So many of the same people volunteer for different organizations, events, and causes in this community, that when it came to arranging an appreciation event for the BC Summer Games crew, Carla Robin wanted to do something different.

For years, she’s longed to do something more than just a wine-and-cheese reception or buffet dinner. So Robin has devised a way to say thanks in a fun, loud, and hilarious fashion.

She’s devised just such a plan for the volunteer appreciation at Langley Events Centre on the Monday immediately following the Games. She’s hosting a show.

“We’re setting a new standards for volunteer appreciation,” Robin said. “They need something that will make them laugh after all four days.”

The concert-like festivities are exclusive to Games volunteers, and attendees must have their volunteer badge to gain entry to the Langley Events Centre.

There’s a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m. with a compilation of video footage edited together from the Games competitions, dances and other related events.

Then at 7 p.m., Tom Watson and The Timebenders take to the stage, offering a three-hour trip down memory lane with songs from the 1950s to ’80s.

“Yes, we are athletic supporters… it’s true,” Watson said online, when promoting their appearance at the Games event.

Their show is about more than just the music. With upwards of 20 costume changes and some incredible and hilarious impersonations, this high-energy show will keep people laughing and dancing through the night.

Even though some volunteers will see the show as an opportunity to kick back after a hectic weekend (for some weeks), put their feet up and enjoy the humour and tunes, Robin expects a lot of folks – sore feet or not – to be on their feet dancing.

“We’re hoping every single volunteer will come,” Robin said. “It’s our way of saying thanks and showing them they’re really appreciated for everything they’ve done for the kids.”

Robin noted that more than 80 door prizes will also be given out.

EXTRA WEB EXCLUSIVE:

• From an interview with Timebenders founder Tom Watson, published by the Langley Advance in July 2007

Zany energy brings audience to its feet

In the Cascades Casino’s ongoing Friday night tribute to the stars series, a Victoria group vows to burn up the Summit stage with their star-like antics tonight.

by Roxanne Hooper

Tom Watson’s parents had no idea when they handed their son a pair of Elvis-style sunglasses they bought during a bus tour to Graceland back in 1991, that they were revolutionizing North America’s music scene.

“But that’s what started it all,” Watson said, when explaining the humble beginnings of his zany group called the Timebenders.

“Like lots of people, I was in bands as a youngster – in my 20s and in college,” Watson said, further attempting to explain the band’s startup.

But it wasn’t until 1992, when he settled down in Victoria, that he started seriously conceptualizing plans for a theme-styled band that would put on high-energy shows that blend music with choreography, humour, and mandatory audience participation.

It took a few years to iron out a successful formula.

But since that point, Watson said the ride has been nothing short of tremendous, fun and rewarding.

“There’s no better way to earn a living than to do something you love... It sounds corny, but I love what I do,” Watson told the Langley Advance from his home in Deep Cove.

“At 44, it takes a little longer to recover the next day [after a show], than say it did 10 years ago. But with a little Geritol and liniment, I’m still able to get back at it and I still love what I do,” Watson said.

He and the other members of the Timebenders plan to take the Langley crowd on a hilarious musical excursion back in time.

“It’s a 90-minute time warp, if you will,” said Watson, the founder and band leader.

“It’s a rock ‘n’ roll roller coaster ride that takes you on a journey from the ‘40s to the ‘80s,” with music from the greatest stars of those periods augmented by no fewer than 22 costume changes.

The show features guest appearances from stars such as Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, The Beach Boys, the Beatles, ABBA, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, and of course, Elvis.

“One of the comments we often hear, is ‘you look like you’re having so much fun up there?’ And it’s true, we are having fun, we genuinely enjoy each other’s company and performing abilities and work well together as a result. Which is quite something for being together as long as we have,” he said.

Watson (who provides vocals and attempts to play the acoustic guitar) will be accompanied on stage by Terry MacKay (bass player), Dan Theriault (keytar), brother and sisters Jeff (lead guitar), Shannon and Shelley Smiley (vocals), Steve Sawatsky (drummer) and Dave Mills (keyboard).

“We’re a closely knit group and eight people who are genuinely all friends... and I think that comes across during the performance,” Watson said.

“We have always enjoyed success as a result of our ability to be really interactive with the crowd and not take ourselves too seriously... I think our willingness to step outside what would be considered normal or look silly brings the audience in on the joke and everyone has a good time,” he added.

Timebenders has been on the North American music scene for close to two decades, and the experience is evident in every performance. Add to that the band members’ comic timing, sharp musical skills and wacky choreography, and it makes for a perfect balance of entertainment.

“We have been really lucky over the years, in terms of places we’ve been and people we’ve met.”

Timebenders performs in about 70 to 80 shows a year, all across Canada and in the U.S., including past shows at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, as well as in Hawaii, New Orleans, Florida, San Francisco, Acapulco, and fairs and expositions across North America.

The Timebenders’ fast-paced antics, fueled by live rock ‘n’ roll energy, promise to make for an evening not soon forgotten at their next stop – here in Langley.