Gospel at St. Richard's set May 18

Perhaps it is early, but also time to start marking dates for musical events scheduled during the next few months.

One of the first and certainly unique musical programs takes place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at St. Richard's Catholic Church. Members of the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church choir directed by Sue Smith and the Don Lawrence Orchestra combine their talents. It's called Gospel at St. Richard's.

The program includes gospel, spiritual, hymns and longtime favorites. Proceeds from the free will offering will be given to the DeLaSalle Blackfeet School in Browning. The school is open to fifth- to eighth-grade students of all faiths. Plans are underway to enlarge the school to provide for first through eighth graders.

Don said his personal goal is to raise funds for kids charity. This is the third event he has scheduled with first two assisting C.A.S.A. There was $1,300 raised for C.A.S.A. at the March event with the Flathead Valley Jazz Society at the Eagles Hall in Kalispell.

It's the 10th year the Columbia Falls Lions Club has sponsored Thursday night concerts at Marantette Park. Eight concerts are featured beginning June 19. Committee members are Mark L. Johnson and Don Lawrence. Darryl Young is Lions Club president.

There are door prizes and a split-the-pot featured at each concert.

Speaking of split-the-pot. Winner of the one given during Lions Pancake Day was Jessie Woods, Kalispell. I goofed and listed the wrong name in my column last week. I appreciate the correction.

First concert features the Don Lawrence Orchestra, June 19. Bavarian Echoes and Friends will play June 26. Left Over Biscuits on July 3, Montana Midnite, July 10, and Montana Bagpipes, July 17, are announced to perform at the next concerts.

The Heritage Days special takes place July 24 with a doubleheader. Flathead Community Band as well as Al and Bonnie Lindborg will play.

Cocinando is scheduled for July 31. Columbia Falls Community Choir will sing for the concluding concert Aug. 7.

The fourth Northwest Montana Polka Festival is July 18, 19 and 20 at the Kalispell Eagles Hall. The Al Lindborg Band of Polson, and Gene Sadowsky and Little Bohemian Band from Oregon will play. Music is not limited to polkas, as there will be waltzes, Cajun, country, Latin, big band and Hawaiian.

Arrangements for the 15th annual Glacier Jazz Stampede, Oct. 2-5 in Kalispell, are rolling along. John Van, president, and Gary Fischer, vice president, Flathead Valley Jazz Society, are heading the volunteers.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.