DOWNTOWN KICKS UP HEELS FOR HOOTENANNY

Downtown Cape Girardeau businesses are banding with area musicians for the fifth annual "Christmas Hoot" on Thursday, Dec. 11, and Friday, Dec. 12.

The extravaganza is a fund raiser for the Doyle "Whitey" Hendrix Endowment Scholarship at Southeast Missouri State University and Cottonwood Treatment Center.

The 'hoot' originated four years ago by local musician/producer Bob Camp.

"I had been living in Memphis and Nashville and every year the musicians there would get together at Christmas, have a big ol' jam and give a donation to charity," Camp said. "So, I thought we could do the same in Cape."

The Cape Musicians Guild will organize carolers from area schools on both nights. The carolers will stroll the downtown area from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

On Dec. 11 at 8 p.m., a potpourri of singers and pickers will perform their arrangements of Christmas songs at River City Yacht Club in Port Cape.

Scheduled to appear are Teresa Morrill, John Lohr, Bob Camp, Keller Ford, Bruce and Anita Zimmerman, Randy and Sally Liener, Mike McElwrath, Sonny Ford, Kelly Keene, Fara McSpadden, Bill Hughey, Don "Jawbone" Greenwood, Steve Ariola, Daddy Cool, Human Zoo, and the quartet of Rick Bain, Danny McSwain, Wesley Gray and Richey Blankenship. Freddie Friction is rumored to appear. Admission is $10.

On Dec. 12 beginning at 9 p.m., about 20 area bands will play for charity at seven locations: Broussard's, River City Yacht Club, The Edge, Murphy's, Papa Bears and Sharkies.

Confirmed acts are Turner-Up, Van Goeh's Ear, Drivin Rain, Arsnic Orange, Cataphasia, Water Street Blues band, Bob Camp Project 2000, Bruce Zimmerman and the Shysters, Daddy Cool, Papa Aborigine, Liener Brothers, Month of Sundays, Human Zoo and Sonny Ford. Wristbands allowing exit/entry will sell for $5 at participating venues.

Camp said the original "Christmas Hoot" was an organizational party at Broussard's that featured more than 25 artists singing Christmas songs and an all-star jam session that played to an overflow crowd.

"The following year brought more of the same merriment along with some of Santa's helpers who collected donations," Camp said, adding that the donations were matched by Broussard's and given to Cottonwood Treatment Center.

Other 'hoots' have been held at Papa Bears and Sharkies.