About Us

Entertainment Explosion (EE) is exactly what its name implies…a talented group of senior performers, ages 55-85, providing an explosion of entertainment in a variety of venues for audiences of all ages.

EE was founded on February 14, 2006, and we've been singing and dancing and making audiences laugh ever since. We were founded on the principles of:

• Offering members the pleasures of rehearsing and performing in friendly, supportive settings.
• Presenting quality, live productions for shut-ins, special purposes, fundraisers and community recognition.
• Promoting the performing arts through music, dance and comedy.
• Contributing to worthy causes through gratis shows, cost reimbursement, paid performances and fundraisers.

Since our first year of existence we have performed for a variety of audiences in retirement homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and in fundraisers, private shows, community events, and stage productions. Our “groupies” have followed us to the Puyallup Fair, Thurston County Fair, Capital Lakefair, Panorama, Patriots Landing, Jubilee, Lacey Farmers Market, Tumwater Farmers Market, and the Olympia Farmers Market on many occasions. EE is EvErywhere!

In October 2006 the membership gathered and heard a presentation concerning EE putting on a show at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The idea was to allow all of our members the opportunity to perform LIVE on the big stage. Everyone was enthusiastic, but we didn't yet have a name for the event, or a cause to donate any monies we raised.

The following Sunday a feature article appeared in The Olympian that brought our attention to the plight of homeless children in the Thurston and Mason County areas. Like a light bulb going off over our heads, that revelation sparked a creative flash, and the “A Really Big Shoe” concert series was born. The title came first from the famous weekly line by Ed Sullivan. But it also referred to these kids needing shoes, clothes, school supplies, and so many other necessities of life.

For five years now our goal has been to make sure every dollar raised - from ticket sales, sponsors, and donations - goes to help these kids One Child At a Time!. So we formed partnerships with the eight local school districts and their homeless and needy student funds - in Olympia, Tumwater, North Thurston, Shelton, Yelm, Tenino, Rainier, and Rochester - and also with Community Youth Services.

Following the completion of Big Shoe Five in February 2011, the total proceeds distributed to the kids so far has surpassed $100,000! And A Really Big Shoe Six is now set for February 26, 2012. It will be followed for the first time by a series of Road Shoes as the full cast of entertainers trek to the outlying school districts to try and raise even more donations.

In the summer of 2010 EE took on another task - resurrecting the Living Legends of Thurston County event originally started in 2001 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thurston County. Held at the downtown Olympia Senior Center, the event sold out all 300 tickets and raised $3,500 for the Senior STARS Program providing senior daycare so their providers can have a respite. The next event is set for August 13, 2011, as we honor the 24th, 25th, and 26th Living Legends.

We have stayed true to our Mission Statement while having a great time entertaining thousands and thousands of people the last five years. If you would like to hire EE for your event, give our Event Coordinator a call at 1-360-357-4001. And if you're 55+ and interested in membership, please e-mail us at: enterexplo@aol.com. We can always use more singers, dancers, comedians, and folks who like to work behind the scenes.

Letter from Governor Christine Gregoire, 2011

Letter from Andrew Lloyd Webber, 2010