By David Rogers. August 20, 2011. BLOWING ROCK -- From Elvis to Cyndi Lauper, from Madonna to Piotr Tchaikovsky, by all accounts Groovy Nights III was a resounding success this week, with three standing room only shows at the Blowing Rock Country Club.

Some of the acts were risque, others slapstick, a few "naughty", but it was all in great fun as part of the Blowing Rock Community Foundation's primary fundraising week.  According to Foundation president Sandy Miller, the events that comprise Groovy Nights and Community Service Day (Aug. 20, with golf and tennis tournaments) will earn a net of between $100,000 and $150,000.  It was announced at the Community Service Day dinner on Saturday night, however, that Groovy Nights III netted a preliminary estimate of almost $20,000.

"It was the best one ever," commented Blowing Rock's John Aldridge when Blowing Rock News caught up with him on the golf course on Saturday morning. "Just outstanding."

"We have a lot of people to thank," said Joanie Shirley, chair of this year's Groovy Nights III. "First and foremost we need to thank the performers, who put their time, talent and resources on the line in benefit of the Foundation and for the entertainment of our audiences.  And of course we have to thank the Blowing Rock Country Club. Much of the facilities and staffing are donated for this event by the Country Club and its members, and we are truly appreciative of those generous contributions."

While the "net" to the Community Foundation was the primary focus of the three-evening performances event, there were other firsts recorded by Groovy Nights III, said Community Service Day chairman for 2011, Tom Alexander. "Every night was sold out, the biggest crowds ever.  It's hard to say that this will be the last year for Groovy Nights with that kind of performance at the box office.  More important, I didn't see anybody leaving the building with a frown on their face. It looked like everyone had a good time."

Thanks to our special correspondent and freelance photographer, Lonnie Webster, Blowing Rock News is pleased to share four slideshows of captured images from the evening, randomly shown.

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