Vikee Waltrip & Elvis to Help Start the New Year with a Fundraiser

From: DCARA - Dec 28, 2005

MEDIA CONTACT: T.S. Writing Services
media@trudysuggs.com
(507) 334-2366 FAX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vikee Waltrip & Elvis to Help Start the New Year with a Fundraiser

Fremont, CA [December 28, 2005] – Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? How about helping raise money while enjoying performances by Vikee Waltrip and Elvis? “Yes, Elvis! What better person than the King who is the most impersonated person in the world?” Waltrip said. “I’ve never seen an Elvis show that has a Deaf flavor. As usual, my wacky brain thought of him after living in the Midwest for awhile where Elvis is very much still alive!”

San Francisco Club for the Deaf and City Beach are sponsoring the fundraiser in Fremont, Calif., on Dec. 31, hosted by the Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA). “Vikee has multiple talents that are superb,” said event chairperson Stacey Hughes. “Above all, she’s hilarious – and laughter is great medicine, especially when you’re starting a new year.”

Waltrip plays a middle-aged womyn with three cats who only dates Elvis (played by child of Deaf adults Keith Wann) on Saturday nights. Acting as the back-up singers will be Crom Saunders and Don Lee Hanaumi, both Deaf. Accompanying the show is a special Elvis song mix, compiled by Beethoven’s Nightmare band member Steve Longo, who is Deaf.

“I agreed to perform with Vikee because I think collaborations between performers are important. Flying solo is fine, but does not mean one should exclude working with other performers, especially if the chemistry is good,” said Saunders, of Sacramento, Calif.. “I'm just hoping to see people enjoy themselves at the event while they see something completely new and different, especially since we’re all improvisation actors.”

Waltrip, of Swansea, Ill., is a Deaf comedian and actress known for her hilarious, outrageously opinionated stand-up routines and performances that rely upon audience participation. “That’s why I’m so excited to have Keith, Crom and Don be part of my show,” said Waltrip. “With improvisation, you have no idea of what’s going to happen even if you have a scripted show planned. And that’s what I love the most about this ensemble; anything could literally happen.”

Funds raised at the event will go towards the expansion of the Deaf Community Center in the Bay area, Hughes said. “We’re really eager to have people come to appreciate Vikee’s hard work, but we’re even more eager to have people come and have a great time for a good cause. That’s the best way to start a new year, I think.”

The event on Dec. 31 will be held at Niles Hall, 37270 Niles Blvd., Fremont, CA, from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person in advance, or $30 at the door. For more information, contact Stacey K. Hughes at q4stacey@yahoo.com or visit www.v-dreamer.com.

# # #