by Marion Boyd, South Okanagan Concert Society
After an enormously successful series of concerts, the South Okanagan Concert Society is taking a firm step out on a limb to conclude this seasons’ series. Thursday (yes I said Thursday not Friday), March 7 th, Woody Holler and his Orchestra will hit the stage at our temporary venue of the Oliver Alliance Church at 7:30 pm.
When musician, Bob Park, and concert society President, Janet Marcotte, returned from an annual music showcase in Vancouver, they told the rest of us, “We just have to have this one!” Some of us wondered if they had strayed off course but their enthusiasm was catching and they know our audience very well. Quality is imperative and a little musical fun is in order.
Woody Holler and his Orchestra are purveyors of western swing. They love to explore the crossover between jazz and western and produce “gypsy jazz from the saddle”. Raised on the songs of the cowboy, Woody also has extensive voice training in classical and opera repertoire. His rich, well honed voice is a treat to hear. A sense of belonging and nostalgia held him close to the early Western genre as he experimented with other styles.
Check out a sample of their delightful music at http://www.woodyholler.ca/index.htm A few audio and video clips can be accessed on their main page. Turn on your speakers and enjoy. You’ll be sure to smile and sway along to that gypsy jazz rhythm. (Ed.)The orchestra consists of Winnipeg’s finest folk/jazz musicians and from these roots the ‘gypsy jazz from the saddle’ was born. Richard Moody on violin, Greg Lowe on guitar and Daniel Koulack on double bass add clever arrangements resplendant with virtuosity and style. The repertoire is eclectic, fun and fascinating, featuring finger-snapping swing beats, honey-slowed love croons and show stopping “extreme” yodeling. Did I say yodeling? Yup! I told you we were stepping out of the box on this one!
Come join the fun and give this a try! Four admission Flex pass tickets ($60) are on sale now at Beyond Bliss Esthetics in Oliver, at Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos, and at the door. For those of you who have an extra admission or two on your Flex Pass, now is the time to bring along a friend. If some of the Snow Birds are back, get 4 people together for one Flex Pass and get the most reasonable price. Single admission is $20. Young people 17 and under are welcome to attend the concert free. Those needing transportation by van can make reservations by calling Maureen at 250-495-7978
This is also the time to bring along your cheque book and get the Early Bird price for next season. The complete flexibility of a pass makes it easy to use and to share.
