Hurley's Silver Express to offer annual 'Spectacular'

HURLEY - In 1985, the Hurley High School music program tuned up a new idea, and 30 years later Silver Express is still going strong and full speed ahead, according to director Ryckie Holm.

This year's show is set for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. at the Hurley K-12 School auditorium.

Every year students audition to be part of the select small group which puts on an annual show in the spring. The band -including vocals, guitars, keyboards, drums and other instruments - rehearses twice a week after school.

"Auditions are kind of a big deal. It's a small group of kids who want to be there. They have to make the cut," said Holm. "They work hard to put on a good show."

Holm declined to comment about what numbers are on the program for this year's "Spectacular."

"We keep the set list to ourselves. It's sort of a surprise," he said. "The genres go from the '50s to super current."

Students' talents will not only be on display on stage, but also backstage, said Holm.

"The show is 'student run,'" he said, pointing out there are students running the lights and sound.

In May, the group will go on it's annual road trip. Holm said he's still planning show dates. "I teach AP calculus and the test is the second week of May, so we'll go after that," he said.

Besides the Mercer School, Holm said he's looking at some schools to perform at in the Copper Country and has already booked a show at the Ontonagon Theatre on May 16.

There will also be a show on May 15 with Luther L. Wright High School's show choir Accent! on May 15 at the Ironwood Theatre.

Holm, a 1990 Hurley graduate, was in Silver Express his junior and senior years.

Tickets are available at the Hurley High School principal's office.