ARTISTS UNITE TO AID VICTIMS OF HURRICANE PERFORMANCES SET ON TWO NIGHTS.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER - Hurricanes don't touch the Antelope Valley, but there will be a whirlwind of activity blowing through the valley this week as local entertainers and a moving company organize Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

More than 50 performers have volunteered for shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Lancaster High School, 44701 32nd St. W.

Tickets are $10 per person, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.

Scheduled to appear are the Antelope Valley Children's Choir, the Antelope Valley, Highland, Littlerock and Palmdale high school choirs; It's Only Tuesday Productions' ``Broadway Bound'' cast members, under the direction of Michelle Piccirilo; cast members of Desert Opera Theatre's ``Oklahoma''; Antelope Valley Performing Arts Center; Extensions Dance Studio; the Quartz Hill High School jazz band; Singsations, the Pinecrest School choir; and soloists Greg Ferret, Lisa Pittmon and Christa Price.

Miss Antelope Valley Erin Swetland is scheduled to be mistress of ceremonies.

Under the name Antelope Valley Talent United, the show was organized by Wayne Berry of It's Only Tuesday Productions, a local theater company, and Antelope Valley Children's Choir director Nancy Schuette.

``I've put together a lot of shows, but it's quite a challenge to put on a show in five days,'' said Berry. ``I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun for all.''

``We're delighted to be part of such display of local talent, all working to raise funds for such an important cause,'' added Schuette, director of the Littlerock High choir.

Exactly who will perform which day is still being worked out, Berry said. Appearances by some performers may be subject to change.

Guests of honor both nights will be members of families who recently escaped the wrath of Katrina and made their way to be with loved ones in the Antelope Valley.

Antelope Valley Children's Choir mothers will be offering dessert selections during intermission each night, with all proceeds also going to the Red Cross.

Tickets will be available only at the door.

For details, call the Antelope Valley Children's Choir hotline at [phone].

In addition, the moving firm Farley Brothers, Allied Van Lines agents in Lancaster, will be collecting donated items starting Monday.

Items can be dropped off at the moving company's office at 334 E. Ave. K-4 from 9 to 4 p.m. Monday until Sept. 23. Items must be new and nonperishable. The company will haul the goods to shelters in Baton Rouge and Slidell, La.

The company will take canned food, bottled water, Gatorade or Powerade, canned juices and staples such as salt, pepper and sugar.

Also wanted are baby formula, baby food, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, baby wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, feminine products, deodorant, shampoo, cream rinse, garbage bags, disinfectant, spray cleaners, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pet food, and children's toys and books.

Cash donations are welcome, and items purchased will be sent with the truck. For more information, call the company at [phone].