Here comes an event tying together the Decatur public schools, Downtown Decatur, the Lincoln Square Theatre and community businesses.

The Eisenhower High School Elite Energy Show Choir Preview Show will be at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Lincoln Square Theatre.

It's a "red carpet" event. A limo will bring prominent people to the red carpet placed in front of the theatre: Gloria Davis, Decatur schools superintendent; April Hicklin, Eisenhower principal; Chris Bullock, WEJT radio; Scott Hines, Elite Energy director; and Carla Brinkoetter, representing the Lincoln Square Theatre. They will be available for TV interviews, along with two senior members of Elite Energy.

In the past, the preview was held in Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

"The change gives us an opportunity for more involvement with the community and downtown," said Kim Justice, the preview chairman. "We have hundreds of sponsors." In preparation, the Elite Energy members were to clean the theatre as a community project.

A shuttle service operated by Macon Resources Inc. will take people from the Decatur Public Library parking lot to the theater. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves will be stationed at the red carpet to assist those needing help getting into the theater. Tickets are $10, available from Elite Energy members and at the door. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Stefanie Pansch will be playing the harp on the theatre lobby balcony to greet the theatergoers. The First Presbyterian Church Hand Bell Choir will play before the show.

In addition to the 53 Elite Energy singers/dancers, the Johns Hill Magnet School Xperience! and the Thomas Jefferson Middle School Music Machine will perform.

As for Elite Energy, Stacie Ostrander, a senior, promises, "We'll have an intense, in-your-face show." She is joined by a sophomore sister, Mikaela, and a freshman brother, Dale, the last of six Ostranders in Elite Energy. The others were Kendra, Chelsea and Gabe. It was Gabe who started the Ostrander participation after being introduced to show choir at Johns Hill.

Matt Cook, a senior, forecasts an emphasis on Elite Energy vocals and a "we'll get in done" optimism. Dallas Lashmet, also a senior, predicts "good songs, good energy, a good year."

Scott Hines is sure of this: "Great kids, Great parental support." Ryan Taylor, the new assistant director, is glad to be back after being an Elite Energy member from 2000 to 2004. He finds the atmosphere more upbeat, more energetic.

Hines, April James and Linda McEachran are the choreographers. Eric Scholl is the musical combo director.

Bob Fallstrom can be reached at bfallstrom@herald-review.com or 421-7981.

If you go

WHAT: The Eisenhower High School Elite Energy Show Choir Preview Show

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15

WHERE: Lincoln Square Theatre, downtown Decatur

TICKETS: $10, available at the door

DETAILS: A shuttle service operated by Macon Resources Inc. will take people from the Decatur Public Library parking lot to the theatre.

SONGS INCLUDE:

"Slow Me Down"

"What Could be Better?"

"How Lucky Can you Get?"

"Time"

"Smooth Operator" (girls)/"Smooth" (boys)

"Waitin' on the World to Change"/"Don't Give Hate a Chance."

Competition schedule

Jan. 11-13: Onalaska, Wis.

Jan. 19: Mount Zion Invitational

Feb. 23: Sullivan

Feb. 28 to March 2: Los Angeles, Calif.

March 14 to 16: Wheaton Warrenville.

Eisenhower Elite Energy

Singers/dancers

Seniors: Jaime Bunning, Matt Cook, Ashley Grimm, Tina Helding, Katie Holder, Josh Houston, Dallas Lashmet, Mark Mentzer, Andrew Moran, Stacie Ostrander, Quez Patterson, Julia Roles, Andrea Soria, Anthony Stanley

Juniors: Jessie Butts, Maggie Causey, Mike Walker, Tori Williams, Hanna Wright

Sophomores: Amanda Bohn, Daniel Burnham, John Hesse, Jake Justice, Brianna Livingston, Mikaela Ostrander, David Reed, Dewayne Rivers, Sean Robb, Amanda Stukins, J.T. Talley, Priscilla Washburn, Kalip Wiley

Freshmen: Antonio Canada, Abby Dobrinick, Chrissy Harmon, Jordan Hoff, Maya Houston, A.J. Madison, Dale Ostrander, Jesse Sargeant, Connor See

Combo

Kyle Bendsen, piano; Travis Blancett, bass; Robert Danbury, trumpet; Aaron Likes, saxophone; Andy Pieske, trombone; Zach Smith, drums; Katie Wood, trumpet

Tech crew

Christina Grimm, Jeremiah Harper, Whitney Lill, Kelsey Nihiser, Dustin Smith, Trisha Weiger.