Monthly show raises funds for UMC’s oncology department
New name, same cause, variety of talent.
The charity variety show formerly known as "Magic's Best Choices" has been revamped as "Intrigue: Variety so rich, we know you're interested ."
The show is hosted at 8 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Choices Pub Grill & Showroom, 6720 W. Cheyenne Ave ., with the exception of this month's show, which is set for May 29 at the venue. Local magicians, musicians, comedians and performers share their skills to benefit the outpatient oncology division of University Medical Center of Southern Nevada .
The show was launched in February by Dave Johnson and Scott Hitchcock , local magicians . The cause compelled Johnson.
"I was sitting visiting my parents for Christmas and saw where the UMC oncology department was temporarily shutting down," he said. "I said, 'It needs help,' and thought entertainers should get together and support it."
Johnson also is founder of pinktiemagic.com , which benefits breast cancer research.
Tickets are $10, and the show is for adults 21 or older. A silent auction with items such as Strip show tickets is hosted each month.
Organizers have struggled to draw crowds and donations but hope a recent revamping will breathe new life into operations, Johnson said.
"We're trying to find a way to find our public," he said. "We've been hitting our heads against the wall thinking how we can get people out here."
The show's name was changed to "Intrigue: Variety so rich, we know you're interested" to entice and lure a broader audience, Johnson said.
He and girlfriend Ronnie Gaar , a singer, retool the lineup each month. Local performers who wish to be added to the bill can contact the couple.
The public is encouraged to check it out and support local talent and the outpatient oncology division.
"People can expect magicians, dancers, singer, jugglers, comedians, freak show acts a multitude of different things," Johnson said. "We have a rotating group of entertainers who put their blood, sweat and tears into their act for a cause that should never go without money."
For more information, call 916-717-4555 or visit choicespub.com or pinktiemagic.com.
Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.
