Little Red Caboose Variety Show set

This year’s Little Red Caboose Variety Show will feature a wide variety of mostly local talent along with Jim Olsen, an accomplished guitar player familiar at many venues in Central Minnesota.

The action kicks off Railroad Days at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, at Centennial Auditorium, Staples. 

Olsen has played at places like Ruttgers on Bay Lake, Grand View and Craguns. He honed his guitar skills playing around the state and spent a fair amount of time playing with different groups in Nashville. 

The Hibbing native loves jazz but plays a very wide variety of genres.  He now resides in Pillager where he often gives guitar lessons.

This year’s show includes two award winning dance teams, a mother daughter duet, a look back at 60’s rock music, local singing artist and songwriter Katie Ziegler, instrumental performances, pop songs by local singing artists and group performances.

Organizers also promise some surprises along the way. 

Mike Schmidt, Staples-Motley High School principal, will be the master of ceremonies. Schmidt is also on the board of the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation, co-sponsor of the show with Lakeland Public Television.

The show is being co-produced by Ray Gildow, chair of the community foundation. All proceeds are invested back into the Staples and Motley communities through grants.

Advance tickets may be purchased in Staples at Staples True Value, Dairy Queen, First International Bank and Trust, Longbella Drug and the Staples World. In Motley they are available at the Dairy Queen and the Motley office of First International Bank and Trust. 

Tickets will also be sold at the door if available.