‘Stars in the Grove’ shows off local talent

Each year, Forest Grove hosts Stars in the Grove, a community based event that showcases talents sponsored by the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce. This year, Stars in the Grove will be hosted at Pacific University Saturday, Feb. 27 in the Taylor- Meade Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. highlighting talents within the community.

Stars in the Grove has been in partnership with the Cornelius/Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce since 1999.

This isn’t the first time the Pacific community will be hosting an event like Stars in the Grove.Forover22years,many community based events have been held at Pacific ranging from church outings to theater and dance performances.

“This event was created to promote the arts and the people from Pacific and the Community who have talent and want to perform for the public,” Director of Events Paula Thatcher said. “It is not a ‘Talent Contest’. Just a showcase of talent in the Community.”

Both children and adults auditioned to perform in Stars in the Grove. A committee made up of a few members of the Chamber of Commerce and Pacific staff, have selected 20 participants. Thatcher explained that a wide variety of performers are participating in this year’s Stars in the Grove event. Performers include VoceFemme,aPacificfemale vocal group, to a Highlander Bagpiper, piano players and vocalists.

One student, Melanie Loughman, will be among the 20 participants performing in the event this year. Singing with Voce Femme, Loughman explained the group will be performing “Ride the Chariot,” a gospel style song. Loughman is excited for the opportunity to perform in front of and alongside members from the Pacific and Forest Grove communities.

Annually, the Stars in the Grove committee select an art organization in Forest Grove as the recipient of the funds from this event. Last year was Theater in the Grove and this year, in recognition of their 50th anniversary, the recipient is Valley Art.

For those who are interested in attending this event, tickets are available for purchase. The ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.