever they want when on stage,” said show coordinator Eloise Hooper.

One year, famous actor and former Creede Repertory Theatre performer, Mandy Patinkin, known for his role in the hit TV show Criminal Minds and the movie Princess Bride, came and performed at the end of the show for Creede residents. “It was really neat to have him perform and really made the show special for everyone who attended,” said Hooper.

New to the Variety Show this year were Zoe Midgett, Tim Bachicha, Stephanie Hester, the Creede High School Choir, Beth Morris, David Gale and Jeff Johnson. The crowd favorite was the Blues -N- Junk Band. All of the guitars and drums played by Jeff Johnson, Steve Baxter, Steve Reynolds, Tommy Speake, Courtney LaZier and Jim Turnbull were made by Jeff Johnson from hub caps, cigar boxes, coffee cans, salt-lick tubs and other recycled junk.

Every year the Variety Show highlights the depth of not only talent, but generosity as well in the community. Local businesses and people donated goods, fine art, services and gift cards for the silent auction. The Creede Arts Council thanks all of the performers and donors who helped make this show such a great success.

All proceeds from the show go towards the Creede Arts Council programs throughout the year including the Small Print Show, Mountain Shoot-Out and the Creede school art program.