Gates Fire Hall fundraiser: Cast members pick concert favorites By Carol Swanson
The Gates Fire Department Music in Bloom fundraising concert is entering into dress rehearsals. The fundraiser is scheduled for April 19th and April 20th at the new Gates Fire Hall. Bill Bassett and Rita Derrick have been singing together for over 35 years. First, in Santiam Civic Theatre productions in the 70’s and 80’s, and now in concert fundraisers for the Gates Rural Fire Department. Raised in Mill City, Bassett began singing in a junior high chorus and has been performing ever since. While attending Regis High School he sang in the Regis Glee Club directed by Sister Joseph Catherine and remembers it as a time in which he realized how important music was in his life. “Every chance I got I joined a vocal group”, he said. While attending Mt. Angel College he was a member of a Madrigal group. In the following years he joined Santiam Civic Theatre and performed in many of the musicals, including Oliver, Damn Yankees and Pajama Game. During this same period he also sang in the Mill City Presbyterian Church choir. Rita Derrick has always had a life-long interest in music and attended the University of Portland to study opera. Later Rita sang in a country band, and also appeared in many Santiam Civic Theatre musicals. Asked what numbers she was performing in this show, Derrick said her favorite is a Diana Krall number called, “Why Should I Care?”. I didn’t think it suited me at first, but it has really challenged me, and now I love it. I also like the song “Funny Honey”, fromChicago. Kathy Campbell and I are singing “Somewhere” from West Side Story as a duet. Kathy has a lovely voice, and we’ve had a lot of fun with that number.” When the performers were asked why they continue to invest the amount of time it takes to participate in a concert, both exclaimed that it was well worth it. Derrick said, “I keep coming back
because it’s like returning to family. Everyone accepts me for who I am. I love to sing and I love singing with these people.” Basset agreed. “My mantra is, ‘so much music; so little time’”. He especially likes the first three numbers, which are from the Little Shop of Horrors. “It makes for a great opener. I also love “Gee, Officer Krupke” from West Side Story. Craig Campbell and I are having fun with that one, and we hope it’s a show stopper.” Asked how long he’ll continue to perform he said, “I want to sing as long as I can.” He added, “I’m a ham that loves applause.” Tickets are selling briskly for the Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th Spring fundraising concert to be held at the new Gates Fire Hall. General admission tickets are $18.00, and reserve seats are $22.00. Tickets are currently on sale at the Mill City Pharmacy, Kelly Lumber Sales and the Gates Post Office. For additional information, call 503-897-3454.
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