Schmersal, Robinson to play at March Kaleidoscope

RUMFORD -- Two months ago, Hannah Robinson and Robie Schmersal never imagined they would be performing at venues for the public.

The pair will perform at Friday's Kaleidoscope at 49 Franklin, which goes from 7-10 p.m. There is no admission fee, but the fish bowl will be out for donations, and divided among the artists. There will be a cash bar.

Robinson's mother, Marcie Robinson, knew Schmersal played guitar and suggested the two of them get together and tryout for River Valley's Voices in the Valley, a fundraiser for the Cancer Action Network, a sister organization of the American Cancer Society.

Everything came together and the two won the duet category of the competition and went on to win the overall contest. Hannah has sang the National Anthem for school basketball games several times and Robie has been working on his guitar skills and songwriting for quite some time now. In fact, he has over 100 original songs written in a notebook waiting to have a life of their own.

Schmersal and Robinson will perform some of those songs along with some covers by the Beatles, Jeff Buckley and Paper Route, among others. Host Scot Grassette will perform some of his "Goofing Around" stunts including juggling, magic and his locally famous under wear launcher.

The performers will be joined by local visual artists Phoebe Pike, Grace McGivergan, Chris Wing, Kaylee Martin and Liz Murphy, who will be raffling off a personal portrait to be created during the April 5th Kaleidoscope, sign up to will anytime during the evening. Also, they will be joined by the Amazing Food Art of Fred Martineau who will create some extraordinary food masterpieces!