Norwich — Norwich public school teachers, staff, administrators and Board of Education members are ready to take a break from a contentious budget season and hit the stage for the third annual Norwich Public Schools Follies fundraiser talent show Friday at the Kelly Middle School auditorium.

The event, a fundraiser for the Norwich Education Foundation, will be held at 6:30 pm. Friday at the Jacqueline Owens Auditorium.

Organizer and Board of Education member Joyce Werden said the Staff Follies allows students, families, the public and even city officials to see Norwich school teachers and staff in a more personal setting.

The event also gives exposure to the education foundation, which provides grants to teachers for classroom supplies and special programs.

This year's event features a celebrity emcee, John Banker, retired instrumental music director at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London and former touring musician for Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini and Mel Torme.

He now performs regularly at the Griswold Inn in Essex.

Tickets for the Staff Follies are $5 in advance for adults 15 and older, $10 at the door. Children 14 and under admitted free.

Tickets are available at Norwich public schools and at the Rose City Senior Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a 50-50 raffle.