“Musical adventure” this season

SOUTH OKANAGAN CONCERT SOCIETY  2016-2017 SEASON

Imagine yourself the evening of November 11th arriving with friends to the bright lights of the Venables Theatre and hunkering down to the virtuosity, musicality, elegance, sensuality and humour of Quartango.    Four highly accomplished musicians and two tango dancers evoke deep emotions as they share their passion for this Argentinian musical tradition.

Then imagine an evening of this calibre available at only $16.15 until November 10th.   The South Okanagan Concert Society, very close to full capacity audiences, has created this “on-line incentive” as we join the modern age and use the new technology of online ticketing in our own new theatre.   You can now be confident that when you arrive with your ticket you will have an assigned seat and no anxiety at the door.   Tickets will also be available at the theatre box office on Mondays from 11 am to 3 pm and at the door.   If you need assistance during the transition from our old flex pass system call Janet at 495 6487 or Bob at 498 8889.  Ticket prices after November 10th are $22.50 with those under age 17 free.

The season this year brings lots of musical adventure.  The November 11th performance will undoubtedly be a sell out so don’t sit on your hands.   Get your tickets and hear Quartango shed new light on the music of the tango with its international take on an Argentinean musical tradition.

Then on December 2nd come to hear Russian-Canadian pianist, Sergei Saratovsky, show off his skills on our new grand piano.   Sergei has been recognized with awards from Russian President Putin and Governor General Michaelle Jean.   Coming to Canada in 2002 he now has a doctorate in Piano Performance from UBC.   His younger brother, Nikolai, is coming from Moscow to join him in a dynamic concert of well known one piano four hand repertoire.

When we enter the new year, Remi Bolduc, one of Canada’s best jazz saxaphonists, will be on stage.  Mark January 27th when his ensemble will captivate our audience with stunning virtuosity in “A Tribute to Dave Brubeck”.   Acclaimed from New York to Paris via Geneva, Tokyo and Beijing, this performance will lift any winter blues sky high!

For over fifteen years, critics have praised the ‘artistry, poetry and impeccable technique’ of Duo Concertante.  Partners in life and in music, Nancy Dahn and Timothy Steeves are Canada’s premiere violin and piano duo.  They will come to us February 24, 2017 to close yet another satisfying South Okanagan Concert Society season of music.

Tickets for all concerts are on sale now.  Don’t wait to secure yours and get dates on your calendars.   All concerts are at the beautiful Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver and start at 7:30 pm.   Those requiring bus transportation from Osoyoos can call Maureen at 250 495 7978 to make arrangements.socs-2016-7

Get your tickets for great music

by Marion Boyd

Quartango (1)November 11th classically trained musicians come together to explore their passion for tango on piano, violin, double bass and bandoneon.   Accompanied by two tango dancers, Quartango, (pictured above) has charmed audiences around the world. 7:30 p.m. If you act now, tickets to this first  concert may be purchased for only $16.25  until November 10. That’s a savings of $6.25 off the regular price of $22.50

https://secure1.tixhub.com/venablestheatre/online/index.asp

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December 2nd, Russian concert pianist Sergei Saratovsky has also won acclaim on the world stage.   He became a resident of Canada in 2002 and completed his doctoral studies here.  Born into a family of musicians, his awards would fill pages including a recent Best Canadian Artist award at the Montreal International Musical Competition!   Our new grand piano will get a work out with Saratovsky!

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January 27th, 2017, the Remi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble will perform a tribute to Dave Brubeck.  Bolduc is one of Canada’s best jazz saxophonist.  Breathtaking precision, magnetic stage presence and dazzling virtuosity, energy and spontaneity are his trademarks.  He will tour with guest pianist Francois Bourassa.

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February 24, 2017, Duo Concertante features Nancy Dahn on violin and Timothy Steeves on piano.   Reviews refer to their “artistry, poetry and impeccable technique” and the excitement of “grace and fire… fury and repose”.   From Newfoundland, they are doing a cross Canada tour to follow a tour in Europe.

Now is the time to secure your tickets for the coming season.

Tickets for all Concert Series shows are now on sale. Regular prices are $22.50 per event ($90 for the entire season). But if you act now, tickets to the first event, Quartango, may be purchased for only $16.25  until November 10. That reduces the season price to only $83.75 for four great evenings of entertainment.

All Seats Reserved 
Available at Frank Venables box office Mondays 11-3
Buy tickets online for best seat availability:

https://secure1.tixhub.com/venablestheatre/online/index.asp

Jazz Out West was a classy end to Music in the Park

P1060094Jazz Out West brought Music in the Park to a close with style on Thursday August 22  at the historic Oliver Visitor Centre.. The three handsome gents (Jim Wyse on keyboard, Bob Larratt on bass, and Bob Park on drums), were fronted by the lovely and sparkling Iris Larratt on vocals.

P1050959Her smoky contralto reached low for some warm honeyed tones, and Iris handled the mic like a pro to modulate the notes in her upper register. Iris is particularly gifted at connecting with the audience, peppering some of her light-hearted numbers with a husky laugh that made the crowd laugh along with her. Her eye contact with each person gave special meaning to her songs.

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Jim Wyse shared some banter with Iris, and introduced a few of the numbers. He was all concentration though when tickling the keys. Bob Larratt looked to be having a great time on upright bass, swaying and smiling.  And a peak-capped Bob Park was a real cool cat on drums, shrugging his shoulders in time to his beat. Just need some shades to complete the jazzman look!

The band performed a lunar theme for the first half of the program in celebration of the full moon: Moon Dance, Fly Me to the Moon, No Moon at All, and Paper Moon, among others.

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Jazz Out West opened the second half with their signature theme song and performed some crowd pleasers such as the rousing Come to the Caberet as well as many soulful jazz ballads, crooned with Iris’ trademark rivetting interpretations of the lyrics, wringing every emotion out with her expressive face, hands and voice.

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The seven Music in the Park  concerts have been well-attended by some of our most appreciative audiences to date, with generous donations landing this arts council programme securely in the black.  Your support means we can continue .bringing the local talent you love and spicing things up with new performers each year.

The Oliver Community Arts Council is grateful for their corporate sponsor Valley First Credit Union, and

P1050907their regular venue at the Oliver Visitor Centre (Oliver Tourism Association) and is appreciative of the collaboration with Oliver Lioness Club on refreshments and Oliver Parks and Recreation and Oliver Kiwanis for the bandshell use for the Penticton Concert Band.

Photo Credit: Penelope Johnson

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Hot flamenco to cool jazz at summer’s Music in the Park

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The musical lineup reads like a whirlwind trip around the world. Spanish flamenco, Caribbean reggae, funk, South American Latin, country, African djembe …. Save yourself the cost of an airline ticket and join the summer crowd at Music in the Park instead!

Music in the Park is held on Thursdays throughout July and August,  6:30 to 8:00 pm, on the Riverside Patio behind the Oliver Information Centre (the historic CPR Station) at 6431 Station Street with two exceptions listed below. All concerts are admission by donation, with a suggested $5 minimum. :

July 4: Penticton Concert Band: Spanish classics and big band favourites. Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 
July 11: William Leggott, Spanish and Flamenco Guitar. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street

July 18: The Cha Cha Laca Love Machine, funk, reggae, Latin, plus insanity! Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street Feed the Valley Concert, sponsored by Valley First Credit Union, Food donations accepted in cash or in kind.

July 25: Okanagan Divas; Cindy Doucette and Mikie Spillett. Country, pop, jazz, rock and original. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Saturday August 3: Michael Burgess in Concert. “Canada’s own Jean Valjean”. Special ticketed performance.  $25 advance, $35 door.  7 pm Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 

August 8: Nankama Drum & Dance. African djembe drumming and dancing.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 15: Guys with Guitars: Jeremy Cook & Brian Highley. Classical guitar, original instrumentals, pop and folk vocals. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 22   Jazz Out West. Light jazz and popular standards.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Picnics welcome, or light refreshments available for purchase.

Pictured: Nankama Drum and Dance

Hot flamenco to cool jazz at summer's Music in the Park

Nankama-Aug-09-018

The musical lineup reads like a whirlwind trip around the world. Spanish flamenco, Caribbean reggae, funk, South American Latin, country, African djembe …. Save yourself the cost of an airline ticket and join the summer crowd at Music in the Park instead!

Music in the Park is held on Thursdays throughout July and August,  6:30 to 8:00 pm, on the Riverside Patio behind the Oliver Information Centre (the historic CPR Station) at 6431 Station Street with two exceptions listed below. All concerts are admission by donation, with a suggested $5 minimum. :

July 4: Penticton Concert Band: Spanish classics and big band favourites. Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 
July 11: William Leggott, Spanish and Flamenco Guitar. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street

July 18: The Cha Cha Laca Love Machine, funk, reggae, Latin, plus insanity! Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street Feed the Valley Concert, sponsored by Valley First Credit Union, Food donations accepted in cash or in kind.

July 25: Okanagan Divas; Cindy Doucette and Mikie Spillett. Country, pop, jazz, rock and original. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Saturday August 3: Michael Burgess in Concert. “Canada’s own Jean Valjean”. Special ticketed performance.  $25 advance, $35 door.  7 pm Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 

August 8: Nankama Drum & Dance. African djembe drumming and dancing.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 15: Guys with Guitars: Jeremy Cook & Brian Highley. Classical guitar, original instrumentals, pop and folk vocals. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 22   Jazz Out West. Light jazz and popular standards.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Picnics welcome, or light refreshments available for purchase.

Pictured: Nankama Drum and Dance

Come Swing!

Another great night of music at Medici’s in Oliver!

On Saturday October 6th, one of the hottest Okanagan Swing bands, Jazz Out West plays. David Esler will come up from Vancouver to join them with his virtuoso trumpet playing.Come listen, come sing, COME SWING.Tickets $20 at Medici’s and Beyond Bliss in Oliver and at Dolce’s in Osoyoos

Love Notes to get you in the mood for romance

The Oliver Community Arts Council is passing on a little love note to you from the Penticton Concert Band. Not one you read, but one to listen to.  The band is performing Love Notes on Sunday April 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Oliver Alliance Church. Tickets are $10 on sale at Sundance Video beginning Tuesday and at the door. Students 17 yrs and under get in free.

“It is all about love,” says Gerald Nadeau, conductor of the Penticton Concert Band,  describing the band’s new repertoire. The concert promises show tunes, jazz standards, pop favourites, Dixie, and even a little opera. Much of the music has a romantic theme.

Several musicals are featured, including Moulin Rouge, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables, all with heart-wrenching love stories played out against turbulent backgrounds.  A Ray Charles medley includes the romantic Georgia on My Mind, and I Can’t Stop Loving You.  No big band concert would be complete without the lush music of Jerome Kern, famous for ’40s standards Why Do I Love You?,  Lovely to Look At, and The Way you Look Tonight.

Not feeling quite so lovey-dovey? The band promises a cool antidote to the love bug with some Frank Sinatra (The Lady is a Tramp, My Way, and It was a Very Good Year) and a Beatles medley.

And what’s a big band concert without Dixieland? The Penticton Concert Band can’t resist adding several jazz numbers to the programme.  Four much-loved pieces by the incomparable Leroy Anderson will mix romance and plain old fun. In the medley are a romantic Serenata, the clever Syncopated Clock, a sultry Blue Tango, and the whimsical Bugler’s Holiday.

Special guest soprano Madison Johnson fronts the band on several numbers. This lovely young singer performs the show stopper O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini, and adds her voice to several show tunes including “I Dreamed a Dream”, and “On My Own” from Les Miz, and “One Day I’ll Fly Away” and “Nature Boy” from Moulin Rouge.

Spring is in the air, and so is love. Find someone you like to be with and spend a “lovely” afternoon with the Penticton Concert Band.  You’ll definitely fall in love with the music.

Kallisto Trio harmonizes November 25

 The South Okanagan Concert Society brings the Kallisto trio to Oliver on Friday November 25th. Their tagline “Classical Mastery with Pop Personality and Latin Spice” describes their technique and repertoire to a T.

Three beautiful women have joined their voices and spirits to create Kallisto – an incomparable a cappella trio experience for listeners everywhere. Meshing the quirky approach of Bobby McFerrin with the stylish jazz harmonies of Manhattan Transfer into classical, Canadiana, folk and even rock ‘n roll, gives them a warm and inviting sound … with an edge. Described by audiences as ‘remarkable’ and ‘angelic, Kallisto draws inspiration from every ear of music history. The trio brings music from the Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic periods to life and then shifts effortlessly to jazz standards, pop hits, world music and gospel. This concert will also include some seasonal selections.

Fabiana Katz, Karen Mang and Catherine Laub, all highly regarded professional and musicians in their own right, are making waves with their artistry. They combine their knowledge, talent and skills to give their performances a depth and breadth witnessed in few ensembles. On stage their personalities play off one another perfectly – captivating and entertaining – while their flawlessly-tuned voices seem to effortlessly blend into one.

The trio spice up their performances with a variety of instruments, which they play with equal flair – guitar, accordion, electric bass, clarinet, recorders, djembe, claves, drums, shakers, tambourines, and a host of other percussion instruments.

The threesome also shares a common passion for creativity and showmanship. Kallisto’s shows raise the bar: every nuance of language, vocal colour and style seamlessly in place, every change in character brilliantly conveyed.

Give them a listen by clicking on their sample video at http://www.kallistotrio.com/ you’ll hear some jazz, Latin, pop, and Afro-American spiritual rhythms.

South Okanagan Concert Society presents
Kallisto Trio
Friday, November 25, 2011
7:30 p.m.
Oliver Alliance Church
Tickets:  $20 single performance
$60 four-way flex pass (savings of $5 per ticket!)
FREE for 17 yrs. and under

Already planning to be there? Bring your favourite young person (under 17) along! Expose them to some great music! You’ll be cultivating the next generation of concert goers — and it’s FREE!

Tickets available at Beyond Bliss, Oliver, Imperial Office Pro, Osoyoos, and at the door.

Naden Band of the Maritime Forces Pacific Thursday August 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At-ten—TION! Everyone on deck for what’s sure to be an amazing concert at Music in the Park on Thursday August 4. The popular Naden Band of the Maritime Forces Pacific performs at the Oliver Visitors Centre riverside patio from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

They will be playing a variety of music ranging from show tunes, to big band to dixieland jazz. Great music and terrific showmanship sure to please the whole family.  

We suggest a minimum $3 donation to support this arts council program. Items for the Oliver Food Bank are also encouraged. The arts council is grateful for the sponsorship of Valley First Credit Union. You can show  your appreciation for thier community spirit by bringing a non-perishable item for their Feed the Valley program. Your donation works locally. Or drop your food donation off at the the credit union office in Oliver Place Mall, and thank them for supporting a great concert series!

What’s on this Thursday, you ask? None other than Shindigger Rick Wood with an evening of classic rock-n-roll! Same time and place. Scroll down for the full Music in the Park schedule for August.

Rain venue: Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 34274 – 95th Street.

Summer’s Coming and so is… Music in the Park

Summertime is outdoor concert time in Oliver! The arts council has been hosting Music in the Park concerts at the old CPR station for 11 years now, and they keep getting better and better. We make sure to bring back your favourites, but there’s always lots of new music in the mix.

This year, things get off to a heart thumping start with something new: West African drumming and dancing courtesy of Nankama, with leader Bobby Bovenzi. Local audiences will know Lou Lou and the Scrappers,  newcomers to Music in the Park,  and will love their  1940s flair.  The Naden Band of the Maritime Pacific will present sure-fire entertainment.  

Some old faves return after an absence: Long John Baldy ( a tongue in cheek name for a local rock /alternative group), and Shindigger Rick Wood with his classic rock n roll on guitar. 

Gospel Night always brings out a crowd. Ingrid Schellenberg returns with lyrical sounds from her harp. And the season would never be complete without Jazz  Out West closing out the summer. They are pictured at left from their 2010 concert.

The Oliver Community Arts Council presents
Music in the Park
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
July 7 – August 25
Oliver Visitor Centre: Riverside Patio
(Rain Venue: Quail’s Nest Arts Centre)
Suggested minimum donation: $3
Dessert Vendor on site! Buy a tasty treat!
 
July 7: Nankama Drum and Dance: toe-tapping West African rhythms
July 14: Lou Lou and the Scrappers: hits from the 30s and 40s
July 21: Long John Baldy: rock and alternative music
July 28: Shindigger Rick Wood: classic rock ‘n’ roll
August 4: The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific: big band, swing, dixie, and show tunes
August 11: Gospel Night: joyful inspirational music
August 18: Ingrid Schellenberg on Harp: Celtic, classical and popular music
August 25: Jazz Out West: light jazz and favourite standards

Please support this program generously. It is costly to produce, so those donations are sure welcome!

Photo credit: Heather Fink

Summer's Coming and so is… Music in the Park

Summertime is outdoor concert time in Oliver! The arts council has been hosting Music in the Park concerts at the old CPR station for 11 years now, and they keep getting better and better. We make sure to bring back your favourites, but there’s always lots of new music in the mix.

This year, things get off to a heart thumping start with something new: West African drumming and dancing courtesy of Nankama, with leader Bobby Bovenzi. Local audiences will know Lou Lou and the Scrappers,  newcomers to Music in the Park,  and will love their  1940s flair.  The Naden Band of the Maritime Pacific will present sure-fire entertainment.  

Some old faves return after an absence: Long John Baldy ( a tongue in cheek name for a local rock /alternative group), and Shindigger Rick Wood with his classic rock n roll on guitar. 

Gospel Night always brings out a crowd. Ingrid Schellenberg returns with lyrical sounds from her harp. And the season would never be complete without Jazz  Out West closing out the summer. They are pictured at left from their 2010 concert.

The Oliver Community Arts Council presents
Music in the Park
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
July 7 – August 25
Oliver Visitor Centre: Riverside Patio
(Rain Venue: Quail’s Nest Arts Centre)
Suggested minimum donation: $3
Dessert Vendor on site! Buy a tasty treat!
 
July 7: Nankama Drum and Dance: toe-tapping West African rhythms
July 14: Lou Lou and the Scrappers: hits from the 30s and 40s
July 21: Long John Baldy: rock and alternative music
July 28: Shindigger Rick Wood: classic rock ‘n’ roll
August 4: The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific: big band, swing, dixie, and show tunes
August 11: Gospel Night: joyful inspirational music
August 18: Ingrid Schellenberg on Harp: Celtic, classical and popular music
August 25: Jazz Out West: light jazz and favourite standards

Please support this program generously. It is costly to produce, so those donations are sure welcome!

Photo credit: Heather Fink

Music, Sweet Music

Have a look at Music in the Park’s photo album of outdoor summer concerts:

The Desert Airs Men’s Chorus work their a cappella magic on the crowd at Music in the Park’s opening concert July 8.

The Nouveau trio, featuring Chris Stodola on piano, and Lori Stodola  (voice) share the opening night with the Desert Airs.

Shane Swift and Luke Whittall share some fun moments making indie folk music on July 15th.

The ever-popular Dale Seaman delivers great country hits and some of his own songs on July 29th.

Singer-songwriter  Deborah Lee Puder wows the crowd with her compositions, on August 5th, backed by a trio of great local musicians.

The young men of  Tusk Mountain ( Travis Eek, Carson Ruhland, and Mike Szalay) rock out  on August 12.

Ladies’ turn! Zyonya MacKenzie and sister Chenoa sing on August 12.

Celtic harmonies with harpist  Ingrid Schellenberg, on August 19th, 2010

All photos courtesy of Heather Fink.

So where will you be on Thursday nights in August? At Oliver’s CPR Station (Visitor Information Centre) of course! See you at 6:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket, even a picnic, and a $3.00+ donation!  

 
August 26th: Jazz Out West, light jazz and vocal standards

Music in the Park continues in August

The poster below lists the August concerts. For the July concerts, scroll down the page, look under “latest posts” , visit the “Upcoming!” page, or use the search tool and enter “Music in the Park”.  

If the weather is foul, the concerts go on! Our rain venue is the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre at 34274 – 95th Street, Oliver (south of the RCMP and Fire Hall, and west across the strett from the Oliver airport).  For a map, search this site under “Quail’s Nest Arts Centre”.music-in-the-prk-august-web