Medici”s Friday Nights Live Music, a night of great live music and entertainment is BACK this Friday April 29th at 7:00 PM. Cold Mountain Air with our own Chace Alaric reggae’d down the house last Friday. Come kick the doors down with your own vibe this Friday comin’.
The beer is cold and the music IS of course always sooooo HOT! Marcel Morneau and our crazy talented local artists will fill the night. We crank up the music shortly after 7:00. The music is huge…Tons of talent…all we need is you! .
We are licensed. We have beer, wine, coffees with a kick and our usual great gelato and snacks, sweet treats and of course…our great host Marcel. Medici’s this Friday April 29th at 7:00 PM. 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228.
Songs of romance, love, and spring. Superlative choir with wide-ranging repertoire. OCAC member Brian Mapplebeck sings tenor! Tickets are a steal at $15, available at Beyond Bliss or at the door. Also available online at www.venablestheatre.ca
Friends and family members recently gathered together to say goodbye to a much loved Oliver pioneer, Agnes Sutherland. Agnes passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind a lifetime of memories of contributions in her art, music and community activism.
A permanent memorial is planned to keep alive the memory of this remarkable woman. Plans are to purchase a baby grand piano for the lobby area of the Frank Venables Theatre. Agnes loved music in any form and playing the piano was one of her favorite pastimes. It seems fitting to be able to remember her talent and spirit in the impressive acoustical environment of our grand theatre lobby.
When approached, Wendy Newman, president of the Oliver Community Theatre Society was thrilled with the prospect of being able to use the lobby area to expand and encourage the musical arts while further developing the space as a rental unit. She presented the idea to the board who have since approved in principle, the acquiring this donation of a memorial piano.
Famiy, friends, former students and music lovers alike can make donations directly to the AGNES SUTHERLAND MEMORIAL at anyValley First Credit Union Account 2826758 or cheques can be mailed.
Call Marion Trimble, 250-498-3933, for details.
Later this summer a couple of fund raising activities are planned to help speed up the process of purchasing this memorial gift. Agnes left many works of art, too many for family members to keep. It’s their wish to have a special reception and sale with proceeds going towards the piano purchase. Stay tuned as a summer hoedown of country music at Rustico Winery’s Quail’s Roost Gallery is also being considered.
Editor’s Note: The Oliver Community Arts Council encourages its members to support this effort, even those who did not know Agnes. The Venables lobby can be used by many arts groups for receptions, seminars, exhibits, and small “salons”. A piano is the perfect addition to this gorgeous space.
The OCAC, being a registered charity, is highly restricted by the CRA as to where it can donate funds, and unfortunately cannot donate to this particular project. However, the Board is investigating memorial projects within the local schools, and has OCAC funds already set aside for such purposes. Stay tuned! In the meantime, the Board issues its whole-hearted support for the piano project: let’s make beautiful music happen!
Top choreographers, world premiere pieces, National Ballet of Canada dancers, and an internationally acclaimed musical ensemble join forces with Ballet Kelowna and the Frank Venables Theatre for a special world premiere performance entitled Renaissance.
Oliver’s Frank Venables Theatre was chosen as one of only three in BC to premiere this exciting performance. “This is a wonderful tribute to Oliver whose support for the theatre has made opportunities like this possible”, says Bettyanne Hampton, Theatre Manager. ‘Ballet Kelowna and their guest artists are looking forward to bringing this visually and emotionally commanding performance to our South Okanagan audiences.’
Renaissance is a collaboration between Ballet Kelowna and Toronto’s Continuum Contemporary Music that will showcase some of Canada’s finest choreographers, dancers, musicians and composers. Two rising stars from The National Ballet of Canada, Hannah Fischer and Ethan Watts, will make a special guest appearance to perform a new duet by National Ballet’s Choreographic Associate Robert Binet.
Any one of these performances on their own is a strong draw. To see Ballet Kelowna, Continuum and National Ballet dancers together in one program is exceptional and we encourage our dance community, our music community and all those who enjoy live performance to come to this special premiere presentation.
Renaissance in on stage Sunday May 1st, 7:00 pm at the Frank Venables Theatre, 6100 Gala St, (corner of Fairview Rd,) Oliver.Tickets are available online at the FVT Community Box Office at www.venablestheatre.ca and in person at Beyond Bliss in Oliver. For information 250 498-1626.
CanwaxWest, the Penticton-based western Canadian association of encaustic artists, presents “Brilliant Moments”. The exhibition title was given to the annual show of encaustic art when teacher, founder and mentor, the late Thea Haubrich introduced encaustic painting to the local art community.
This year “Brilliant Moments”, now under the umbrella of CanwaxWest (an association Thea Haubrich dreamed of establishing), includes a special event celebrating Thea’s work and her influence. At Leir House Cultural Centre, a permanent installation, the Thea Haubrich Memorial Wall will be revealed at the Opening Reception for “Brilliant Moments”, on May 6 from 6-8 pm.
‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’ and the Sage Valley Voices are off and running. They will be on stage at the Oliver United Church to present 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY Saturday, April 16th at 7 pm and Sunday, April 17th at 2:30 pm. Get your tickets at the door for only $10 and see what our community choir can do.
The choir really does spell community. Singing a medley together are some forty people ranging from 85 year old twins to a young boy soprano gradually morphing into a fine tenor. The local cop is there in his uniform. A long time orchardist sings a brazen chorus of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and everyone in this town knows that orchardists don’t really believe that just having a beautiful feeling will mean everything, especially the weather, will be going their way! Then there is our favourite Marilyn Monroe double to remind us that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Director, Lori Martine, should get a special award for both good humour and patience as practice after practice she convinces the whole crew that “There’s No Business Like Show Business”. Turning out for practices in the winter months made “Button Up Your Overcoat” a reality. Wife and daughter of a former producer on the local musical scene sing “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “dat man” sitting right beside them just gives them his usual wicked grin.
Sandy Andres, pianist, has her work cut out for her. The musical score has a lot of fast transitions. “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better!” gets a bit rowdy with the “no you can’t” “yes I can” dispute and leads to “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”. Part of Sandy’s job is covering up the odd mistake and fortunately she is very good at it.
“Standing on the Corner” and “Hello Dolly” move us into the realm of traditional Broadway and before long the music of the early 70s from “Superstar” to “Send in the Clowns”changes the face of Broadway forever and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim start to steal the show. It really does take 100 years to “Give My Regards to Broadway” starting with the early years and the music of Tin Pan Alley right up to contemporary Broadway: “Do You Hear the People Sing?”
The choir invites you to come out and become part of a community of music. Your ticket price includes tea or coffee and goodies and a time to socialize with the choristers. We are your friends and neighbours. Lighten your heart and join in the fun! Proceeds after costs are donated to the United Church Community Outreach programs such as the Soup Kitchen.
Photos by Val Friesen
1. Men’s chorus shares a laugh
2. The choir hard at work
3. Artist, Janet Bednarczyk, center, holds one of the decorations for the show. To her right is Treasurer of Sage Valley Voices, Bernice Myllyniemi, and to her left, Marion Boyd.
ODHS Annual General Meeting features Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail Presentation
Oliver, BC, April 4, 2016: What is the importance of a heritage trail? How are these trails used today, and how does one preserve them?
Join the Oliver and District Heritage Society at their 36th Annual AGM where heritage activist, recreation consultant, and popular presenter Kelley Cook will discuss the case study of the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail, one of B.C.’s oldest and most used trails and fur trading routes.
Like many heritage trails, the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail started life as an ancient path used by First Nations for gathering, hunting and trading. During the fur trading era, it became one of B.C.’s only lines of communication, making it vitally important for the young province. In fact, research suggests that the trail actually helped to secure Canada’s future.
In spite of its great significance, the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail had fallen into obscurity and disrepair. Then in 2009 preservationist and recreation consultant Kelley Cook became interested in the trail’s history. She arranged a meeting with the Hope Mountain Centre, Backcountry Horsemen of BC, government agencies and other interested individuals to develop an ambitious 5 year project to restore 74 km of the trail’s path through the Cascade Mountains. In 2015 the trail re-opened complete with interpretive kiosks which allow hikers and history-seekers to follow in the footsteps of the early First Nations and fur traders.
The presentation will discuss all aspects of the restoration project and the current systems which protect and manage heritage trails in B.C. A highlight of the presentation will be some original sketch maps by Alexander Caulfield Anderson of the Hudson’s Bay Company, who mapped the trail on his first reconnaissance through the formidable Cascade Mountains. The talk will also touch on the status of the Dewdney, Hope Pass, Blackeye’s and Whatcom historical trails.
Kelley Cook first became interested in heritage trails while working as a recreation consultant for the Ministry of Forests in 2006. Her role inspecting and reporting on these trails led her to realize the significance of the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail and to develop a plan to restore it. After 5 years, the project reached completion. Kelley Cook has given popular talks about the trail project to a variety of audiences. Her expertise on the subject combined with a passion for outdoor recreation and preservation make her a lively speaker sure to engage listeners.
The 36th Annual AGM for the Oliver and District Heritage Society will take place at 7 p.m. onWednesday, April 27th at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre located at 5840 Airport Street. Everyone is welcome but only those with current membership in the ODHS will be eligible to vote during the meeting. Memberships will be available for purchase prior to the meeting or can be purchased by visiting the Museum (474 School Ave.) or the Archives (430 Fairview Rd.) during open hours. Please feel free to call 250-498-4027 or e-mail info@oliverheritage.ca with any questions.
Caption: Heritage Activist Kelley Cook with her dog Feral
Friday Night Live, a night of great live music and entertainment is BACK this Friday April 15th at 7:00PM. A truly great Canadian recording artist did drop by as promised last time…the lovely and very talented Ursula Fox ripped up the ivories while wearing my new hat…yeah. This time out you are going to be treated to a sneak peak of the amazing Nelson band Cold Mountain Air. A few of the band members are going to drop by and say ‘ja mon’. We may be able to squeeze a tune or two out of them if everything is Irie The beer is cold and the music IS of course always sooooo HOT! Marcel Morneau and our crazy talented local artists will fill the night. We have said salut to the belle Ariene for a few months but hopefully Pascale will be on hand to sing her stuff and play that mean guitar. Leann and Rod are wondering where You are. Methinks Corrie and mon ami Steph are back sooooo….? Bring your music, your instrument and your voice and become part of the night sounds. We crank up the music shortly after 7:00. The music is huge…Tons of talent…all we need is you! .
We are licensed. We have beer, wine, coffees with a kick and our usual great gelato and snacks, sweet treats and of course…our great host Marcel. Medici’s this Friday April 15t at 7:00 PM. 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228.
…………………..and ..and …and…Cold Mountain Air tickets are almost GONE!!…get Your ticket quick….or else!!!…20 bucks…really!
“It’s going to be eight great days to ‘play’ in May,” raves Nathan Linders, SOAP president. Since last spring, the South Okanagan Amateur Players have been gearing up for the largest theatrical event Oliver has ever seen: the Okanagan Zone Drama Festival. The local troupe is eager to roll out the red carpet for visiting actors and audiences alike from May 21 to 28 at the Frank Venables Theatre.
Seven competing companies from across the Okanagan are excited to set foot on the Venables stage, mounting a fresh play every night at 7:30 p.m. From rambunctious comedy to gripping mystery to angst-ridden drama, the week promises to be a thrilling emotional rollercoaster. “All the plays look so good,” says Linders, clearly impressed with the lineup. “I want to see them all.” The Shuswap region, Vernon, Kelowna, Princeton and South Okanagan will all be showing off their acting chops. SOAP will enter the comedy-drama Sleeping Indoors by Jim Holt, directed by Jen Jensen.
Each play is adjudicated by professional TV actor and theatre director, Garry Davey, who has appeared in The X-Files and DaVinci’s Inquest. Audiences are included in the fun. Not only do they hear a brief review after each play, the public is welcome to attend an in-depth seminar each following morning to watch the adjudicator “workshop” key scenes with the cast. Glean insights into character, blocking, costuming, and technical design. These daily “Coffee Critiques” begin at 11 a.m. in the Venables’ lobby. A wine bar and appies accompany evening performances, while coffee and pastries are served at the morning workshops.
Tickets, discount packages, and awards banquet reservations are all available online at www.soplayers.ca/festival along with details about each play. Discounts on multi-show packages make the event very affordable, whether a trio of favourites or a full week’s indulgence. A single ticket at the door is $22.50. Students get in for $8 a show.
At the conclusion of the festival, the adjudicator will declare winners in more than a dozen categories, including the overall winning performance. That troupe wins a spot in the provincial Mainstage Festival in July with a chance to be named the top theatrical production in all BC.
It may not be the Oscars, but the O-Zone Awards Banquet on the final night will give the public a chance to rub elbows with the stars of the festival. The evening begins with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m., catered by Neon Wolfe Creations. After the awards ceremony, actors and audiences mingle on the dance floor, with rock band 13 Broken Bones pumping out the classic hits of the 70s and 80s. Tickets for the O-Zone Awards Banquet are online for $32.
Stars and stage lights will be shining brightly for “eight great days in May”. Don’t miss the drama – and the laughs.
Photo: SOAP members Bernice Myllyniemi, Aimee Grice, Diane Gludovatz and Nathan Linders accept the Okanagan Zone Drama Festival banner from O-Zone chair Adele Kuyek (centre)
by David Badger
