Saskatchewan born artist Codie Prevost recently performed in Arcola at the MacMurray Theatre.
Prevost played on both Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13.
The Arcola Optimists found assistance from Precision Ag and the Arcola Co-op in bringing the country artist to town as a fundraiser. The Optimists are greatly thankful for this as the concerts would not have been possible.
"Without them this would not been able to happen," Blake Brownride, Optimist President, explained.
Prevost was happy to be in Arcola, explaining the last time he was in the area he performed in Forget.
Prevost was joined by Todd Peters on stage and together the two performed a number of Prevost's original music as well as covers of other popular country songs.
There to entertain Prevost put on an energetic and intimate show, which resulted in much fun had be the crowd in attendance.
"They're getting rid of these seats, so feel free to jump up on them to dance," Prevost invited as he took to the stage. "We're here to have a good time tonight."
Though no one actually took to standing on their seats to dance there was a number of people who partook in dancing at the foot of the stage as they sang along with Prevost.
One of the ways Prevost got the crowd into the performance was through playing Folsom Prison Blues. Three audience members were brought to the front and each time Prevost said Arcola, which he substituted in the song the dancers at the front were to find a new partner.
Prevost was able to visit with the crowd about his experiences writing music in Nashville and was able to share his experiences that influenced his songs.
During the intermission Prevost sold merchandise and chatted with fans, with the help of Peters. Together the two were taking photos with fans and enjoying the opportunity to visit with their audience.
The two then took to the stage again performing the second part of their set, which saw more audience participation and excitement from the crowd.
Brownridge thanked everyone for coming and is hopeful to find another performer next spring to come to Arcola for a show at, which will be, the newly renovated MacMurray Theatre.
Asking for one more round of applause for Prevost and Peters, the crowd got to their feet giving the Saskatchewan country musician a standing ovation for the performance.
Overall the Optimists saw approximately 300 people come out over the course of the two nights, which has resulted in approximately $2,500 to $3,000 being raised between seat sales and the concession. The final number is still being tallied though it will be used for the theatre renovations coming this summer.
"We've upgraded to a digital projector, digital sound and we have painting, decorating, and minor renovations to do still," Glen Lawson, Optimist member, stated at the beginning of the show. "We've also ordered new seats for the theatre. It will be quite different when you come out next year."
As a way to help complete this project the Optimists will be searching for seat sponsors and in return a plaque will be placed with seats that are sponsored as recognition for the individuals or businesses contributions.
If interested in helping with this project as the MacMurray Theatre provides a venue for the Arcola School's drama group, movies for the entire area during the winter months, and for artists to perform just as Prevost did as well as last year's performer, Blake Berglund, before him.
