Variety show has 'heart' to raise funds Friday in Wilmington

A heart-filled lineup of entertainment, including performers from Brunswick County, is the centerpiece of Friday night’s first Greater Cape Fear Variety Show in Wilmington to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

Proceeds from the 8 p.m. show at the Scottish Rite Temple at 1415 S. 17th St. in Wilmington will benefit the Cape Fear Chapter of the Heart Association as well as the upcoming 2012 Cape Fear Heartwalk on Oct. 13.

The Sept. 14 variety show presented by C.A.L.M. Productions will feature local performing artists including opera singer Bonnie Lacema, the Goodnight Irene Band featuring heart specialist/cardiologist Dr. William P. Buchanan, and dancer Theresa Swain of Leland who, along with two of her students, will perform ancient Middle Eastern moves.

Other performers include The Red Hot Mamas, a tap-dancing group; an Ike and Tina Turner rendition by Corbett and Lenda Hankins; Jerry Nicholson of Leland; little-girl singer Jenny Mansour; dancer Zaria Allen and 16-year-old Ian Davis of Leland who will perform and sing “It’s In My Heart to Serve the Lord” at the keyboard with backup singers.

The Tech Mo Jo Dancers will open the show, and there will be a performance of Bob Marley’s “One Love, One Heart.”

Drs. Charles Almond and Anthony Maglione will be announcers for the evening.

Cape Fear Heart Association chapter representative Ashley Miller will give out door prizes to ticket-holders.

Singer Louise Harrison of Leland is co-director of the show with Mary Jackson. Both work for Cape Fear Heart Associates, and both will perform in Friday’s show.

Harrison has previously performed in the Habitat Follies shows to benefit Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity.

“This is the first time we’ve done this,” Harrison said. “This is something different for us.”

She said they put together the production company especially for the fundraiser.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Market Street Pharmacy, 1612 Market St. in Wilmington. Or call 228-8101, 231-9844 or 538-9270.