Kurt Hutterli, one of the RipOff Artists, travelled to his native country of Switzerland last year, where he had a couple of happy surprises. Here’s what Kurt has to say:

“Here are some pictures from my reading at the Hotel Belle Epoque in Berne, Switzerland where I presented my new book project “Meine mitgebrachte Kindheit”. (It’s about my childhood memories I brought with me to Canada.) At the hotel I also “met” two Ripoff victims.

“First: Jane Avril in the company of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.”

Pictured below is Kurt at the Hotel Belle Epoque entrance, with Jane Avril kicking up her heels beside him. 

Kurt continues with his second RipOff encounter:

“Marianne and I were invited to spend the night in the Klimt suite, surrounded by six original drawings by Klimt!” 

Below are a few more photos from Kurt’s reading at the hotel and a view of the exterior. 

CANCELLED

From David Badger of Medici’s Gelateria: “It is with regret and sincerest apologies that we must cancel The South Okanagan Music Revue III next Friday March 18th due to illness. We have had to rework the line-up once before and to do so again on the eve of the show would result in a watered down version of a great musical night we have been promoting. That is neither satisfactory nor professional. These things do happen, albeit rarely, but this is one of those times.

Ticket buyers will be contacted and funds refunded. March 18th will once again be a great musical night of Medici’s Friday Night Live with host Marcel Morneau… .We have a great Nelson band coming in April and a truly incredible line-up of artists coming all throughout 2016 including the amazing Silvia Tyson and Quartette later in the year.”

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On Friday March 18, Medici’s Gelateria presents the third “South Okanagan Music Revue” featuring four great local performances. Regulars at Friday Night Live coffeehouses, they deserve a night just for them Here is the lineup:

Paul James and Dale Ramsbottom grew up living parallel lives but in opposite ends of Canada. Both got hooked on music when the Beatles hit the scene in 1964. Both have been involved in bands, playing and singing ever since. They met in Penticton. Realized they had similar tastes in music and a passion for harmony it seemed like a natural fit so they decided to combine their talents and perform together as ‘Paul and Dale‘ (until they think of a better name).

Richard Knox has performed from the Hollywood Bowl Sunrise Easter service in Los Angeles to the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Detroit Michigan and everywhere in between though-out America. He was the Music Director for the Seven Oaks Pathwork Centre in Virginia. Singing Love songs about the Human family he continues to offer the conversation that “what we share is stronger than what divides us”. Richard is happy to have found a welcoming family venue for his music at Medici’s

Rolly St.Amand, from north western Ontario has been singing since he was 15 years old and being a solo artist, does songs that appeal to him whatever the genre. Sharing music with people has always been a priority and he’s performed at venues both large and small, from family gatherings to on-stage shows. Rolly is a classic rocker and a foundation rock of FNL at Medici’s and is long overdue for a centre stage performance.

Corrie and Stephane, better known as Mountainview Drive have been harmonizing the great oldies together for years, giving hits from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s a funky spin, and taking audiences back to the good old days when lyrics told stories, and harmonies soothed souls. Stephane’s mastery of music with his excellent guitar work and vocal harmonies sets an amazing counterpoint to Corrie’s beautiful voice and great range. These two are a real class act!!

CANCELLED Friday March 18th at Medici’s…522 Fairview Road in Oliver.250-498-2228…$20 per ticket..assigned seating…doors open at 6:30-pm and the music takes off at 7:30 pm

Suddenly there are hopeful signs of Spring and the final concert of the 2015-2016 South Okanagan Concert Society season is upon us.  Friday, March 18^th at 7:30 pm Venables Theatre will see a rarely heard live performance of classical and jazz music blended and titled “Common Ground”.  The Wolak/Donnelly Duo will be on stage working their magic.

Famed British composer, Richard Thompson, once said, “What I wanted to hear didn’t exist, so it was necessary for me to go out and create it.”   Did the Wolak Donnelly Duo overhear him?  Clarinettist Kornel Wolak and pianist Chris Donnelly have worked together to show how jazz and classical music can more than just get along.

Wolak is the classical expert, most recently seen in the principal clarinet chair with the Ontario Philharmonic.  Donnelly is the jazz guy.  Both cross musical borders to produce a concert repertoire that can include movements from Brahms’ great Clarinet Sonata, Op 120  as well as Oscar Peterson’s sparkling Hymn to Freedom or Gershwin’s famous Rhapsody in Blue.  Together, Wolak and Donnelly captivate audiences with virtuosity, familiar melodies, and a profound passion for music and performing.

Both musicians are personable stage presences and throughout the program they are able to showcase their talents as solo artists.  Highly praised on two continents for his “pure silk” glorious tone, precise technical control and musical imagination, Polish born Wolak has a well established career as a soloist and chamber musician.  Canadian born Donnelly is a Juno nominated pianist, composer and improviser.  Theirs may be an unlikely pairing but all accounts point to an evening with a mix of styles, some humour and exceptional performance skills.

Tickets for the event are on sale at Beyond Bliss in Oliver, Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos and at the door.  Single admissions are $20 and those 17 and under are welcomed to all concerts free.  The posh new venue of Venables Theatre is wheelchair accessible.  Those requiring transportation from Osoyoos can call Maureen at 250 495 7978.

Bring your cheque book along when you arrive.  Next seasons tickets will be on sale for Early Bird prices.   Contracts are in the process of being signed and the line up will be made public soon.    Music is alive and well in the south Okanagan.   Make sure you are part of it!

The Oliver Sagebrushers are mounting a new show this month at Medici’s. The theme is Abstract Art.  This art form, not being as easy as it would appear, was recently demystified to the Sagebrushers under the tutelage of Tara Hovanes in a 2-day workshop.  Club members came up with some excellent examples and are eager to show their works along with Tara, who will be the Featured Artist. The show runs from mid March to the end of April.  All the pieces for your viewing pleasure, while enjoying a great Medici cappuccino, are for sale.  It should be noted there won’t be an Opening Reception for this show.

News blog publisher Jack Bennest has also opened his Oliver Daily News office space at 6237 Main Street to include a new gallery this spring. The “Dodge” building is currently home to the S.O Chamber of Commerce, the S.O. Immigrant and Community Services office, and Edward Jones.  The building boasts some great wall space.

“Most of the walls at “the Gallery” are full and interest is high to hang fine art and photography,” says Jack. “We will say “drop in” once all the artists have agreed on their schedule.”

The public can expect a formal opening later in March. Contact jackbennest @ gmail.com for more information.

You know where the beer is brewed. You know where the Back Alley Concerts rock. But now it’s time to grow.

The Firehall Brewery kicks off a crowdfunding campaign on March 16 to fund the construction of a new Beer Shop and Social Room at the historic Firehall. Same great beer, same great music. Now just bigger. And friendly crowdier.

To give this project a financial boost, you have one month to pledge. Between March 16 and April 15, go online to   www.kickstarter.com/firehallbrewery 

Friday Night Live, a night of great live music and entertainment is BACK this Friday March 4th at 7:00 p.m. The beer is cold and the music IS of course always sooooo HOT!

Two weeks ago the incredible Kenny Blues Boss Wayne took to our stage with his ‘oh so tight’ band and simply killed us all. He brought our local phenom Chase Alaric into the fold for an insane Boogie Woogie number. The place was crammed full of you good people.. The night was perfect.

Our next BIG night is Friday March 18^{th  :} ~~ the South Okanagan Music Revue III featuring 4 super acts from the great pool of Valley talent in our midst….

Back to this week!!! Marcel McMorneau will of course be our host. Our great local stable of talented great artists is becoming huge…it’s still growing and we have room for YOU. Come hang out with Leann and Rod( who re not going to be there actually but are turning their mayoralty duties over to Jill and Helene).. 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 Who Walks 500!. Medici’s this Friday March 4th at 7:00 p.m. at 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228.

Pamela Woolner, Community Heritage Manager since March 11, 2014, is regretfully stepping down from her executive position with the Oliver and District  Heritage Society. She is returning to Ontario, where she has secured a new position.

Her letter expresses her enjoyment during her stay in Oliver:

I am very sad to tell you that my time with the Society is rapidly coming to a close. …  I have treasured my time in Oliver and enjoyed meeting the people and learning the history of the area. It is so unique!

” The Board is already working hard to find my replacement and I’m sure things will go very smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me before I go. Julianna, our Collections Manager, will be available to you after that date until the new Executive Director starts. She will be checking all the e-mail and phones.

“I hope you will continue to support your Heritage Society as they are working very hard on the community’s behalf. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

Yours, Pamela Woolner
Community Heritage Manager

Oliver and District Heritage Society

Box 847, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0

250-498-4027
info @ oliverheritage.ca

www.oliverheritage.ca