Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Stars, Stripes and Skates brings out the champions

On Saturday, Sept. 26, fans can get a sneak preview of Johnny Weir's new short program at the eighth annual Stars, Stripes and Skates ICEtravaganza.

The show, which honors the memory of September 11 and benefits The Heritage Foundation of 9/11, will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Danbury Ice Arena in Danbury, Conn. For more information, see www.StarsStripesandSkates. To purchase tickets, contact the Danbury Arena at (203) 794-1704.

Former national ice dance competitor Tara Eve Modlin, who is also Weir and Jeremy Abbott's agent, founded the non-profit organization and began the show in 2002. Its aim is to help teach youngsters the value of heroism, volunteering and patriotism.

"It's a beautiful thing Tara's done," said Weir, who first performed in the show in 2003. "It's really impressive that a skating show can last that long these days. I think it's the fact you're bringing something beautiful to remember something so terrible."

The show, headlined by Olympic champion Oksana Baiul, also features 2007 world champion Miki Ando and four-time U.S. ice dance silver medalists Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, reigning Japanese champion Nobunari Oda, U.S. junior ice dance champions Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein, former world junior champion Derrick Delmore and Japanese ice dance champions Cathy Reed and Chris Reed will also take part. The evening will be hosted by Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky and Sirius XM radio personality Frank DeCaro.

Kate Gosselin, star of the hit TLC reality show Jon & Kate Plus 8, will make an appearance. Jill Zarin and LuAnn de Lesseps, cast members from The Real Housewives of New York City, will also be in attendance.

Weir plans to perform his popular exhibition to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" in addition to his new competitive program. The singer's mom, Cynthia, will be on hand to watch the performance.


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