Merry Standish Comedy: Liz Merry and Aaron Standish
In a mutual show of celebration, the Kelly Ankers and the Merry Standishes are hosting a “20 Year Hootenanny” at the State Theatre (330 Oak St.) on Saturday, March 8.
The show will feature a comedy set by Merry Standish and a music set by blues duo Bobby Bottacello and the band French Reform.
Merry Standish Comedy combines stand-up, funny songs, political satire, a fake news program, and local spoofery aimed at a mature audience.
Bobby Bottacello (Curtiss Johnson and Bob Halpin) plays original music, which has been influenced by folk, classical music, traditional rock and blues. They have been performing between Sacramento and Redding for the past 3 years, playing new songs with a familiar groove.
French Reform features Phil Anker, Kirt Lind, Nik Burman, Elias Nippert, and Aric Jeffries. Together they are a diamond cut quality crafted fun-machine, raised by rock, schooled in swag, and adorned in dance.
Details
What: 20 Year Hootenanny
When: Sat. March 8; Doors open at 6:30. Showtime is 7:30
Where: State Theatre, 330 Oak St., Red Bluff
Proceeds: Hootenany proceeds benefit The State Theatre for the Arts. The show is recommended for a mature audience. Admission is $10. Tickets are available at Wild Oak.
More info: call 529-ARTS or go to statetheatreredbluff.com
Background
It’s not easy for a business to stay open for twenty years in Red Bluff. Especially when half of those years have been in the current economy. Surprising also when the business mockingly embraced Frank Zappa’s “every town needs a place where fake hippies meet” as one of its early credos. There’s been more than a little mockery at Wild Oak over the years.
Founded in March of 1994 by married comedy duo Liz Merry and Aaron Standish, the store has stood for two decades as testament to Red Bluff’s willingness to support weirdness.
Quickly outgrowing the space which was a few doors to the west of the current 328 Oak Street location, Wild Oak served up homegrown tie-dyes, clothing, jewelry, novelty gifts, artwork, and incense among other things.
Merry and Standish were also involved in the original restoration efforts of the State Theatre and gladly acted as ticket outlet for shows.
Merry was a founding member of the Downtown Red Bluff Business Association, where she served as Vice President for six years and President for two. That community support continues under ownership of the New Wild Oakies, Doug Kelly & Sarah Anker, who bought the store from Merry and Standish in 2006
-from press release
