Mambos and Mocktails kicks off dedication

Mambos and Mocktails has always been about shakin’ your bootie on the dance floor and listening to some sizzling hot jazz. This year Bellerose Composite High School’s premiere fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 10 has a new dimension.

In addition to what’s become a major social event, it is also the kick-off to Inspiration Alley.

“Our inspiration was to create a space for art and find a quiet space students could use to reflect on things,” says English/social teacher Karen May-Healey.

There is a hallway that connects the school to two portable classrooms. “It is less than stellar in appearance.” Organizers decided to spruce the area up by displaying student art.

“The art will be displayed in frames purchased by the Bellerose community to celebrate someone who has had an impact in our school. The art will change every year and the money brought in will help with the maintenance.”

Twenty-four frames will be unveiled Friday at the 7 p.m. ceremonies with 10 frames and a plaque already dedicated to certain members. Two of the honoured recipients are former drama teacher Debbie Jamieson, who died from cancer five years ago, and Kyle Hamil, a special needs student who also passed away.

In an unexpected twist, a four-pawed Bellerose family member also receives a tribute. Ashton, a black lab guide dog for Grade 12 student Shaun Russenholt, will also be honoured with a frame. “He had a tumour with a slow bleed and had to be put down,” explains music director Karen Labahn.

During the presentation, the 15-member all-girl jazz choir is singing an a cappella version of I’m Always Chasing Rainbows. “It’s a new song in the style of the ‘30s. It has intricate harmonies and it’s a truly beautiful song about striving for the good and aiming high.”

Special guest speakers are Carol Watamaniuk, delivering a speech on the value of art in public places, and Joan Trettler, chair of the Protestant school board.

While the unveiling may call for a box of tissues to be passed around, Labahn plans to chase away the blues with a dance repertoire guaranteed to keep crowds hopping.

The 21-piece jazz band strikes up with some of those gold plated standards that never seem to go out of style such as Birdland and Tequila where alto sax soloist Katie Demuynck struts her stuff.

Both the choir and band pull out one of Bellerose’s signature tunes, Cab Calloway’s Minnie the Moocher. In recognition of Christmas, the girls’ choir whispers that classic Santa Baby made famous by the growling Catwoman, Eartha Kitt.

“It’s a great evening of live music and it shows what high school kids can do. There’s great upbeat tunes, great food and great company.”