Fandangle practice moves to park

By Donnie A. Lucas

Rehearsals for the Sampler of the 2022 Ft. Griffin Fandangle are set for the next couple of weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bank Park in downtown Albany, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Director Lorna Ayers is urging people to come to rehearsals since the sampler show is so close.

“We are moving outside starting tonight to the Bank Park to work on blocking,” Ayers said. “We met at first in the Aztec to learn music, but now it’s time to get outside and start staging.”

The annual Fandangle Sampler, which is a preview of the summer show just for members of the association, will be held once again at Reynolds Bend on the Matthews Ranch on Saturday, April 16.

Ayers said that rehearsals are set on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bank Park both of the next two weeks starting at 7:30 p.m.

“We will be moving out to Reynolds Bend during the week before the Sampler, but we haven’t set those rehearsal times yet,” Ayers said.

The performance at Reynolds Bend will start at 6:00 p.m. and includes a catered meal of tenderloin and all the trimmings prepared by TK Catering.

The director said that she had good participation at the first two practices at the Aztec, but it wasn’t all the same group of people.

“It was kind of hit and miss due to spring break,” she said. “Hopefully, we will all be on the same page and pulling this all together.”

While Ayers has had average participation so far, she is really looking for a lot more people to show up.

“The more we have, the better the show is, and it makes it more fun too,” she said. “Not everyone has to be on a microphone or sing a solo part, so don’t worry about being able to sing. It’s all about being a part of the show.”

Membership Drive

The Fandangle Association’s office manager, Jamie Parsons, reports that the number of memberships already equals last year’s total.

“We have had a good response so far,” Parsons said. “Sampler invitations are mailed as soon as a renewal or new memberships comes in.”

Members also have the opportunity to enjoy the catered meal at a cost of $25 per person.

“We would like to have a count by April 8 if possible, but that doesn’t mean that people can’t purchase meals during the last week before the show,” Parsons said. “Members can drop by the office or call us to let know they are coming and pay at the gate the evening of the show.”

Memberships are available at seven levels, including a Pioneer Membership for $25 to a Platinum at $5,000.

Memberships can be purchased online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.org or by calling the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.

Parsons stressed that a membership is needed to attend the sampler.

This spring is the first time since the death of longtime Fandangle president Watt Matthews 25 years ago that the annual membership Sampler will be performed at Rey­nolds Bend.

The Sampler was supposed to be held on the ranch last year but had to be moved to town due to heavy rains on the ranch the week before.

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