It was a close quarters performance from Johnny Dietrich and the Sharpe Sisters at the Herman Prior Centre in Portage la Prairie last night.

"The small intimate shows are really fun to play because people sit down and actually listen to you," laughs Dietrich. "...And when you can hear a pin drop it is almost scary, but it's a real nice change because you know the people are really listening to your music."

They played for about 200 people who all listened closely to the artists on stage. The Sharpe Sisters both agreed the intimate performances are always a lot more special.

"People come here to just listen to us, not like in a bar setting where they're there to party and visit with their friends, and the music is just a background thing," says Kath Bryce. "This is great because of that and we love doing it."

Johnny Dietrich, Colleen Bryce, and Kathy Bryce singing on stage Feb. 12, 2017. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

Colleen Bryce says it was a good time to catch up with family and friends, and people they haven't seen for a long time. "It's actually quite surprising the following we do have here in Portage la Prairie," she adds. "It's quite nice."

Bass player Ken Wettlaufer's been playing with Dietrich for about five years now. He's enjoyed his time so far and jokes about their frontman's perfectionism.

"John's a real stickler for sound, being a perfectionist," he jokes. "That's the one thing we all love most about him he cares how the show sounds. It's really awesome to be playing with him."

Bass player Ken Wettlaufer and Johnny Dietrich on stage Feb. 12, 2017. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

The Herman Prior Centre has some wonderful events coming up in the future. Joanne Voesenek, First Vice President for the Herman Prior Centre, says they have an Irish Stew Supper coming up on St. Patrick's day March 17th. The Spring Art Show and Supper on April 23rd. June 30th sees the Herman Prior Centre hosting Ray St. Germain at the Canad Inns for Canada's 150th birthday.

Tickets are $20, contact the Herman Prior Centre for yours.