Briefs

Opry series begins Saturday
Country music fans will be able to enjoy homegrown bluegrass and country music this Saturday, as part of a series of all-ages concerts scheduled for the Haynie Grange in Custer.
Proceeds from the first show will be donated to the mother of Jayden Lynch, a 27-month-old toddler who was bitten by a dog at a Birch Bay preschool last April. That show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at the Haynie Grange.
Two other shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. July 22 and August 26 at the grange. Tickets are $10 per person for individuals 12 years and older. For more information, call 366-3321.

Café International to close on Saturday
Café International will close its doors Saturday, after more than 50 years in business.
Steve Lawrenson, who manages the cafe at 758 Peace Portal Drive, said the closure of the café came after he and his father decided they wanted more free time.
They have agreed to lease the space to Paso del Norte, which is scheduled to re-open at their new location in September.
Lawrenson’s father, Art, first opened the cafe in 1960, eventually adding a motel, card room and tavern,
The Lawrenson family will continue to manage the motel, tavern and the building, which they own.

Renowned choir visits Blaine
One of the nation’s best known gospel singers and choir will be visiting Blaine Saturday for a “Performance of Peace” featuring the Total Experience gospel choir and pastor Patrinell Wright.
Wright, who founded the choir in 1973, was most recently featured singing “Glory Glory” in the movie Because of Winn Dixie.
The Total Experience Gospel Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at the PAC at 975 H Street in Blaine. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for students.
Those interested in performing with the group are invited to a “Sing for Peace” choir workshop with pastor Wright from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Blaine Performing Arts Center (PAC), earlier that day. Cost of the workshop is $35 for adults and $25 for students.
Advanced tickets can also be purchased at the Blackberry House café at 321 H Street or at the Blaine Visitor Information Center at 728 Peace Portal Drive.
For more information, contact the U.S./Canadian Peace Arch Association at 332-7165 or visit www.peacearchpark.org.

Blaine student receives honors
Donald Yung, a recent Blaine High School graduate who studies music with Richard Clark, received first class honors upon passing his level three music history exam administered by the Royal Conservatory of Music last month.
He is studying music history, theory and piano during the summer break before enrolling at the University of British Columbia or the University of Washington.

Jazz duo featured Friday
Jazz duo Alexander MacLeod and Jake Hillard will play jazz favorites at 7 p.m. Friday June 23, at the Blackberry House cafe at 321 H street. MacLeod plays keyboard and Hillard plays saxophone. For more information, call 332-9556.