Iris Larratt, vocals with David Esler, trumpet
Bob Park, drums
Jim Wyse on piano (and vocals for one special song!)
David Esler on trumpet, Iris Larratt enjoying the solo
Jazz Out West thrills audience
Tag Archives: Jazz Out West
Jazz Out West was a classy end to Music in the Park
Jazz 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.
Her 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.
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.
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.
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
their 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
Share this:
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
Share this:
FASS looking FAbulouSS
The Fall Art Show and Sale (FASS) is only two weeks away, and it’s shaping up to be something fahbulous darling! Be sure to catch all the excitement on Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2 at the Oliver Community Centre. The theme this year is “Outside the Box”. Scroll down to see more articles about the event. Here are some NEW updates:
Arts council members get first peek at the **NEW** wine charms (at left) on sale beginning Monday September 26 at the Arts Jam. Come out to the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on Monday at 9:30 to buy your favourite or collect all five! These cute little laminated charms commemorate the last four FASS posters, and cost only $2 each. They are great for identifying your wine glass and those of your guests. Buy them now and “wear” them to the Festival of the Grape. (Come to think of it, they’d look pretty funky as earrings….) Also available all weekend at the FASS.
Just announced: the live entertainment for Saturday’s reception (7 – 9 p.m.) is… Jazz Out West. Not to be missed! Drop in at the art show from 3 p.m. – on to view the artwork, cast your vote for favourites in each category, and bid at the silent auction. Come back for the reception and schmooze with a great bunch of people. Wait for the announcement of the winners just before the 9 p.m. close.
On Sunday, the creativity continues: the show, sale, and silent auction go on AND there is the added bonus of a featured artist, Terry Irvine on site spinning and felting. Terry has a quirky humourous style, and she will love to demonstrate her craft and tell you all about it. Terry is also a member of the group featured as the non-competitive display …
The RipOff Artists will present their twisted take on “American Gothic” by Grant Wood. Come tour the display by this multimedia collective of artists. Not only do they “rip off” a great work of art and adapt it to their own medium, this year they also reimagine this iconic painting in the style of a different artist. Can’t imagine what that looks like. You gotta see it for yourself. You will not be disappointed. These folks are jaw-dropping good! On display all weekend long.
So, that’s
Saturday October 1: 3 – 9 p.m.: Art Show and Sale, Silent Auction, and Displays 3 – 8 p.m. : Public Voting 7 – 0 p.m. : Reception with Jazz Out West FREE admission Sunday October 2: 12 – 5 p.m. : art show, sale, silent auction, and displays FREE with Festival of the Grape admissionThere’s lots to see and do and buy! Bring your chequebook and take home some local artwork!
Photo Credits: Marion Trimble (top); Val Friesen (bottom)
Share this:
Music in the Park every Thursday in August
