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Liberace Brings Furs, Feathers To SCC

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By LAURA CONE The Sun

Published: October 22, 2008

Community Hall will be transformed into a Las Vegas showroom with glitter, feather and furs as Martin Preston performs as Liberace Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

Jane Rideout of Sun City Center, the president of the GFWC Sun City Center Woman's Club, said she had a chance to see Preston perform several years ago. Preston is the only official showman sanctioned by the Liberace Estate to perform using his name.

"He plays, sings, and flits around with all these glittering costumes," Rideout said. "He's a very flamboyant performer. He certainly would have a lot of appeal to the more mature audience."
Rideout said she thinks Preston gives a fantastic performance. While enjoying Preston on stage along with his protege, song stylist William Garon, SCC folks may also feel good about the fact they are supporting the women's club and their causes.

"If you did not know better you would swear he is Liberace," she said.

She said the Liberace show is one of two major fundraisers for the club. The other one will be a show and luncheon Feb. 13, 2009.

"We support many of the clubs in Sun City Center," said Rideout, adding some of the clubs that receive money from the group include the SCC Community Association, SCC Emergency Squad, Alzheimer's Auxiliary, Sun City Center Library, Patriot's Club, SCC Radio Club Emergency, SCC Ride Service, Samaritan Services, and the SCC Security Patrol. "In last two years we have given more than $25,000 to various organizations."

She said the women's club's next meeting is Nov. 20. They meet the third Thursday of every month. Refreshments and a business meeting start at 1 p.m., followed by speakers at 1:45 p.m.

Angela Wallace, the chairwoman for the Liberace fundraiser, said she is looking forward to the event. She remembers watching the real Liberace perform on her family's black and white television in the 1950s.

"My mother was in love with him," Wallace said. "He was a great showman."

She said doors open at 6 p.m. The two-hour show will feature classic swing songs.

"He brings his own piano with glitter and crystal candelabra," Wallace said. "He has the fur coat and jewelry, all that. He looks and sounds and sings just like Liberace."

She said there will be a raffle of cheer baskets during the event.

Members of the club are selling the $20 tickets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the atrium ticket kiosk, 945 N. Course Lane. For more information, call Angela Wallace at (813) 642-0212.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at (813) 865-1552 or lcone@mediageneral.com.

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