An ash-accelerated breakup might have melted snow sooner, but in a world turned topsy-turvy by Mount Redoubt, one thing remains stable. If it's late April, it must be time for Jubilee.

The Homer Council on the Arts' annual youth variety show is back this week with almost 20 acts. Jubilee is at 7 p.m. Friday at the Mariner Theatre. Tickets are $15 general admission, $8 youth age 18 and under and $10 for HCOA members and on sale at HCOA, Etude Studio and the Homer Bookstore.

"For over 20 years, this performance has served the community as both a joyful spring event and an educational opportunity for our kids," said HCOA board president Diane Borgman, who also serves as Jubilee's artistic director.

For performing artists in first through 12th grade, every potential performer has to audition to be accepted. Acts have to be performance ready -- and can't rely on past laurels, said Jubilee stage manager Cherish McCallum.

Jubilee judges look for polished performances, but also seek family-appropriate acts in a variety of genres. That mix of everything from solo musical pieces to dance and theater is part of Jubilee's strength.

"That's what makes it fun," Borgman said. "It keeps bringing people back because they never know what they're going to see."

New this year is Jubilee's first-ever African marimba youth ensemble, "Rufaro."

"They're just cute and they're good," Borgman said.

Another unusual act is a comedy skit loosely based on Lily Tomlin's "Ernestine the telephone operator" routine.

"They just keep surprising me," Borgman said of the variety of acts and level of talent. "Every year there are one or two 'wows.'"

Jubilee raises money for and supports HCOA youth scholarship program -- another opportunity for young artists to develop their craft.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michaelarmstrong.@homernews.com.