The Meaford Hall centenary weekend kicked off with two free variety nights on Thursday and Friday in the opera house that showcased local talent.

The shows were produced by Meaford Councillor Harley Greenfield and featured a large number of musical performances spanning genres from jazz to country as well as dramatic presentations.

"Like every one of you, I have my own special memories on this stage," said emcee and General Manager of Bayshore Broadcasting Ross Kentner at the beginning of Thursday's show. "Meaford has so much talent so it's only fitting that we start the centenary celebration with two free concerts showcasing these local performers."

Kentner read scripts from his daily radio segment, The Georgian Bay Explorer in between acts to give the audience some background information on the building's history, touching on the celebration that surrounded the laying of the corner stone on Nelson St. and some past performances in the opera house.

Thursday night started and ended with Thornbury's Harmony North Chorus: Sweet Adelines who sang a cappella versions of classics by artists that included Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and the Beatles, exciting the audience with their passion for performing.

Later on in the program, Fran Baumann seemed ecstatic to be onstage at Meaford Hall again playing a number of jazz standards with her partner, Jay Stiles.

"I haven't been on this stage since I was 16 as a dancer in Oklahoma," she said. "It's great to be back."

Thursday night also included performances by Scott Almond and Alan Johnson, who delighted the crowd with his town anthem Meet Me in Meaford. Greg Brown hosted the second half of the show delivering humourous monologues as a fictional Express reporter in the early 20th century chronicling the fire that destroyed the original town hall and the construction of Meaford Hall.

Friday night included additional performances by the Goldenaires, Tracy McNally and many more.

Both shows also featured an original skit written by Harley Greenfield and performed by the Harley Greenfield Troupe that incorporated loads of local humour.

With the first show drawing a significant crowd and the second selling out, Meaford Hall Variety nights where a smash success giving the community not only the opportunity to enjoy homegrown talent but also to see friends and co-workers in different light.