JAM NIGHT at the Beer Shop (every 2nd Thursday)
Thursday December 12 and Thursday December 26
6:30 p.m.
Firehall Brewery, 6077 Main Street (lower level),
Oliver BC
All are welcome to join the jams, taking turns leading songs, no spotlight, just basement bunker beats and brewed treats by the pint. Cheers to live music, made in the moment!

Funky Moustache Dance Party!
Saturday November 30
Firehall Brewery
6077 Main Street, Oliver (lower level)
7 PM – 11:59 PM
Entry by donation (suggested $10-15).

Find a moustache and groove on down to the Firehall Brewery on Saturday, November 30 to take it for a spin! Whether you’ve been growing it all month for Movember Canada, you’ve scored a hot date who’s sporting one, or you stick on a dollar-store lookalike… wax it up, pull on your funkiest outfit, and shine up your dancing shoes for a night with DJ MasterBlaster. DJ Cole and DJ Darcy will be shaking up the house all night, and we’ll soon announce more fun activities we’ll funkify the night with.

Desert Sage Spinners & Weavers invite you to
A Handmade Christmas
lovely handmade items for sale
Saturday November 30
10 am -3 pm
Leir House 220 Manor Park Dr., Penticton
Free Admission

It’s Country Christmas time for all you Rebel Luv fans!
Country Christmas
~dinner & dance~
~ featuring Rebel Luv, with the Cliff MacIntyre Band, Greg Melanson and special guest stars
Saturday December 14
5:30 Doors open
6:00 Dinner
6:30 – 9:30 Dance
Medici’s Gelateria & Coffee House
522 Fairview Rd, Oliver, BC

TICKETS AT MEDICIS!!
$30 with Dinner
$20 Dance only

Join us for an amazing evening of Christmas down home connections complete with a sit down lovely roast beef dinner and trimmings. (Vegan choices available by request.) Sing-alongs, Christmas memories, stories and dancing!
You’ll go home filled with the Christmas spirit and some memories to treasure! GET YOUR TICKETS FAST!
Rebel Luv, The Cliff MacIntyre Band, Greg Melanson and special guest stars!!! Nostalgic like those Bing Crosby Christmas specials

Oliver Eats has everything you need for Christmas. Artisans, crafters, deli and yummy delicacies to consume or gift.

Oliver Eats Ltd hosts
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Sunday, December 22, 2019
10 AM – 2 PM
Oliver Eats Ltd. 6060 Station Street, Oliver
Traditional Christmas market with local makers/artisan outdoor market, music, Black Sage Butcher, BarBQ and deli service.

Please join us for some lunch, shopping and entertainment.

That this gallery is so wonderful?

The Okanagan Art Gallery celebrates
“SMALL WONDERS”.
~ small art show + sale ~
~ First Friday monthly reception~
Friday December 6
Okanagan Art Gallery
#5 8302 Main Street, Osoyoos
Reception: 5 pm to 7 pm.
oils, acrylics, lithography, photography, fibre art
Featuring Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery
www.okanaganartgallery.ca 604 308-3995

The Okanagan Art Gallery hosts a “small art” show and sale at its First Friday monthly reception, “SMALL WONDERS”. Many mini works on sale, on budget for your Christmas shopping and to brighten smaller spaces in your home.

The show opens Friday December 6th at the Okanagan Art Gallery #5 8302 Main Street, Osoyoos BCn with a reception from 5pm to 7pm. Come meet the artists! According to gallery advertising director, Diane Carter the show will feature the full roster of professional artists represented by the gallery including oil and acrylic artists, lithography specialists, photographers and fiber artists.

This December’s Alive after Five First Friday will feature wine presented by Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery. What better way to start your Christmas shopping than with wine and gifts everyone will love to own.

Musical melodies can definitely take us places! A particular carol might remind us of the moment when, as a child, we would lie under the Christmas tree, looking up through the branches, watching the lights twinkle. Or maybe we’re reminded of that moment when we walked into a cold dimly lit cathedral while on a holiday in Europe, where a choir was rehearsing, filling the air with carols in preparation for their evening service. Or maybe we’re reminded of a family gathering, with music playing gently in the background. Musaic Vocal Ensemble will give you the opportunity to be ‘taken places’ through their music in two upcoming concerts.

Musaic is excited to sing beautiful Winter and Christmas selections from the swing and celebration of ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’ to the beauty and intensity of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Cherubic Hymn,’ and the traditional ‘We Saw Three Ships’. They are also excited to share the stage with some very talented guest musicians: pianist Dennis Nordlund, cellist Holly McCallum, and harpist Debi Johnson.

A special feature will be a five song set for choir, piano, and cello by Canadian composer Sarah Quartel, entitled A Winter Day. The text of each piece recounts a different part of a Canadian winter day – from cold early morning dawn, through to the setting of the sun at the end of the day, but certainly not forgetting a bit of crazy tobogganing down a snowy hill part way through the day.

Musaic Vocal Ensemble presents
Christmas Memories
Friday, December 13
7:30 PM (Doors open at 7 p.m.)
Penticton United Church
696 Main Street, Penticton
Saturday, December 14
2:30 PM (Doors open at 2 p.m.)
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
15244 North Victoria Rd, Summerland
$15 Adults $5 Students.
Tickets are available from Dragon’s Den (Penticton), Artisans of the Okanagan (Summerland), from choir members, or at the door.
Join us for a concert of beautiful Christmas choral music with Musaic Vocal Ensemble, Frances Chiasson (music director), Dennis Nordlund (piano), Holly McCallum (cello), and Debi Johnson (harp).

For more information about these concerts or to find out where to purchase tickets in advance, go to www.musaicvocalensemble.ca

SOAP Theatre’s Christmas production, Bob’s Your Elf, by Canadian playwright Norm Foster, brings both new and familiar talent from Oliver and Osoyoos to the Venables stage starting November 29.

Norm Foster, an Officer of the Order of Canada, is considered Canada’s most produced playwright. An extremely prolific writer, Foster has had more than fifty plays produced on professional stages. Other well-known plays of his that have been produced by SOAP in the past include The Melville Boys, The Long Weekend and Old Love. Frequently compared to American playwright Neil Simon, Foster pens plays that are known for their humour, accessibility, and insight into the everyday tribulations of life.

Seasoned director, Denny Kaulback (pictured) is piloting his first production since moving to Oliver from Revelstoke two years ago.  He tells us that “In today’s social climate, with division and discord coming from all directions, it is theatre’s role to provide essential relief from tension and to support the ideal of tolerance and acceptance.  This is Bob’s lesson. Bob is a stubborn elf, set in his ways, who is sent by Santa to learn co-operation, team spirit, and how a group of individuals can accomplish great things if they all pull together.” Denny is ably assisted by Assistant Director, Lyn Kaulback, whom some will remembered from her roll in SOAP’s 2018 production of Old Love, also by Norm Foster.

New actor, Joe Rupcich, takes on the role of Bob, the ornery elf who is ‘bumming out’ the rest of the North Pole crew. What can Santa (Bertie Barens) do to teach Bob a lesson about compassion and cooperation? How about exile in the small Canadian town of Thithleville to help a less-than-competent group of thespians stage their Christmas play that needs some serious work? Bob soon finds himself among a strange assortment of defective, home-town characters, starting with an officious stage manager, Les Banter (Connie Mythen) and an exasperated show director, Gordon Ford (Nathan Linders). Add in a couple of Thithleville actors with their own baggage, Fiona Putzle (Donna Macbeth) and Amber Faircastle (Chelsea Cameron-Horner), and we get a perfect teaching opportunity for Bob!

Can Bob save the Thithleville Thespians from pending theatrical disaster? Can he learn his lesson about cooperation and compassion? ​There will be laughs, silliness, confusion and some tender moments before we know the answers in time for Santa’s big night.

Bob and the crew are supported by the SOAP Bubbles, a children’s Christmas choir put together by Nathan Linders specially for this performance! “It is a great joy to see youngsters come out for theatre; and maybe, just maybe, we will see some of them in future plays,” observes Director Kaulback.

“It takes a great deal of talent, hard work and commitment to bring a theater play to production,” adds recent SOAP recruit and show producer, Clem Jones. “I am proud to present this Christmas production and I would like to thank our cast and crew, along with all our sponsors and volunteers and the business folks who allowed us to place our posters in their business windows.”

Bob’s Your Elf plays five performances at the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm from November 29 through December 7, plus a 2:00 pm matinee on Sunday, December 1.  Reserved seating tickets are available online at www.venablestheatre.ca, at the Ticket Office (6100 Gala Street) or by phone (250-498-1626). Some tickets are also available at Your Dollar Store With More in Osoyoos. Buy tickets early for best seat selection and for discounts off the regular, day-of-show prices.

We look forward to seeing you all at this whacky family comedy! Merry Christmas!

by Jan Nelson

Amazing technique, dazzling arrangements and a hilarious, if not subtly passive-aggressive, curated introduction to each piece underscored the Bergmann Duo’s brilliant dual piano performance at the Frank Venables Theatre on November 15, 2019.

Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann of the Bergmann Duo last visited Oliver in 2013. The new Frank Venables Theatre was still under construction and the Southern Okanagan Concert Society hosted the Duo at the Alliance Church. They have performed at concert halls across the North America and Europe and have graced the stages of Oliver twice. Although their home base in White Rock makes it easier for the Bergmann Duo to visit us, I am sure the audience’s reception of the performance made it a worthwhile trip over the mountains to visit our beautiful town.

She is from Medicine Hat, Alberta. He is from Munich, Germany. They both studied together at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, Germany, and the Universite de Montreal, and rather than become competitors they decided to perform together. Elizabeth and Marcel’s partnership works on a variety of levels; they are both musically gifted, they love the same music, he is a composer and arranger who arranges much of their repertoire, she enjoys playing his arrangements, and they can spend countless hours practicing, travelling and performing together and still enjoy sharing the same stage!

Marcel is a wonderful arranger. If the Bergmann Duo wants to play a piece that is not available in a two piano arrangement, Marcel writes his own. The programme featured arrangements of pieces by JS Bach, Gershwin, Tango pieces from Piazzolla and a flamenco piece by Chick Corea, and they were all fabulously executed. The way Elizabeth and Marcel introduced each piece was especially insightful – the historical context of Debussy’s ‘En blanc et noir’, a piece written during the First World War featuring themes from French and German musical styles and scenes of war, could be clearly heard in the performance. The tango and flamenco themes introduced in the second half were perfectly placed in context, which heightened the audience’s enjoyment of the arrangement. The programme’s variation (some ‘quirky’, some ‘comedic’, some ‘heavy but not too heavy’) exposed the audience to wide assortment of styles, genres and pieces, and judging by the audience’s two standing ovations, the selections were perfect.

Elizabeth and Marcel’s chemistry on stage made a winning combination. The friendly banter between pieces shows the playfulness and comfort they enjoy as performers. While performing, their communication was punctuated by smiles, glance and even the odd raised eyebrow. It kept them in perfect synch throughout the whole performance.

I am soon entering my fifth decade of enjoying Southern Okanagan Concert Series’ concerts (gulp), and I am amazed the series continues with as much energy and support as it had back when I was five. I appreciate the performances in a different way now, and I am thankful to my parents for bringing me to many concerts during my childhood. I was particularly happy to see some younger audience members enjoying the performance (tickets for children are almost free!), and I hope this concert helped inspire them with their lifelong connection with music.

The Southern Okanagan Concert Society would like to thank their generous local sponsors for the 2019-2020 season. The next concert is Lizzy Hoyt, one of Canada’s premier Celtic-folk performers, on January 29, 2020. If you are looking to share a great experience with your loved ones in the New Year, this concert would make an excellent Christmas present for young and old ones alike. Tickets are available online or at the Venables Theatre.

The Holly Jolly Oliver! concert will light up smiles on Sunday November 24. Local choirs, dancers, and musicians celebrate winter festivals and fun. The family-friendly event begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Venables Theatre. Admission is by cash donation, with proceeds going to the Oliver Food Bank.  In addition, the event is a drop-off for food bank goods.

The Oliver Elementary Handbell Choir creates a winter mood in the Venables atrium, filling the space with sparkling tones. Jazz vocalist Bianca Berkland will entertain on piano during intermission. 

New performers join Holly Jolly this year. Soul Funktion Dance Studio and Sparkle Dance Academy also strut their stuff. Expect a little bit of bhangra dance in the mix! The rafters will echo with the deep tones from the Okanagan Christian Men’s Chorus, including a Caribbean carol and some hillbilly gospel. Songstress Aimee Grice takes the stage with some heartfelt ballads. A duet from Pl@ss performs a “Snow” dance, with a surprise for the audience thrown in.

SOAP Theatre offers a sneak peek of “Bob’s Your Elf”, their upcoming Christmas comedy by Canadian Norm Foster. Part “Grinch”, part “Elf”, Bob gets an assignment from Santa to help him mend his grouchy ways.  

Back by popular demand is country rock duo Rebel Luv. Tiny Toes from The Dance Studio of Oliver will delight anyone with a soft spot for pre-schoolers dancing.  Gifted siblings Kelan and Laura Harty return to the piano, with an eclectic mix of tunes. JoAnn Turner performs a humorous reading (you try counting all the birds!).  Holly Jolly wouldn’t be complete with Lori Martine conducting her two talented choirs. The Sage Valley Voices and OES Chorus open and close the concert

Everything wraps up with a rousing audience singalong of “Holly Jolly”. Children will receive goodie bags as they leave.  

Holly Jolly Oliver! is produced and presented by the Oliver Community Arts Council. Grand piano courtesy of the South Okanagan Concert Society and Marley dance flooring courtesy of the Oliver Community Theatre Society.

Bob’s Your Elf is the perfect family comedy for the holiday season.

You will recognize The Christmas Carol, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, The Night Before Christmas and even the Nativity as the small-town Thithleville Thespians make an attempt to put on a Christmas play that needs some serious work.

In comes Bob, a real live Elf sent by Santa to save the day. Unfortunately, Bob is one miserable and incompetent Elf who first needs to learn a lesson or two about the Christmas spirit.

“You’re bringin’ us down Bob. You’re bummin’ us out…and that’s why I’m sending you away,” said Santa.

Bob the Elf is banished from the North Pole for his bad attitude. Santa sends him to help with a small-town Christmas pageant, where he meets a group of bumbling actors trying to put on Christmas show. Of course, undecided on a theme, they combine the Nativity, A Christmas Carol, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Night Before Christmas into one show. This a hilarious family comedy filled with holiday spirit.

​There will be laughs, silliness, confusion and some tender moments before you know the answers in time for Santa’s big night.

A play full of laughs and just in time for Christmas. Suitable for all ages.​ See our special pricing for children to attend this show.

Written by Norm Foster, Directed by Denny Kaulback

Friday November 29 and Saturday November at 7:00 pm
Sunday Matinee December 1 at 2:00 pm
​Friday December 6 and Saturday December 7 at 7:00 pm

TICKETS
Single Show Ticket Prices
Adults Day-of-the-Show $25/person
Adults in Advance $23/person
Group of 10 or more Adults $19/person (use promo code GROUP)
Students Day-of-the-Show $15/person
Students in Advance $13/person
Children 12 and under $10/person (Special price – this show only!)

Just in time for Christmas, DuffleBag Theatre returns to Oliver Friday December 13 with A Christmas Carol. DuffleBag creates theatrical magic by inviting audience members on stage as stars of the show in this timeless classic.

Penny-pinching miser Ebenezer Scrooge is well known across Victorian London for being far more interested in making money than friends. Above all else, he hates Christmas time and its spirit of giving. On one particular Christmas Eve, several spirits give Ebenezer the surprise of his life, as they whisk him off on a magical journey through past, present and future, to show him the true meaning of the season. From Fezziwig to Tiny Tim, all the favorites are included in DuffleBag Theatre’s exuberant version of the Charles Dickens Yuletide classic!

A Christmas Carol is part of Venables Theatre’s Family ShowTime Series which includes Samajam – Rythmo 2 on Friday January 24th, Will’s Jams, (from CBC Kids) on Friday February 21st and Uzume Taiko on Saturday April 18th.

Family ShowTime is presented by Venables Theatre with the support of the Community Presenters Assistance program (of the BC Arts Council and BC Touring Council) as well as The Coast Oliver Hotel.

A Christmas Carol will delight our audience members on Friday December 13th at 6:30 at Venables Theatre, (6100 Gala Street in Oliver). Tickets are $12.50 or purchase tickets to all four shows for only $40! For more information visit www.venablestheatre.ca

Almost sold out! Grab your tix before they are gone, gone gone!
Eagle Eyes Tribute Band
Friday November 22
7:30 p.m.
Venables Theatre, 6100 Gala Street
​TICKETS- $43

Eagle Eyes is considered one of North America’s greatest Eagles tribute bands. Eagle Eyes has taken great care and dedication in recreating the harmonies and capturing the magical harmonies that The Eagles are renowned for.

From Vancouver Island, the four members of Eagle Eyes have over 120 years of combined experience as professional touring musicians, honing their musical and vocal skills.

Crossing over from classic rock to country rock with an extensive repertoire of Eagles hits, Eagle Eyes is a must see for Eagles fans!

Eagle Eyes Tickets