Author: bfharvey

We did it! The 109^th Monte Rio Variety Show Volunteer Committee wishes to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who participated in this year’s Virtual Show. In March it looked like our annual tradition could end its long run of continuous variety show entertainment due to the serious worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

But through creativity, hard work, and the volunteerism of community members and our fantastic supporters, the Monte Rio Variety Show moved forward with the motto “The Show will go on, on virtually, that is”.  With the help of some of our talented producers and directors, a short video was produced with local community members and some favorite past entertainers providing encouragement and inspiration. And with the support of sponsors from past shows and community members, an Online Auction element was created.

And so, the “Show did go on” and the beneficiaries THANK all who helped make the 109^th Monte Rio Variety Show another success.  We look forward to seeing you in July 2021 for our 110th annual.

FOR 108 YEARS, the charitable Monte Rio Variety Show has rocked and awed and charmed the lower Russian River during the mid-summer run of the Bohemian Grove Encampment. The 109th show was set for Thursday.

The exclusive campout of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco was canceled this year because of the pandemic, but the variety show goes on — online.

There’s a virtual performance at www.monterioshow.com. Visit the site and you’ll see there’s also an auction that seeks to raise essential dollars for the Monte Rio organizations that every year benefit from the show: St Catherine’s Church, Monte Rio Fire Services Foundation, and the Monte Rio School Foundation.

The auction closes at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 23.

The Show and live online Auction will be available via Monterioshow.com through 9 PM on July 23, 2020,

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/entertainment/what-to-expect-from-this-years-virtual-monte-rio-variety-show/

The Monte Rio Variety Show (MRVS) Committee regretfully announces that due to the risks inherent in the COVID-19 Pandemic the 109^th Show is cancelled for July 23, 2020. We are committed to keeping our volunteers and our community safe by observing the public health mandates and not exposing the production crews and entertainers who volunteer their time and talent to our local community each year.

With the loss of this great evening of entertainment under the Redwoods, it also means the loss of necessary funds for the three beneficiaries, St Catherine’s Church, The Monte Rio Fire Department Foundation, and The Monte Rio School Foundation. The committee is exploring various options that will preserve the continuity of the show and its history since it began in 1911.

Shortly we will be announcing how the “Show will go on” where your involvement will be appreciated and our beneficiaries will be able to continue their support in the community.

The MRVS Committee thanks you for your continued support of our Community. We look forward to announcing our “Virtual” 109^th Monte Rio Variety Show and providing details of our raffle prizes within the next couple of months.

Thank you to all who attended the 108^th Monte Rio Variety Show. This year was one of the most successful shows and the rumor finally came true: Jimmy Buffet entertained the sold out crowd along with many other great performers such as Gary Muledeer, Rick Hartwig, Lawrence Hobgoed, Tim Hockenberry, Bobby Vickers, Tim Huffman, Livingston Taylor, Billy Valentine, Patrick Martin, Carlos Reyes, Metalmucil, Tim Nichols, Bob Dipiero, Kix Brooks, Travis Howard and we can’t forget our outstanding Master of Ceremony this year, Malcom McDowell.

The tradition will continue with the 109^th Monte Rio Variety Show on Thursday, July 23, 2020. Make your plans to join the Monte Rio community for another fabulous night of entertainment. Keep checking back for updates on next years show.

ttp://www.sonomawest.com/sonoma_west_times_and_news/news/monte-rio-variety-show-is-july/article_71320814-a8d9-11e9-a3c7-e3267743cb7c.html

Article from The Press Democrat about our 108th Show

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/entertainment/9749690-181/malcolm-mcdowell-to-emcee-monte

Preshow Local Entertainers

• Mark Larson Band
• Willie Perez Band
• Bill McCubbin Duo

Main Show Entertainers

• Tom “Smokey” McCrea                             Spoken Word Comedy
• Eric Strattman                                             National Anthem
• Peter Sagal                                                   MC (Sire)
• Brian Nova                                                   Jazz Guitarist and Vocalist
• Liam Tiernan                                               Folk Singer
• Paul Brady                                                    Irish Singer and Songwriter
• Shelly Berg                                                    Pianist, Composer
• Gary Mule Deer                                            Comedic musician
• Billy Valentine                                              Musician Artist
• Tim Hockenbery                                          Singer and Songwriter
• Kelly Veach                                                   Tribute to 1^st Responders
• Kix Brooks                                                    Country Musician
• Tim Nichols                                                  Singer and Songwriter
• Patrick Martin                                             Magician
• Matt Szmela                                                 Violinist
• Roy Rogers                                                   Guitarist
• Elvin Bishop                                                Blues and Rock & Roll Singer Guitarist
• Dan Wheetman                                          Country and Broadway Star
• Pat Flynn                                                     Guitarist, singer and songwriter
• Rafe Van Hoy                                              Singer and Songwriter
• Bob Dipiero                                                Country Singer and Songwriter

The show must go on! With the very successful 107th Monte Rio Variety Show behind us we are planning for the next fabulous show on July 25, 2019. More information will be available as the date gets closer.

Thanks to everyone who attended the 107th Show, to those who donated goods and services, and particularly to all the volunteers who worked so diligently to make the Show such a success.  Special recognition goes to Michele McDonell, the shows champion and principal organizer.