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‘The Logger’ Introduces His New Holiday Variety Show

The versatile Rusty DeWees-actor, race car driver, raconteur, pin-up idol, and now a recording artist-has a new CD and a new show for the holiday season.

If variety is the spice of life, then Vermonters are in for several spicy performances in the new holiday variety show produced, written and directed by Rusty DeWees, Vermont’s beloved "Logger." Sponsored by Cabot, WOKO 98.9 and "Vermont Life" magazine, DeWees’ new production showcases Vermont talent and lets the Logger loose on stage once again. Only eight shows are scheduled exclusively at the Burlington High School beginning the night after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. The show is rated "SC" for "some cussin!"

Those who think of DeWees as primarily an actor and a comedian will think again after this show, which could be described as pure Vermont Vaudeville. DeWees has brought together diverse acts performed by gifted Vermonters who are musicians, poets and storytellers. As always, the Logger manages to mingle humor with poignancy, side-splitting laughter with misty-eyed emotions. The Boston Globe calls DeWees "inventive, entertaining and exceptional" and this two hour variety show more than lives up to those accolades.

"My goal was to produce a variety show - in every sense of the word - that would be entertaining for all ilks and ages," said DeWees. "I also wanted to provide a stage and build in audience for some very talented Vermonters who aren’t often seen - give them a chance to show their stuff, and get paid for it! The main course of the Variety show is Logger humor, and the side dishes are an incredible array of talent. The bottom line, or call it dessert, is for the audience to get their money’s worth.

Intermingled with segments by The Logger, and the every popular Uncle Furman, are musical performances by the classical violinists, the Darling Damzels, and DeWee’s own five-member country band, "The Fellers," which has just released its much acclaimed first CD, "Golddiggers Beware." DeWees sings lead vocal, plays the guitar and strums the drums as the group performs several original singles, including the holiday hit, "Christmastime Again in Woodchuckbury," written and arranged by DeWees and bass player and composer, Peter Wilder. Other Fellers include New England fiddle champion, Don Commo; Banjo impresario, George Seymour; and Jim Green on lead guitar.

DeWees has much more in store for his unsuspecting audience, including a yoga session and a professional poetry reading, the hilarious Dinky Loggers, and the Logger’s very funny Vermont Quiz which brings members of the audience on stage and gives them the chance to win several great (and not so great!) prizes.

The eight performances will be held at the Burlington High School November 29 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Reserve tickets by calling toll free, 1-888-917-8789 or order online at www.thelogger.com.

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