Paul Kane students rock the stage

Tomorrow night Paul Kane High School is plugging into fun with their traditional PK Unplugged.

Every year at this time, the cafeteria gets a makeover and is revamped into a low-key, bohemian cafĂ© where talk and music go hand-in-hand. “This year the theme is a blue Christmas with blues and silvers and snowflakes and white candles. Our art students have even painted the windows. That’s the backdrop for the night,” says organizer Angee Lockhart.

The three-hour show of non-stop talent showcases about 20 acts of students and teachers. The diverse selections range from Kansas’ progressive rock and Nirvana’s acoustic grunge to Leonard Cohen’s folk ballads and Taylor Swift’s country pop.

English teacher Paul Shamchuk, as part of a trio along with students Dylan Rosychuk and Andrew Boyd, tackle Bruce Cockburn’s Lovers in A Dangerous Time. “When teachers get involved this way, it helps students see them in a different light.”

A Cohen admirer is actress/singer and Grade 12 student Jessy Mossop, singing her twist on Hallelujah.

The teachers’ band composed of Nathan Reese (bass), David Regimbald (guitar), Keith Ainsley-O’Connor (guitar), Jon Buryne (drums) and Dave Power (guitars), have three tunes lined up.

Taking a different turn, Tahianna Langley and Kayla Kimo join forces in Control by Christian singer-composer J.J. Heller.

The male threesome of Joey Shaugnessy, Ryan Hook and Brett Schulha have taken on Coney Island by Good Old War. “The girls love Joey and he has a phenomenal voice.”

Sarah Anderson and Samantha Sinclair, starring in Paul Kane’s upcoming winter musical Oklahoma, take a crack at Taylor Swift’s Two Is Better Than One. “They’re wonderful singers with powerful voices and they definitely are experienced on stage.”

“We have kids that have performed before and this might be their last chance, and we have new voices and that’s very exciting. All the kids are very supportive of each other. It’s a wonderful relaxing evening and there will be great cheesecake.”

PK Unplugged is also a charity fundraiser. This year students are collecting for the St. Albert Food Bank. Last year proceeds went to the Youth Emergency Shelter.

Tickets at the door are $7 adults and $5 for students with I.D.