Featuring young, musical talent and homemade desserts in a cozy, intimate atmosphere, Centreville High presents its 10th annual Choral Cabaret.

Show time is Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., in the school cafeteria. Tickets are $10 at the door and cover the entertainment and refreshments.

“About 22 students will be performing,” said Choral Director Lynne Babcock. “They auditioned with the song they’ll sing for the Cabaret. There’s a variety of music; students choose pop, jazz, country, R&B, theatrical or rap songs.”

The students will perform solo or as part of duos or trios. And each song will be accompanied by either live or recorded music.

“The kids are so talented and they get to do their own thing and be showcased as individual singers, instead of as part of a large group,” said Babcock. “And this gives them the chance to do the styles of music they like best.”

The desserts are donated by the parents and served by the students, and Babcock said the evening is always fun with a special ambience. “We completely transform the cafeteria into a cabaret setting with decorations,” she said.

There’ll also be door prizes, as well as a raffle for gift certificates and merchandise from local businesses. And, said Babcock, “The parent committee works very hard to make that happen.” Raffle tickets are $1. The raffle will feature about 25 prizes ranging from $10-$20 each; and at the end of the night, there’ll be a 50/50 raffle.

In addition, Cabaret attendees may bid on an assortment of items in some 30, themed gift baskets available in a silent auction. Each choir assembles one or two baskets and the others are contributed by businesses and families.

For example, the Symphonic Choir is donating “Death by Chocolate” (chocolate treats) and “Color My World” (art supplies) baskets, and the Women’s Ensemble created a “Valentine’s Day” basket. Members of the Men’s Ensemble are contributing a “Day at the Beach” basket (featuring items needed for a day of surf and sand), and the Concert Choir created “Cinemaniac” (movie-themed) and “Sound Bytes” (music-themed) baskets.

Bella Voce is donating a “Girls’ Night In” (things for a cozy night at home with friends) basket, plus “Bella Bakery” (filled with baking supplies and accessories). Also up for bid will be several restaurant baskets, plus wine-and-beer baskets.

The event is a fundraiser for Centreville’s choral program. The money raised pays for items including sound equipment, extra music, senior scholarships, a choreographer and fees for competitions. Babcock and then

Choral Booster President Susan Rigby founded the Choral Cabaret a decade ago, and it’s grown in popularity ever since.

“It’s fun and entertaining, and I hope the entire CVHS community comes out to see it,” said Babcock. “There’s lots of talent in this department, and this event gives us an opportunity to show off our choir kids in a whole, different setting.”