"Music for Moms," held in Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS - The Cancer Network of Sanders County (CNSC) held an evening concert for Mother’s Day in the Rex Theater, Saturday night. Titled, “Music for Moms,” the evening consisted of door prizes, music from different musical groups and a solo artist. The funds raised at the door all went into the CNSC’s account for giving gifts to individuals in Sanders County that are in need of financial support during their battle against cancer.

The price of admission was not a set price, but rather what an individual or group felt like donating at the door.

The CNSC is a nonprofit that consists of 11 individuals.

Kathy Miller, the president of CNSC, described the process of how the organization gives “gifts” to those in need. “Basically what happens, any Sanders County resident who is currently going to treatment for cancer fills out an application, sends it to us, we check to make sure all the materials are there, and we send them a check for $700,” she said. Miller then said that people mostly use it for transportation, copays on bills, buy food or firewood, or whatever they need it for.

To start off the night after Dave Oliver, the MC for the night, expressed the CNSC’s gratitude to the major sponsors for the night, Lisa French, a solo artist, sang for the full house. She played guitar and sang popular songs such as, “Mother Like Mine,” and “Wind Beneath My Wings.” The crowd in the theater gave a resounding applause as she exited through the curtain.

Next to give a performance was a two family band named, “The Klaus and Chef Family Band.” Together, the two families sang renditions of hymnal music and country music. At one time, there was a violin solo and vocal duets. Again, after their performance, the crowd, which filled the theater, went wild.

Then it was a Sanders County favorite to come on stage, “The Sons of Biscuits.” Their performance consisted of cowboy, western songs, including, “Blue Montana Skies,” and cowboy one liners that had the crowd laughing. To add to the humorous jokes and music, the group explained reincarnation, with a cowboy western twist. The eventual pun was how death leads to buffalo chips. Everyone in the audience by the end of the Sons of Biscuits humorous show was doubled over with laughing pains in their chairs.

A small intermission was called, post Sons of Biscuits, for an announcement by Miller, who explained the CNSC’s track record and goals. To start off, she said that just from admission, $900 had been raised. She then laid out the CNSC’s track record for money donated to individuals; 2015 - 48 gifts totaling $33,600, since last Music for Mom’s - 103 gifts totaling $68,800 and since January 1, 2001 - 764 gifts totaling $314,550. She said that everyone in the audience was, “On her angel list.”

Jumping right in after Miller’s intermission was the, “Uku-Ladies,” which included two male vocalist, who played songs including, “Has Anybody Seen My Gal,” “Ukulele Lady,” and the classic, “On Moonlight Bay.” To add to the already throwback feel of their music, the group all dressed in attire from the 1920’s to bring the crowd back 90 years.

A group called, “Accounted For,” played next. Their signature song was, “Lollipop.” People in the crowd started singing along as many people knew the song by heart.

The, “Neva Wood Memorial Bell Choir,” played three songs for the audience, before the last act came up, “The Sidewinders.” Oliver, who was in the Sidewinders first made an announcement before the group played. He and his wife, Deb Oliver, said they were donating $100 to the CNSC and that they challenged anyone in the crowd to match them. A few individuals raised their hands and said they would. Mike Bruse who said he would, said, “Honestly, I don’t think Dave and Deb and everybody get the credit they deserve... And besides, you can sit on the sidelines and comment, or you can jump out on the field... I’m a retired Marine and I always jump out on the field.”

Once it was known who was going to match the Oliver’s $100 donation, the Sidewinders, played. Their songs included classics such as, “Route 66,” “Stormy Monday Blues,” and everybody’s favorite, “Cotton Eye Joe.” Oliver, who played the violin during “Cotton Eye Joe,” took things to new heights used a fly swatter, a broom and a plunger as a bow.

When the Sidewinders finished, the night’s event closed and after three hours of performances, everyone headed home.