The Show: a beloved tradition returns to the Cassville stage
Members of the band, shown above, began practicing for next week's performance of the Show in June.
October 13, 2021
Ezra DeVore
An annual tradition since 1993, The Show will return to Cassville October 21, 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on respective dates. It will be performed in the Cassville R-IV FEMA & Event Center next to the football field.
For nearly thirty years, Greg Beck has entertained Cassville by assembling the greatest local musical talent for an annual concert every October. Due to COVID-19 precautions, The Show was cancelled in 2020. However, according to Beck, this only strengthened his confidence about this year’s performance.
“With two years of practice behind the band, we’re ready to perform,” he said.
The 35 vocalists featured in this year’s Show will be performing under the umbrella of the theme, “American Classics: Past, Present and Future.” Over thirty different artists will be covering hits from the 1950s up through present day.
Beck had worked as a touring drummer for much of his life, but put it aside in favor of settling into the Cassville area. In 1991, though, after he and his wife Brenda finished building their home, Greg started to miss performing. So, with pencil and paper in hand, he and Brenda began recalling and writing the names of local musicians he’d performed with in the past, with the idea of forming a new band.
“The formation of a band evolved into the idea of attempting to put together some kind of concert,” Brenda Beck said.
“Coincidentally, at about the same time, the Cassville Chamber had also been seeking to start some kind of annual concert,” she continued.
According to Beck, from the late 1950s into the early 1960s, Cassville had held the yearly Jamboree, a big country music show and cherished community event.
“The Chamber wanted to see something similar reinstated, so members approached Greg in 1992 and offered to sponsor the first concert.”
In 1993, after a year of practice, The Show made its debut in the Cassville Middle School gym, sponsored by both the Chamber and the City of Cassville. Since then, the only year without a Show was 2020, when it was cancelled three days before the first performance was to take place.
“Greg Beck’s primary goal was to incorporate and spotlight as much local talent as possible,” said Jim Craig, trumpeter for the band. “They’d follow rumors of good musicians and contact them.”
“Singers are never turned down; there are no try-outs,” said Brenda Beck, who co-runs The Show.
“We want to involve as many school-age people as possible from all over the county,” she continued. “This year’s performance will feature 11 local middle and high school vocalists.”
According to Beck, if a student performs exceptionally well in choir or a related activity, the teacher of that class will direct the Becks to that student, who will be offered a place in The Show.
Tickets for the October 2021 performance of The Show can be purchased in advance at the Cassville Chamber of Commerce at 504 Main Street, for $8 each, or at any bank in Cassville. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the performance for $10 each. There is no charge for children under age 12. Tables for eight people may also be reserved for $120.
According to Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce director, Morgan Williams, Thursday’s performance will be “Medical Professionals’ Appreciation Night,” when the immediate family members of those involved in the medical field will receive a group rate of $10.
This year’s concession proceeds will go to Project Graduation, which raises money for a graduation celebration for 2022.
Ezra DeVore
An annual tradition since 1993, The Show will return to Cassville October 21, 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on respective dates. It will be performed in the Cassville R-IV FEMA & Event Center next to the football field.
For nearly thirty years, Greg Beck has entertained Cassville by assembling the greatest local musical talent for an annual concert every October. Due to COVID-19 precautions, The Show was cancelled in 2020. However, according to Beck, this only strengthened his confidence about this year’s performance.
“With two years of practice behind the band, we’re ready to perform,” he said.
The 35 vocalists featured in this year’s Show will be performing under the umbrella of the theme, “American Classics: Past, Present and Future.” Over thirty different artists will be covering hits from the 1950s up through present day.
Beck had worked as a touring drummer for much of his life, but put it aside in favor of settling into the Cassville area. In 1991, though, after he and his wife Brenda finished building their home, Greg started to miss performing. So, with pencil and paper in hand, he and Brenda began recalling and writing the names of local musicians he’d performed with in the past, with the idea of forming a new band.
“The formation of a band evolved into the idea of attempting to put together some kind of concert,” Brenda Beck said.
“Coincidentally, at about the same time, the Cassville Chamber had also been seeking to start some kind of annual concert,” she continued.
According to Beck, from the late 1950s into the early 1960s, Cassville had held the yearly Jamboree, a big country music show and cherished community event.
“The Chamber wanted to see something similar reinstated, so members approached Greg in 1992 and offered to sponsor the first concert.”
In 1993, after a year of practice, The Show made its debut in the Cassville Middle School gym, sponsored by both the Chamber and the City of Cassville. Since then, the only year without a Show was 2020, when it was cancelled three days before the first performance was to take place.
“Greg Beck’s primary goal was to incorporate and spotlight as much local talent as possible,” said Jim Craig, trumpeter for the band. “They’d follow rumors of good musicians and contact them.”
“Singers are never turned down; there are no try-outs,” said Brenda Beck, who co-runs The Show.
“We want to involve as many school-age people as possible from all over the county,” she continued. “This year’s performance will feature 11 local middle and high school vocalists.”
According to Beck, if a student performs exceptionally well in choir or a related activity, the teacher of that class will direct the Becks to that student, who will be offered a place in The Show.
Tickets for the October 2021 performance of The Show can be purchased in advance at the Cassville Chamber of Commerce at 504 Main Street, for $8 each, or at any bank in Cassville. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the performance for $10 each. There is no charge for children under age 12. Tables for eight people may also be reserved for $120.
According to Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce director, Morgan Williams, Thursday’s performance will be “Medical Professionals’ Appreciation Night,” when the immediate family members of those involved in the medical field will receive a group rate of $10.
This year’s concession proceeds will go to Project Graduation, which raises money for a graduation celebration for 2022.
