Beyond a doubt, no kidding, honest-to-goodness this Friday’s performance brought to you by Pend Oreille Arts Council is going to be the event of the year. Bring the whole family to this tribute to our local community’s finest talent. The Celebration of Community: Northern Stars Rising will be held at the Heartwood Center (615 Oak Street, Sandpoint) at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 23.

POAC thought it would be fun to put the spotlight on the diversity of our own performance artists and we think you’ll agree with us when we tell you we’ve succeeded. But, of course, that will involve you coming to the event to see for yourself!

The evening begins with a reception meet-and-greet with some of the performers and, as a special attraction, the visual arts committee has chosen a few pieces of art for you to view while you join the board for a no-host beverage provided by Eichardt’s Pub.

At 7 p.m. the curtain will rise on students from Allegro Dance Studio. The Gem Company Dancers comprised of Willow Solly, Maisie Rose and Katherine Mellander will give us a sneak preview of the dance numbers they’ll be performing in competitions this year.

Following the Gems is the amazing jazz singer and pianist Annie Welle. Then we’ll be treated to the extraordinary classical trio of Caren Reiner on piano, Tess Halverson on violin and Sam Minker on cello.

Bel canto means beautiful singing in Italian and that is exactly what we’ll hear from Brenda Rutledge and Karin Wedemeyer when they sing a delightful duet portraying the wife and mistress of an unfaithful man. Caren Reiner will accompany them on the piano.

After a quick break the tempo will increase and the heat will rise when Dave Hussey and Dave Gunter take the stage in an exclusive performance they’re calling the Paranormal Daves. These two well-known musicians will break out some untraditional instruments to make some experimental music adapted from traditional tunes. You’ve got to see this to believe it.

The heat will rise and your heart will beat to the sounds when Truck Mills takes the stage for the final act. Anyone who has seen him perform can attest to his genius that spans from country blues to the music of the Middle East and South America. With his guitar work and vocals, Mills will take us on an international journey you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are available at the POAC office on the second floor of the Cedar Street Bridge, at Eve’s Leaves, Eichardt’s, online at www.artinsandpoint.org and at the Heartwood Center door. They cost $20 for adults, youth 18 and under are $10. For more information call 208-263-6139.

All POAC events are family-friendly. We look forward to seeing you on Friday evening at 6 p.m. at the Heartwood Center.