Top choreographers, world premiere pieces, National Ballet of Canada dancers, and an internationally acclaimed musical ensemble join forces with Ballet Kelowna and the Frank Venables Theatre for a special world premiere performance entitled Renaissance.

Oliver’s Frank Venables Theatre was chosen as one of only three in BC to premiere this exciting performance. “This is a wonderful tribute to Oliver whose support for the theatre has made opportunities like this possible”, says Bettyanne Hampton, Theatre Manager. ‘Ballet Kelowna and their guest artists are looking forward to bringing this visually and emotionally commanding performance to our South Okanagan audiences.’

Renaissance is a collaboration between Ballet Kelowna and Toronto’s Continuum Contemporary Music that will showcase some of Canada’s finest choreographers, dancers, musicians and composers. Two rising stars from The National Ballet of Canada, Hannah Fischer and Ethan Watts, will make a special guest appearance to perform a new duet by National Ballet’s Choreographic Associate Robert Binet.

Any one of these performances on their own is a strong draw. To see Ballet Kelowna, Continuum and National Ballet dancers together in one program is exceptional and we encourage our dance community, our music community and all those who enjoy live performance to come to this special premiere presentation.

Renaissance in on stage Sunday May 1st, 7:00 pm at the Frank Venables Theatre, 6100 Gala St, (corner of Fairview Rd,) Oliver.Tickets are available online at the FVT Community Box Office at www.venablestheatre.ca and in person at Beyond Bliss in Oliver. For information 250 498-1626.

CanwaxWest, the Penticton-based western Canadian association of encaustic artists, presents “Brilliant Moments”. The exhibition title was given to the annual show of encaustic art when teacher, founder and mentor, the late Thea Haubrich introduced encaustic painting to the local art community.

This year “Brilliant Moments”, now under the umbrella of CanwaxWest (an association Thea Haubrich dreamed of establishing), includes a special event celebrating Thea’s work and her influence.   At Leir House Cultural Centre, a permanent installation, the Thea Haubrich Memorial Wall will be revealed at the Opening Reception for “Brilliant Moments”, on May 6 from 6-8 pm.

100 Years of Broadway by Marion Boyd

‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’ and the Sage Valley Voices are off and running.  They will be on stage at the Oliver United Church to present 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY Saturday, April 16th at 7 pm and Sunday, April 17th at 2:30 pm.  Get your tickets at the door for only $10 and see what our community choir can do.

The choir really does spell community.   Singing a medley together are some forty people ranging from 85 year old twins to a young boy soprano gradually morphing into a fine tenor.   The local cop is there in his uniform.   A long time orchardist sings a brazen chorus of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and everyone in this town knows that orchardists don’t really believe that just having a beautiful feeling will mean everything, especially the weather, will be going their way!  Then there is our favourite Marilyn Monroe double to remind us that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Director, Lori Martine, should get a special award for both good humour and patience as practice after practice she convinces the whole crew that “There’s No Business Like Show Business”.   Turning out for practices in the winter months made “Button Up Your Overcoat” a reality.   Wife and daughter of a former producer on the local musical scene sing “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “dat man” sitting right beside them just gives them his usual wicked grin.

Sandy Andres, pianist, has her work cut out for her.   The musical score has a lot of fast transitions.  “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better!” gets a bit rowdy with the “no you can’t” “yes I can”  dispute and leads to “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”.   Part of Sandy’s job is covering up the odd mistake and fortunately she is very good at it.

“Standing on the Corner” and “Hello Dolly” move us into the realm of traditional Broadway and before long the music of the early 70s from “Superstar” to “Send in the Clowns”changes the face of Broadway forever and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim start to steal the show.    It really does take 100 years to “Give My Regards to Broadway” starting with the early years and the music of Tin Pan Alley right up to contemporary Broadway:  “Do You Hear the People Sing?”

The choir invites you to come out and become part of a community of music.   Your ticket price includes tea or coffee and goodies and a time to socialize with the choristers. We are your friends and neighbours.   Lighten your heart and join in the fun!  Proceeds after costs are donated to the United Church Community Outreach programs such as the Soup Kitchen.

Photos by Val Friesen

1. Men’s chorus shares a laugh

2. The choir hard at work

3. Artist, Janet Bednarczyk, center, holds one of the decorations for the show. To her right is Treasurer of Sage Valley Voices, Bernice Myllyniemi, and to her left, Marion Boyd.

ODHS Annual General Meeting features Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail Presentation

Oliver, BC, April 4, 2016: What is the importance of a heritage trail? How are these trails used today, and how does one preserve them?

Join the Oliver and District Heritage Society at their 36th Annual AGM where heritage activist, recreation consultant, and popular presenter Kelley Cook will discuss the case study of the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail, one of B.C.’s oldest and most used trails and fur trading routes.

Like many heritage trails, the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail started life as an ancient path used by First Nations for gathering, hunting and trading. During the fur trading era, it became one of B.C.’s only lines of communication, making it vitally important for the young province. In fact, research suggests that the trail actually helped to secure Canada’s future.

In spite of its great significance, the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail had fallen into obscurity and disrepair. Then in 2009 preservationist and recreation consultant Kelley Cook became interested in the trail’s history. She arranged a meeting with the Hope Mountain Centre, Backcountry Horsemen of BC, government agencies and other interested individuals to develop an ambitious 5 year project to restore 74 km of the trail’s path through the Cascade Mountains. In 2015 the trail re-opened complete with interpretive kiosks which allow hikers and history-seekers to follow in the footsteps of the early First Nations and fur traders.

The presentation will discuss all aspects of the restoration project and the current systems which protect and manage heritage trails in B.C. A highlight of the presentation will be some original sketch maps by Alexander Caulfield Anderson of the Hudson’s Bay Company, who mapped the trail on his first reconnaissance through the formidable Cascade Mountains. The talk will also touch on the status of the Dewdney, Hope Pass, Blackeye’s and Whatcom historical trails.

Kelley Cook first became interested in heritage trails while working as a recreation consultant for the Ministry of Forests in 2006. Her role inspecting and reporting on these trails led her to realize the significance of the Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail and to develop a plan to restore it. After 5 years, the project reached completion. Kelley Cook has given popular talks about the trail project to a variety of audiences. Her expertise on the subject combined with a passion for outdoor recreation and preservation make her a lively speaker sure to engage listeners.

The 36th Annual AGM for the Oliver and District Heritage Society will take place at 7 p.m. onWednesday, April 27th at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre located at 5840 Airport Street. Everyone is welcome but only those with current membership in the ODHS will be eligible to vote during the meeting. Memberships will be available for purchase prior to the meeting or can be purchased by visiting the Museum (474 School Ave.) or the Archives (430 Fairview Rd.) during open hours. Please feel free to call 250-498-4027 or e-mail info@oliverheritage.ca with any questions.

Caption: Heritage Activist Kelley Cook with her dog Feral

Medici”s Friday Night Live Music

Friday Night Live, a night of great live music and entertainment is BACK this Friday April 15th at 7:00PM. A truly great Canadian recording artist did drop by as promised last time…the lovely and very talented Ursula Fox ripped up the ivories while wearing my new hat…yeah. This time out you are going to be treated to a sneak peak of the amazing Nelson band Cold Mountain Air. A few of the band members are going to drop by and say ‘ja mon’. We may be able to squeeze a tune or two out of them if everything is Irie The beer is cold and the music IS of course always sooooo HOT! Marcel Morneau and our crazy talented local artists will fill the night. We have said salut to the belle Ariene for a few months but hopefully Pascale will be on hand to sing her stuff and play that mean guitar. Leann and Rod are wondering where You are. Methinks Corrie and mon ami Steph are back sooooo….? 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. Medici’s this Friday April 15t at 7:00 PM. 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228.

…………………..and ..and …and…Cold Mountain Air tickets are almost GONE!!…get Your ticket quick….or else!!!…20 bucks…really!