CORBIN — By Jeff Noble / Staff writer

Last year, master impressionist Dave Ehlert came to Corbin as the legendary American author and humorist, Mark Twain.

He’ll be back next Thursday to again help out the Friends of the Library during a dinner and show at the Corbin Center. But this year, Ehlert plans to bring some friends along, in the form of some of the world’s most popular singers and entertainers.

The program is called, “Music Americana,” and Ehlert’s plans to entertain and bring memories to those attending include the people and music that defined the history of pop music in America. Best known for his shows in Branson, Mo. that have played there for 16 seasons, Ehlert will bring back Elvis Presley in the Corbin performance, as well as other popular performers like Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash and Rod Stewart.

The fundraiser for the Corbin Public Library group “Friends of the Library” takes the spotlight next Thursday, May 10 at the Corbin Technology Center, located off the Cumberland Falls Highway. It kicks off at 6 p.m. with a full-course dinner, followed by Ehlert’s show.

Tickets are $30 each, which covers the dinner and show. Catered by David’s Restaurant, the dinner will feature a salad, choice of entree, drink and dessert. Members of Friends of the Library get a 20-percent discount when they buy a ticket. Tickets are available from library friends Rob Miller, Diane Mitchell, Ed or Sam Tye, Robert or Karen Nies, Anne Hoskins, Cecelia Brock, Charlotte Vaughn, Linda Barnett and Trula Martin. They can also be purchased at the Corbin Public Library during regular business hours.

Friends of the Library President Rob Miller said Wednesday the dinner and performance of the great pop entertainers by Ehlert should be a hip-shaking, tune-humming good time for all.

“There’s Elvis or course, and Ehlert will bring an assortment of those people who defined pop music and entertained generations of Americans. I’m sure a lot of people will be talking about the show the day after, just like they did last year when Ehlert did his impression of Mark Twain,” noted Miller.

One of Mark Twain’s favorite quotes was, “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.”

Miller told The Times-Tribune that Ehlert’s portraying of Twain in April of last year gave those attending something to remember.

“It was terrific. He actually studied with actor Hal Holbrook (who played the author on Broadway and TV in the one-man show, “Mark Twain Tonight” for over 50 years), and learned a lot of Twain’s actions and mannerisms.”

“I remember the show last year. And my husband and I went out to eat with Mr. Ehlert last year. He was very interesting to talk to. He talked about one of the latest books about Mark Twain and was fascinated by it,” said Diane Mitchell, another Friend of the Library during a phone interview Wednesday.

Both Mitchell and Miller agreed Ehlert’s show and his repeat performance to Corbin next week will help raise money for projects and services that not only serve the Corbin Library, but also to expand the library’s reach to the people who utilize their services.

“With the money raised from the Mark Twain dinner and show, we bought a bicycle rack to use for parking at the library, and chair covers for the chairs in the library’s Community Room. Because of paying license fees to show movies, this year we’ll be able to show more recent and classic movies after their theatrical release to the public. And we were able to bring a Kentucky Chautauqua Series program last year which featured an actor portraying former President Abraham Lincoln. We want not only to raise money for the library, but we also want to be an extension of the community,” Miller stated.

You can find out more information on the Corbin Public Library’s programs, or about Friends of the Library, by calling (606) 528-6366.

Future plans and programs for the Friends of the Library are to sponsor a performance by a classical guitarist next month, as well as to show the newly-licensed movies to a larger audience. They’re also planning another Kentucky Chautauqua program.

“And it’s an important part of Corbin, too. We have agreed to get the gentleman with the Chautauqua series who portrays Colonel Harland Sanders to appear. We just need the ‘Friends of Colonel Sanders’ group to agree to it,” said Miller.