Support the Spectacular

T onight, more than 200 local singers, dancers and more will pour their hearts out for the community and one huge cause — the City of Hope.

City of Hope is a world leader in the research and treatment of cancer, diabetes, and other serious diseases. It is located in Duarte in Southern California and it was the good work City of Hope does that prompted the late Frank “Buck” Shaffer to establish the Spectacular 54 years ago as a way to raise funds for the facility. Local artists have performed every year since.

That first City of Hope Spectacular was held in 1963 and featured local talent, just as this year’s show will feature. And, just like that first show, the Porterville High School Fabulous Studio Band will perform, this time led by Jim Kusserow, who is retiring after this school year.

There have literally been thousands of performers who have graced the stage for the Spectacular over the years. Groups like the Porterville Twirlerettes have performed year in and year out. There have been stars who have performed, and young talent who have gone on to become stars.

The show is a labor of love for many, including director Dick Eckhoff, who performed in the show as a student and now is the main driving force behind it.

While the main benefactor of the show is the City of Hope, it is really the community which benefits. It showcases young talent who may never again perform before such a large group, and it brings smiles to the faces of hundreds of residents who enjoy seeing the local talented young people perform on the stage.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.