from Marion Boyd, SOCS

The South Okanagan Concert Society is holding its AGM on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 pm at the SOSS Library. All are welcome to attend. We would be very pleased to see anyone interested in helping plan and present concerts for our next season.

The truth is we have lost a number of key people to illness. They have worked to present the concerts over many years and we need new people to come forward to help. We are an efficient group and it is very satisfying work.

Photo: Janet Marcotte, SOCS President, welcomes tenor Ken Lavigne to the new Venables Theatre.  

submitted by Sally Franks

Due to unforeseen circumstances Women of Oliver for Women (WOW) is unable to host the Easter Bridge Social on April 13th.  This event has been cancelled and a bridge afternoon will be held on Sunday, May 4th at the Quail’s Nest  Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street, Oliver. A further notice will be sent out after mid-April.

Pre-registration is required, preferably by responding to bridgesocialnews @ gmail.com by April 10th.

submitted by Sally Franks

Due to unforeseen circumstances Women of Oliver for Women (WOW) is unable to host the Easter Bridge Social on April 13th.  This event has been cancelled and a bridge afternoon will be held on Sunday, May 4th at the Quail’s Nest  Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street, Oliver. A further notice will be sent out after mid-April.

Pre-registration is required, preferably by responding to bridgesocialnews @ gmail.com by April 10th.

submitted by Tiffany Beckedorf

After a very successful One Billion Rising event, V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos is only gaining steam as they get closer to the date of their production at the newly constructed Frank Venables Theatre.  On Friday, April 4^th at 7 pm they will be putting on ‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer’– “A ground breaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. These diverse voices rise up in a collective roar to break open, expose, and examine the insidiousness of violence at all levels: brutality, neglect, a punch, even a put-down.” (Source: http://vspot.vday.org/available_events/MMRP). Tickets for the event are $25, and available at Beyond Bliss (Oliver) and JoJo’s Cafe (Osoyoos) and at the door. Proceeds will benefit Desert Sun Counselling Centre and the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House.

“Last year we staged a production of ‘The Vagina Monologues´ in Osoyoos, and had a sold out show, which we were thrilled about,” says this year’s lead organizer Tiffany Beckedorf.  “One of the great things for me about MMRP is that there are roles for men, and we will have men onstage participating.  Violence against women and girls is something that affects everybody, regardless of gender, race or social status, and that is something that these monologues really address.”

“It is a global problem, which at times, can seem very daunting. I think it is important to take action if you are able to, and raising awareness locally is an effective first step towards ending gender based violence. If you have not been a victim yourself, then you likely know a woman who has been, whether she has shared her experience with you or not. Around violence, we often experience shame, and fear,” affirms co-director Aimee Grice.  “Taking action with campaigns such as V-Day gives men and women alike an opportunity to free themselves, and perhaps, free others as well.”

For those of you who don’t know, V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations, which started on Valentine’s Day 1998 by Eve Ensler, along with a group of women in New York City.  Originally staffed by volunteers, the organization’s seed money came from a star-studded, sold out benefit performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, a show that raised $250,000 in a single evening.

V-Day’s mission is simple. It demands that violence against women and girls must end. To do this, once a year, in February, March, and April, Eve allows groups around the world to produce a performance of the play, as well as other works created by V-Day, and use the proceeds for local individual projects and programs that work to end violence against women and girls, often shelters and rape crisis centers. What began as one event in New York City in 1998 today includes over 5,800 V-Day events annually. (Source: http://www.vday.org/about/why-vday-started#.UyIdyfldXYE).

“Memory, Monologue, Rant, and a Prayer reminds us that although we have taken steps towards addressing the issue of recognizing violence against women and girls, it still exists in places you wouldn’t think of,” said co-director Marji Basso, “This collection of readings will awaken you, move you, offend you, and hopefully, inspire you to become part of a global movement to ending the long battle of violence. Your attendance is an integral step to bringing about change for our younger generation and their collective future.”

There will be a meet and greet with the cast following the show, with a wine reception and light snacks.  For more information please visit the website at www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org.

There is something to do this Friday night!! Medici’s is back with another Friday Live Music night. We’re opening our doors at 7 and closing when you’ve had enough. Join Marcel Morneau, Brian Highley and some other great talent from around the valley and sink into some music.

Can you perform a bit? Bring your instrument, bring the music inside you and come be part of the nights sounds.

We’re hoping, again, some of the very talented folks from SOSS come join in the music. We know they’ve got the music, we want some! We are going to do some open mic stuff…if you’ve got the stuff!!

We are licensed. We have beer, wine, coffees with a kick and our usual great appie platters and sweet treats. Friday March 21st. Doors open at 7:00 PM. 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228. Cover at the door? Nope!

The South Okanagan Concert Society has some downright “yummy” concerts set for their next season, for all you early birds waiting to snap up tickets at reduced prices. From now until April 30, flex passes are on sale at 15% off the regular pass price, and are 25% of the regular single ticket price.

So, what’s up?

On Monday, October 20, 2014, Quartetto Gelato promises sweet refreshment.  Described as “supremely talented, deliciously smart, endlessly creative, refreshingly funny, and totally surprising” this quartet combines violin, cello, accordion, and oboe. With a performance repertoire that spans the globe including classical masterworks, operatic arias, the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and folk songs, the group’s theatrical stage presence and relaxed humor has established an intimate rapport with audiences worldwide.

Gelato’s individual credits are as astounding as their reputation as a quartet. As just one example, locals will remember gasping at world champion accordionist Alexander Sevastian in his solo concert a couple of years ago. He represents just on quarter of this magical foursome. Quartetto Gelato  toured Oliver a number of years ago, to great reviews. Since then, their popularity has sky-rocketed and they are hard to book. Aren’t we lucky to have them? Get a small taste of this deliciously cool treat of a quartet here:  www. quartettogelato.ca

We may be starting the season off with dessert, but for something hot and satisfying, you will certainly “dig” into the Off Ramp Jazz Sextet on Friday, January 23, 2015  This Penticton based group features Aidan Mayes on vocals. If anyone caught the recent Soundstage production of Les Miserables, you will know Mayes stunned the audience with her powerhouse vocals as the tragic heroine Fantine. OffRamp Jazz brings the best of the swing era and everything in between, that will leave you dancing and singing! Their sets have immense variety: Duke Ellington and Count Basie, tasty Latin grooves, a bit of boogie, beautiful ballads, and few small surprises along the way. Aidan Mayes (vocals), Justin Glibbery (piano), Stefan Bienz (bass), Mike Treadway (drums), Larry Crawford and Stan Sabourin (saxes). Visit www.facebook.com/OfframpJazzSextet

As you raise and tinkle your glasses for a toast to this feast of music, perhaps you would like to hear the tinkling of a piano? The grand Steinway piano at Venables Theatre, no less? On Friday, February 20, 2015,  pianist Sara Davis Beuchner performs.  Although “tinkling” is a huge understatement of Beuchner’s supreme mastery of this instrument. She has graced the stages at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House, Here is just a sampling of her international reviews:

“What stands out is not only technique, but intelligence… When it comes to clarity, flawless tempo selection, phrasing and precise control of timbre, Buechner has no superior” (In Tune Magazine, Japan). “Buechner’s performance… with its soft contours and liquid, legato phrasing… had a beauty that might have taken even Mozart’s breath away”  (The Washington Post). “Buechner has it all… intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess” (The New York Times) 
“A pianist of exceptional merit, a musician of evident integrity, with an all-encompassing technique and natural sense of the composer’s propulsive style….the pianisim never less than 100% committed and breathtaking” (Pianoforte Magazine, England).

Need more convincing? Check out www.saradavisbeuchner.com  to be simply astounded.  She will give our piano a real workout!

Or how about a buffet? Nibble on a colourful array of musical styles on Friday, March 27, 2015 when QuintEssence performs.  If you loved musica intima last season, you will love these folks. Featuring four internationally renowned vocalists and a sensational pianist, QuintEssence offers a fresh, innovative concert experience for lovers of classical music of any style. Their concerts showcase cherished opera repertoire of phenomenal quality and exotic musical gems by celebrated songwriters spanning Schubert to Britten and Gershwin to Weill. They will dazzle you with vocal pyrotechnics, melt your heart with beautifully sung poetry, and stretch your musical frontier to the limit with adored music from off the beaten track. QuintEssence concerts even encourage audience participation with their “a la carte” programmes; the listener gets to choose what they wish to hear! Yummy! Sample more at  www.quintessencemusic.ca

All performances will be at the Frank Venables Theatre at 7:30 pm. Four admission Flex Pass cost $60 at early bird prices if ticket bought before April 30th.   Thereafter they will be $70. Single entrance is $20 and students 17 & under are free. For music’s sake, bring the kids and grandkids!!! Where else can youngsters see this calibre of musical performance for FREE! Exposing children to great performance is a surefire way to inspire their own creativity. Tickets  are available at Beyond Bliss Esthetics in Oliver, and Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos.

PS  The SOCS Annual General Meeting  is on Tuesday, April 29th, 7 pm at the SOSS library.   Everyone is welcome.  After a year when some volunteers had to step away because of ill health, SOCS needs some new volunteers.  The group is very efficient and easy to work with. It’s a great way to be part of the music — without having to be musical!

by David Badger

Medici’s Friday Night Live was an ‘out of the gate’ success on Friday March 7^th. Solo acts ,small bands and collaborations all laid it out on stage. The music never quit! Marcel Morneau (pictured at left) led out the night with some covers and original stuff and  continued on as ‘ad hoc’ MC. Brian Highley, Mathew Thomas, Mike and Dan out of Gallagher Lake, Joe 5-0 and more kept the stage full and the air alive. It was a night of talented local performance coupled with some pretty good open-mic performances. This was a lot of fun and some fine music.

We’re going to do it again on Friday, March 21^st. Doors open at 7 and if you think you’ve got some performance worthy stuff, bring it along, bring your instrument and you can put it on the line. Medici’s at 522 Fairview Road in Oliver

by David Badger

Medici’s Friday Night Live was an ‘out of the gate’ success on Friday March 7^th. Solo acts ,small bands and collaborations all laid it out on stage. The music never quit! Marcel Morneau (pictured at left) led out the night with some covers and original stuff and  continued on as ‘ad hoc’ MC. Brian Highley, Mathew Thomas, Mike and Dan out of Gallagher Lake, Joe 5-0 and more kept the stage full and the air alive. It was a night of talented local performance coupled with some pretty good open-mic performances. This was a lot of fun and some fine music.

We’re going to do it again on Friday, March 21^st. Doors open at 7 and if you think you’ve got some performance worthy stuff, bring it along, bring your instrument and you can put it on the line. Medici’s at 522 Fairview Road in Oliver

Phenomenal. The artwork, the artists, the speakers and musicians, the message, the food, the venue, and the crowd.  V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos, together with the support of the Osoyoos Indian Band and participation from many members of the Oliver Community Arts Council and its member groups, mounted the successful “Metamorphosis” art show event on the afternoon of Saturday March 8 at the OIB Community Hall.

V-Day organizers Tiffany Beckedorf, Ursula Wick and Norberto Rodrigues de la Vega and many V-volunteers created a well-balanced space, combining art exhibit, information booths, sales tables, a tasty reception, and performance area with audience seating.

A jam-packed schedule of speakers, spoken word artists, and singers  kept the audience both informed and entertained. MC Marji Basso (left) first introduced Darlene George to bless the event with an OIB Elder Prayer and the Women’s Warrior song (top photo). OIB Chief Clarence Louie, in his opening remarks,  noted the recent media attention paid to missing aboriginal women, and the timeliness of V-Day’s message “Stop the Violence”.

MLA Linda Larson paid tribute to Russian and Eastern European women who were the first modern-era women to fight for women’s rights in the late 1800s.   Mayor Ron Hovanes reflected on growing up in Oliver, and “the good small town folks can do in support of their community”. He reminisced about caring adults who kept an eye out for everyone’s children, and who “raised a village”. He encouraged the audience to embody the best from Oliver’s history, keeping Oliver a nurturing and safe place to live.

Following these short speeches from community leaders, several spoken word artists and musicians entertained the audience. Jeannette McCall gave a meditative rendition of her poem “Reflections”. Aimee Grice shared the uplifting “Phenomenal Woman” by one of the most famous feminist poets, Maya Angelou. Penelope Johnson experimented with her first foray into “slam poetry” with a selection called “Pretty” by Katie Makkai, followed by a Margaret Atwood poem entitled “Siren Song”.

Following  speakers from the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House, Desert Sun Counselling (Roxie van Aller, above), and Roots of Empathy, two musicians returned to the stage with their own compositions: Aimee (left) and Morgan (below).

Closing out the afternoon was a ceremonial burning of a painting by Leza Macdonald. Throughout the afternoon, visitors were invited to write messages of hope, defiance, and comfort across her canvas depicting a child confronted by a frightening stranger.  Gathering in the community hall parking lot under a grey sky, the audience watched as flames gradually consumed the violent image. Let’s hope that the event’s message “Stop the Violence” continues to resonate and is transformed into action in our lives.

Photo Credit: Penelope Johnson

The South Okanagan Concert Society’s ticket takers were kept busy in the lobby of the new Venables Theatre on Friday February 28, 2014, welcoming the audience for the

 Ken Lavigne concert, and selling season passes for the 2014 -15 season. 

Inside the theatre, SOCS president Janet Marcotte’s opening remarks included praise for the new venue, along with her gratitude to the concert’s many sponsors.

Tenor Ken Lavigne’s light-footed entrance with an umbrella, to the piano accompaniment of “Singin’ in the Rain” , brought immediate laughter from the sold-out crowd. Many in the audience remembered that Lavigne’s previous appearance on the Venables stage (the last performance before the original theatre was closed for renovation) was marred by a leaky roof. The tenor recalled standing backstage under a shower of rain.

Lavigne expressed admiration for the stunning new venue, calling it “a theatre to be proud of”. He also acknowledged his profound honour to be part of an historical moment: the first performer at a ticketed event to grace the new stage.