Local Music Tap: 'Bear & The Barrel' Variety Show @ Old Arizona Theater

The third part of the ongoing live TV variety show spoof, Bear & The Barrel, is set to entertain audiences at the Old Arizona Theater in Minneapolis all weekend.

The third episode, entitled "There's Nothing To Fear But Bear Itself," is being billed as "a Twilight Zone theme disguised as a Variety Show." The show features a live orchestra, Minnesota filmmakers, theatrics, local bands, comedy and more.

Creator/stage manager/host Benjamin Kelly (pictured above) says the show's inspiration comes from classic variety shows like Prairie Home Companion, Wits at the Fitz and The Lawrence Welk Show crossed with "your favorite community access program on cable."

"The genesis of Bear started [at McNally Smith] when I began working with Adam Conrad -- the show's orchestral arranger," Kelly said. "We both love the wide range of artists Minnesota produces and we wanted to create something that could showcase them in an entertaining way, set in a vibrant neighborhood like Whittier in a cool theater such as Old Arizona."

The show runs from Friday, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and there's a 3 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday. The guest band is American Youth.

A fourth episode of the show is expected in December.

For more information, check out the event's Facebook page, the website and watch the trailer below!
http://vimeo.com/109742705

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Local Music Tap is a blog aimed at promoting Minnesota-based musicians, bands, shows and events. If you have music blog ideas, please email cepremo@wcco.com or leave a comment below. Also, follow the Local Music Tap on Twitter and on YouTube.