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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Guitar music soothes audience

Jeremy Cook 1

The audience attending  Music in the Park was undeterred by rain on the evening of Thursday August 16, moving to the rain venue at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre eager to hear locals Jeremy Cook and Brian Highley perform two sets on guitar.

Jeremy created a relaxing atmosphere for the first half of the program, displaying considerable talent both as a classical guitarist and as an arranger and composer of instrumental pieces. Jeremy Cook 2Acknowledging his meditative style of playing, he joked “I won’t mind if you nod off. Really.”  Jeremy varied between familiar classics such as Greensleeves, considered “an old song” in Shakespeare’s day, and some of his own soft jazz and blues compositions. He also brought new interpretation to some sacred music, particularly hymn tunes such as the Welsh Hyfrydol.

Brian Highley 2Brian Highley plugged in at intermission and delivered an emotional performance of  covers ranging from  60s folk to light rock such as Into the Mystic by Van Morrison, Simon and Garfunkel’s The Boxer, Neil Young’s Harvest Moon, and I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen.  Particularly affecting was his rendition of Steve Earle’s Goodbye, perhaps outdoing Earle himself with a heart-wrenching interpretation of the lyrics.

The audience comfortably filled the space in “Big Blue”, a mix of ages from toddlers to seniors. Musically there was something for everyone from traditional to modern, religious to secular, old faves to new tunes. Despite the wet weather outside, there were plenty of smiles inside. These two gents created a wonderfully calming and relaxed mood that stayed with listeners for their journey home.

Brian Highley 1The last concert of the season is Jazz Out West on Thursday August 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Oliver Visitor Centre (historic CPR Station). Rain venue Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street. Bring a lawnchair or blanket, a picnic and a donation (suggested: $3 per person). Bottled water and desserts available for purchase by donation. ,

The Oliver Community Arts Council gratefully acknowledges the support of their corporate sponsor for this summer programme: Valley First Credit Union. Please continue to support their Feed the Valley initiative with your donations of food items for the Oliver Food Bank.

Your entries needed for Fall Art Show and Sale

FASS 2013 Poster - Rev

The time has come to reveal your original masterpiece. The Oliver Community Arts Council ask you to enter in any one of 8 categories and have your art displayed in the 30th annual Fall Art Show and Sale. If you haven’t already created your Rembrandt or Picasso, or perhaps your Michelangelo, there’s still time to unleash your originality and fill in an entry form. Download one here:   FASS 2013 Entry Form

The deadline, Friday, September 13th, is fast approaching.  This year’s show is Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th. Saturday is free and open to all visitors from 3 -9. You receive a ballot and are asked to vote your favourites in each category. That evening the votes are tallied and winners awarded prizes during the opening reception from 7 – 9 pm. Sunday’s admission is only through a Festival of the Grape ticket. Come by and see the display of brilliant local creativity in the community centre, while taking a break from the Festival on the centre’s grounds.

This year we are honoured to have 2 wonderful featured artists. Glenn Clark of Penticton, known by his hockey team mural on the Elks Club wall and his beautifully painted landscapes of the Okanagan. As well, we’re delighted to showcase our own quilting magician, Marianne Parsons. Her artistic quilts have achieved high honours and this year she was recognized at the highest level with a win at the National Quilt Show.

As you look around at the artwork, take your time to view the The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers display of their “cottages” on the floor and The “Ripoff Artists” annual challenge of “Kandinsky” on the stage.

All the artwork entered in the show is for sale. An ideal chance to purchase that piece of artwork you’ve been looking for. You’ll also want to take a look at the silent auction offerings. All sorts of enticing deals to tempt you. Separate auction items are placed for your bid each day. You’re sure to find something special to take home.

If you’re downsizing or saving something to give away, Please think of us. We’ll be glad to accept your good used, new, items of interest for the silent auction. Email, “attention Bernice” or “Silent Auction” or “FASS” to OliverCAC @ gmail.com   We’ll make arrangements to pick up.

Penticton Concert Band entertains

MITP 04-07-2013 PCB1The Penticton Concert Band opened the arts council’s Music in the Park series with some exciting rhythms, sweet melodies, and stirring harmonies on Thursday July 4 The warm sunny evening at the Oliver Community Stage (Bandshell) attracted a large crowd. The audience had generous applause for the band conducted by Gerald Nadeau.

The first set opened with the Spanish influenced “Ole!”, and continued with some lovely ballads performed by Madison Johnson, including the chestnut, Love’s Old Sweet Song.  Her warm voice was perfectly suited to the slow lyrical melody, evoking the singing style of 1930s radio. She later lent her voice to two medleys from  Moulin Rouge and West Side Story.

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Under Nadeau’s baton, the band has been improving by leaps and bounds over the years, with a tight, crisp delivery. Nowhere was this more evident than in the challenging Fuego de Alma, with each section solo underscored by syncopated flamenco hand-clapping from other band members. Their rousing Pirates of the Caribbean was another highlight, earning cheers from the audience. Perhaps the  best evidence of audience appreciation was the energetic dancing and leaping of a few young children. One little boy parried and thrust his way through the Pirates score, emulating Captain Jack Sparrow.

MITP 04-07-2013 Mapplebeck

Music in the Park continues every Thursday in July at the cozier venue of the Riverside Patio at the Oliver Visitor Centre (the historic CPR Station). Thursday July 11 is William Leggott on classical guitar. Thursday July 18 brings The Chaca Laca Love Machine with their funk, reggae, and Latin rhythms. This concert is our special Feed the Valley concert, sponsored by Valley First Credit Union. Bring a food bank donation!  Thursday July 25 is Okanagan Divas CindiyDoucette and Mikie Spillett sharing the stage with a mix of country, jazz, pop, and light rock. Every concert runs 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Admission by donation, with a suggested minimum of $3. Every concert has refreshments by donation (bottled water and baked goods) courtesy of Oliver Lioness Club in support of the Chloe Krueger fundraiser.

Scroll down this page to see the August lineup for Music in the Park, plus info about the Michael Burgess concert.

Don`t forget to stop by the Oliver Farmer`s Market in Lions Park on your way to the concert! Great local produce, preserves, and crafts.

Thursdays: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Open from June 27 to Sept 5, Thursdays: 8am-11am, 4pm-7pm.

Photos:

1. Nadeau conducts the Penticton Concert Band while two young audience members move to the music.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean score inspires children to dance

3. Brian Mapplebeck of Oliver performs with the band.

Photo credit: Penelope Johnson

Downsize in our direction

article-new_ehow_images_a07_bu_ng_sell-antique-china-800x800Start digging through your drawers and basements!

The Fall Art Show and Sale (FASS) committee is looking for some gently used but still classy items for the silent auction table at this event October 5-6.  The silent auction portion of the show and sale is vital for running the event in the black. It also attracts visitors to the event  — and repeat visitors, and visitors who linger at that!

To start you thinking, how about some of these suggestions: a glossy coffee table book, a basket of preserves, attractive candle holders, collectibles,  a set of kitchen utensils, table linens, a pretty vase, decorative items for the living room, or a gift you received but have never found a use for. Collectibles can range from porcelain figurines to retro toys to tools from “pioneer“ days.

For businesses interested in donating, gift certificates are  a great idea that bring people back to your door.

Please make sure your items are clean, show few if any signs of wear, and are in working order. We cannot accept large items too heavy for one person to lift. Remember, most items will need to sit on a table for display.

To donate, email OliverCAC at gmail.com or phone the committee at 250 498-3679.

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

Download entry form for Fall Art Show and Sale

ken-hale-fass

The Fall Art Show and Sale (FASS) is always the arts council’s biggest event, and this year we’re celebrating our 35th anniversary!  In honour of that milestone, and to encourage the absolute best work, the arts council has announced the theme this year is “Artist’s Choice” .

Works across all visual media are welcome: Photography, Fibre Arts, Three-Dimensional (sculpture, metalwork, jewelry, woodcarving, basketry, etc),  Oils, Acrylics, Watercolours, Other Media (mixed media, encaustic, pen and ink, charcoal, etc) , and Emerging Artists (under 18 years of age).  Up to two (2) works may be submitted per artist. The public judges and awards prizes in each category, and also selects Best in Show. All works must be for sale.  Please read the entry form for details about readying your work for competition.

The annual competition, exhibit and sale will be on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 this year. As usual, it is held in conjunction with Oliver’s Festival of the Grape at the Oliver Community Centre.

The deadline for  registration is Friday September 13 at 4 p.m.  Please note: artwork is not submitted until the morning of October 5, so  artists have an extra three weeks to complete a work in progress.

Download your entry form by clicking on this link: FASS 2013 Entry Form Print double- sided.

Artists in abundance at Spring Arts Faire

The arts council’s Spring Arts Faire may have been held on a day that wasn’t “fair” and sunny, but perhaps the wet weather paid off. There was a steady flow of traffic through the Oliver Community Centre hall on Sunday April 7 as visitors came to view, chat and buy, all in celebration of local artistic talent.  Pottery, jewelry, fibre arts, paintings, glass art, and photography made for an enticing variety of talent on display.

Enid Baker Art

Enid Baker shares her love of painting with visitors to her booth.

 

Okanagan Archive Trust Society

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Wilson’s display from the Okanagan Archive Trust Society (OATS) attracts  the attention of local artists Leza MacDonald and Evie New. Besides maintaining a collection of historical photographs and publishing a magazine, OATS also provides a framing service. Click on their link at right.

Oliver Art Gallery 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Jorden (right) of the Oliver Art Gallery talks horses and wild western art with a visitor. Click on their link at right.

Stephanie Art of John Salsnek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephanie Salsnek of Paw Prints Studio and Gallery (The Art of John Salsnek) not only promotes her husband’s collection of limited edition prints and originals, but also  models her own clothing line. This suit features  applique work based on John’s paintings. She’s the one to call for one-of-a-kind wedding gowns and beautiful suits. Click on their link at right.

Jack Bennest Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Bennest points out one of his most popular giclee photographic prints to a customer. This snowy scene sold shortly after this photo was taken. Jack’s news site, Oliver Daily News can be reached by clicking on the link at right.

Marion Trimble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marion Trimble welcomes fellow artist Michael Jorden and Susan Jorden to her mini gallery of paintings at the Faire.

Oliver Art Gallery with Eastlink TV

 

 

 

Local media  Eastlink TV arrived to conduct a series of interviews with artists. Here Marji Basso interviews Jane Scheffler of the Oliver Art Gallery. Check your local cable channel for more stories and details of upcoming events.

Spring Arts Faire celebrates local artists

Spring Art Faire 2013 smOliver artists are bursting into bloom at the Spring Arts Faire, the second annual event billed as both “sales and celebrations” by its presenter, the Oliver Community Arts Council. For a small town, Oliver has an abundance of artistic talent in all its forms. More than thirty-five artists, including a host of new businesses, are set to display and sell their work on Sunday April 7 from 11 am to 4 pm at the Oliver Community Centre.

Colourful booths will feature items for sale, exhibits and demonstrations, and arts information. Faire entries include hand crafted jewelry, paintings, stained glass, photography, cards, pottery, picture framing, hats, fibre arts, wood carving, books, displays from area studios and galleries, and more. The arts council will also staff a welcome table to provide information on its upcoming events and its large membership of 17 arts groups and 14 businesses.

General admission is free, although art and craftwork will be for sale throughout the venue. Azorean Catering will offer soups, sandwiches, sweets, and beverages on site. The public is invited to browse, learn, buy, chat, and celebrate the spectrum of art in the South Okanagan.

More information is available at 250-498-0104 or www.OliverArtsCouncil.org

 

Vendors register for Spring Arts Faire

Spring Art Faire 2013 - entry smDo you have an artistic passion? Artwork to sell, artistic group or event to publicize, arts information to share? If you have an arts-and-culture based business, home-made handicrafts, or something creative to teach, the upcoming Spring Arts Faire is the place for you! Fabric, photographic, literary, visual and performance arts and craftworks ….. the Faire is open to arts and arts lovers of all kinds!

The Oliver Community Arts Council invites you to participate in our Spring Arts Faire on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre. Sell products, promote services, publicize a group, take registration for lessons, or simply put your talents on display for fun! Space is available for demos and short performances. Please specify your requirements for the stage on your entry form.

Click on the link to download an entry form with information sheet.

OCAC Spring Arts Faire Entry Form 2013

Tables will be booked on a first come, first served basis, once your completed entry form and cheque are received. Your booking will be confirmed with you upon receipt.

The registration package is also available by clicking on “Forms” under the banner at the top of the page, then clicking again on the form you need.