SOAP Theatre presents KNICKERS! by Sarah Quick. Jen Jensen directs this “cheeky” Canadian comedy about women starting up an underwear business. Think “Kinky Boots” and “Calendar Girls” with a Canadian twist.

TICKETS

INFO

Guaranteed you’ll laugh your knickers off!

When the paper mill in Elliston Falls closes, sending the small, rural town into an economic depression, a trio of determined, Wednesday-night weightwatchers and a newly appointed tourism officer must rally their community to save both jobs and spirits. Their plan of creating a custom underwear business becomes the foundation of the town’s survival in this comedy that celebrates determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and the willingness to bare it all.

A story of four women banding together to help their community in times of struggle, Knickers! is distinctively Canadian but has universal themes of economic hardships, hope and friendship. They are not extraordinary women in extraordinary situations, as much as they are ordinary women who face hardships head on to better the world in which they live.

Five Performances Only:

• Friday-Saturday October 28-29 at 7:30 pm
• Sunday matinee October 30 at 2:00 pm
• Friday-Saturday November 4-5 at 7:30 pm

TICKETS:

• Adults $25 day of show; $23 in advance
• Students: $15 day of show; $13 in advance
• Further Savings on Adult tickets:
  • Buy tickets to two different shows this season for only $21 each
  • Buy tickets to all three shows this season for only $19 each
  • Use the promo code GROUP to get 10 or more tickets to any one show for only $19 each

​SOAP Theatre 2022-2023 Season
Knickers – October 28 – November 5, 2022
The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon – February 3-11, 2023
7 Stories – April 28 – May 6, 2023

The 37th Fall Art Show & Sale welcomes the public on the Fall Festival Weekend, October 1-2. The arts competition includes photography, fibre art, three-dimensional art, watercolours, oils, acrylics, mixed / other media, and two categories for youth. The theme of the exhibit is “Seasons of Life”, with the top award going to Best Interpretation of the Theme. The public is invited to vote for their favourites among 72 works of art.

The Fall Art Show and Sale spans two days, Saturday October 1 (3 – 9 p.m.) and Sunday October 2 (12 – 5 p.m.), at the Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive. The event shares the same weekend and venue as Cask & Keg and Festival of the Grape. Saturday’s show is PUBLIC admission (by donation); only Sunday’s is via Festival ticket. Both days add to the fun with a wine fridge draw. Draw tickets are $2 each.

On Saturday, the public can vote for their favourite in each media category, and for one overall winner. Dessert reception begins at 7 p.m. Ballotting closes at 8 p.m. Quail awards will be presented to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners on Saturday evening. Honorable mentions will also recognize meritorious work.

Sunday’s admission is through a Festival of the Grape ticket only. The art show provides a cultural element, with visitors strolling through to admire fine regional art or relaxing with wine and music. The wine fridge draw closes at 4:30 p.m.

Many works of art are for sale both days. Sales add excitement and delight to the show, whether they’re works by established artists or youthful newcomers. Visitors may even meet the artists, and learn a little about their work.

Non-competitive displays feature local arts groups and programs. The CreateAbility program makes art accessible, exhibiting work by differently-abled adults, including art cards for sale. The RipOff Artists are talented artists, each working in their own medium, dedicated to “ripping off” a dead artist’s work in their own style. This year, the RipOffs adopt the style of Pablo Picasso, with a lively display of goats.

The Fall Art Show and Sale is an annual presentation by the Oliver Community Arts Council.

ARTISTS working in all visual media are invited to enter the 2022 Fall Art Show & Sale The theme for the show is “Seasons of Life”, although all art is welcome, whether it adheres strictly to the theme or not. Awards are presented in each category on artistic merit alone, with the top award reserved for “Best Interpretation of the Theme”. Read on for theme inspirations and suggestions!

Oliver Community Arts Council
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Fall Art Show & Sale
multimedia art exhibits, competition, and sale
Theme: SEASONS OF LIFE

Categories (9): Oils, Watercolours, Acrylics, Photography, 3 – D,
Mixed/Other Media, Fibre Arts, plus 2 youth categories
Awards in all categories plus overall Best Interpretation of the Theme

Saturday October 1: 3 – 9 p.m.
Competition, public voting, reception, awards

Sunday October 2: 12 – 5 p.m.
Exhibit and sales continue, stocked wine fridge draw

Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive, Oliver, BC

The theme can be understood as literal or abstract. Here are some ideas: aging, nature seasons, changing landscapes, stages of human growth, childhood memories, emotional changes, innocence to experience, rebellion to maturity, anger to acceptance. The theme can be an expression of one particular “season”, or show a range of “seasons”. How have you been “seasoned” by life? How has life changed around you?

Awards will be presented in nine categories, including seven media categories: photography, acrylics, fibre arts, oils, mixed / other media, watercolours, and three-dimensional. Fibre arts includes (but is not limited to) quilting, weaving, felting, knitting, needlework, tapestry, rug hooking, fashion design, tatting, millinery, and the like. Some fibre artists may categorize their artwork as “three-dimensional”. Three-dimensional includes many forms such as sculpture, decorative arts (ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, glasswork, leatherwork, jewelry), assemblage, and product design (e.g. furniture, luthiery).

There are also two youth categories: budding artists (12 and under) and emerging artists (13 – 18 years).

Entry Form Deadline: Friday September 9, 2022
Early Bird Draw Deadline: Thursday September 8, 2022
Entry Extension for Youth Artists ONLY: Friday September 16, 2022

Maximum 2 entries per artist. You can enter in two different categories. Artists do NOT need to be members of the arts council, although members do receive a reduction in entry fee. Visit MEMBERSHIP for form and information. If you are a new member, submit your membership form and fee with your art entry for discounted rates.

Partnered with the Festival of the Grape, the show attracts many wine tourists (and art buyers). Please scroll down to download the following package of information for each entry or go HERE and scroll to Fall Art Show and Sale for forms and FAQs.

All are welcome to learn a few words in nsyilxcn (n-silk-n), the Okanagan native language, as you learn how to paint this beautiful sunset.

Come join in some outdoor painting Saturday July 23 from 9 – 11 a.m. held at the Osoyoos Indian Band office under the fabulous architecture otherwise known as “the hat” (1155 Sen Pok Chin Blvd). You can also bring your own art projects / media to work on! Just come to socialize and learn a bit about Syilx culture.

If you have any questions, contact artist Franchesca Raven Bell through the information provided on the poster. See photo below of the “Hat”, a place for outdoor gatherings.

After a cool spring, live music fans are ready for some “hot fun in the summertime”.  Oliver’s Music in the Park concert series promises a “hot” lineup of bands, courtesy of the Oliver Community Arts Council.

Audiences will gather every Thursday evening at the Oliver Community Band Shell from July 7 to August 25 from 6:30  to 8:00 p.m. Admission is by donation. An art market and food vendors will be onsite.

Local band Cliff McIntyre opens the season on Thursday July 7 with their fusion of rock, roots, and country folk. A little Nitty Gritty, a little John Prine and Chris Isaacs, all with a Rolling Stones edge. This summer, Ken Repkow joins the band on lead guitar, chiming in on vocals with Ed Dukes (bass), Bettyanne Hampton (accordion), and Don Parmenter (harmonica and guitar).

A summer favourite, 13 Broken Bones returns with classic rock ‘n’ roll on Thursday July 14. Jacquie Demoskoff is a powerhouse with her gutsy vocals, fronting the four gents on guitars, keyboard, and drums.

July 21 promises to be a highlight, with Ben Klick taking the stage, fresh from his success at the BC Country Music Awards. Ben Klick released his debut album “Life Worth Living” in summer of 2021, now followed by his catchy single “Girls”. He entranced the audience at the BCCMA awards with his romantic ballad, “Fishin Off the Moon”. Audiences won’t resist two-stepping to the band’s “Meet Me on the Dance Floor”. The concert will also benefit the Oliver Food Bank, and food donations are encouraged.

The Blueshounds bring on some rockin’ boogie blues on July 28.  They may hail from Penticton, but their harmonica, blues guitar and drums recreate the sweltering Delta blues sound, with favourites by Muddy Waters, classics like Crossroad Blues or the Cajun tune Butterfield Boogie.

On Thursday August 4, Damn Chandelier harmonizes on the hits of the 70s. While Fleetwood Mac inspired, this four-piece band from Langley also covers the Eagles, Steely Dan, Tom Petty, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Rollin’ Coal returns for a second year in a row on August 11, after the band impressed the Oliver crowd last summer. Sue Ruuska’s mighty vocals are backed up by sax, guitar and upright bass on a mix of Latin, rock and reggae tunes.

Fans off swing and jazz will enjoy the South Okanagan Big Band on August 18.  This 18-piece band plays ‘40s vintage music, pop tunes, big band favourites, and Broadway hits.

The Nankama Drum and Dance ends the summer with an interactive music celebration on August 25. After a lively first set, the colourfully costumed troupe teaches the rhythms of West African djembe, and invites the audience to join in the drumming and dancing. Families with children are especially welcome.

All concerts run rain-or-shine on Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Oliver Community Stage band shell, 6359 Park Drive. Rain venue is on–site at the Oliver Community Centre. Suggested donation is $5. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Info: OliverCAC@gmail.com Presented by the Oliver Community Arts Council. The arts council is grateful for the generous support of the Oliver Kiwanis.

The big bay doors roll up on Sunday May 15th at Oliver’s newly renovated Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on Airport Street. After two years of near-isolation, Oliver’s arts community is ready to party. Visitors to the Quail’s Nest Open House on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. will be greeted with art displays, demonstrations, live music, an art market, and a BBQ food concession in support of SO Quality Childcare. Information booths will provide opportunity to meet many of the region’s artists or register for upcoming classes. Art groups will be accepting new students and members. Free admission to the public.

Fibre artists, painters, quilters, actors, sculptors, crafters in metal, textiles, and paper, and multimedia artists will all showcase their creativity. Shoppers browsing through the marquees and stalls can purchase art cards, embellished clothing, vintage jewelry, tapestries, pine needle baskets, fabric décor, resin artwork, theatre tickets, or a copy of the brand new One Hundred X One Hundred/ x̌cəcikst X x̌cəcikst local history book. A total of 26 groups, businesses, and individual artists will be represented.

The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers Guild and GNR Alpaca Boutique will each demonstrate fibre techniques. The Guild’s famous wool yurt will lure the curious into its cozy interior. The RipOff Artists reveal what famous Cubist painter they will be emulating in their upcoming challenge. Grandmothers for Africa will raise funds for relief efforts by selling ethnic jewelry and accessories. SOAP Theatre allows visitors to tiptoe behind the scenes in their rehearsal space. The public can view sets and costumes up close, and meet actors from recent productions.

Folk-rock duo Badgentina (aka Stephen and Lisa Toon) will add an upbeat vibe during the middle of the day. Bounce Radio 1240 will broadcast onsite. Shutterbugs can capture the moment with the set of colourful quirky quail frames and props.

All artists are members of the Oliver Community Arts Council, the organizers behind this colourful re-opening. The arts council will be promoting their CreateAbility program, summer’s Music in the Park, and the Fall Art Show and Sale. Handbills, entry forms, and memberships will be available. Those interested in renting their renovated facility can tour the site’s amenities and view a large-screen slideshow of their many activities. Door prizes include wine, handicrafts, ticket giveaways, and décor items.

The Quail’s Nest Open House welcomes visitors to 5840 Airport Street, Oliver. Public parking is available on the north side of Big Blue.

During the pandemic, the arts council received BC Arts Council funding to bolster arts and culture resilience. Last year, this funding was shared across a dozen community projects. For the Quail’s Nest Open House, the Oliver’s arts council is grateful to the Ross Fitzpatrick Family Fund and the Province of BC.

After two years of hiatus because of Covid-19, we are so excited to announce that the Okanagan Zone Theatre Festival is back again; and even more excited that SOAP Theatre is the host club for this year’s event. There will be six different plays presented at the Venables Theatre in Oliver during the week of May 22 to May 27, followed by a public awards banquet at the Oliver Senior Centre on Saturday May 28.

Five of the participating performances will be competing for a range of awards and recognition, to be announced and presented at the awards banquet at the end of the week. The May 25 performance is not part of the competition. It is a new play workshopped with the playwright and the actors. Anyone with a ticket to any one of the competing performances will be able to attend the workshop play free of charge.

The adjudicator for this year’s Okanagan Zone Festival is Nicolle Nattrass. She is an actress (CAEA / UBCP), playwright (Playwrights Guild of Canada) and a Director/Dramaturg. She is a graduate from the University of Victoria (1991) with a BFA in Theatre, Acting Specialization. As an actress, Nicolle has performed for many regional theatres across Canada and worked in film, tv and radio.

Each adjudication will include a “coffee critique” held in the lobby of the Venables Theatre the morning following each competing performance. Ticket holders to each of these competing shows can attend its coffee critique the following morning, free of charge.

Remember, if you buy a show ticket, you can attend its critique by the adjudicator the following morning at no cost. Also, the workshop play scheduled for May 25 is free to anyone who holds a ticket for any of the other plays.

Six Dramatic Days of  Live Theatre, plus a banquet are scheduled as follows. All performances are at Venables Theatre (6100 Gala St. Oliver). The Awards Banquet will be at the Oliver Senior Centre (5876 Airport St. Oliver). 

• Sunday, May 22: SOAP Theatre (Oliver and Osoyoos): When The Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs
• Monday, May 23: Crimson Tine Theatre (Princeton): Above and Beyond  by Robert Scott
• Tuesday, May 24: Theatre Kelowna: Wit by Margaret Edson 
• Wednesday, May 25: Workshop Play: Gift from the Sea by Cara Nunn of Vernon (Note that this short play is free for anyone holding a ticket to any of the other performances.)
• Thursday, May 26: Shuswap Theatre (Salmon Arm): The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble by Beth Graham
• Friday, May 27: Powerhouse Theatre (Vernon): Ben Hur by Patrick Barlow
• Saturday, May 28: Awards Banquet: Dinner, followed by dancing to the music of popular, local duo, Rebel Luv.

Ticket pricing will be similar to what local theater patrons are used to paying for SOAP Theatre productions:

• Single Show Adult Tickets on the day of the show: $25.00/person
• Single Show Adult Advance Tickets: $22.50
• Multi-Show Adult Tickets for 3 or more shows: $20.00/person/show
• Student Tickets, with valid student ID: $15.00/person
• Banquet Tickets: $45.00/person (Banquet ticket sales end on Thursday, May 26 at 12:00 noon)

​The above ticket prices include all fees and taxes.

Remember, if you buy a show ticket, you can attend its critique by the adjudicator the following morning at no cost. Also, the workshop play scheduled for May 25 is free to anyone who holds a ticket for any of the other plays.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE OR HERE

Described by the CBC as the “hottest” guitar ensemble in Canada, the Montreal Guitar Trio will be performing at Venables Theatre Saturday, May 7th at 7:30 pm. The South Okanagan Concert Society executive are more than thrilled. The “MG3” Trio was a huge hit when they performed here in preCovid days and anyone who heard them will undoubtedly be back to get their tickets quickly and inform their friends.

Tickets are available on line at www.venablestheatre.ca or at the theatre box office on 6100 Gala, Oliver, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm. Thanks to the generous support of loyal sponsors, the Concert Society is able to offer tickets at only $27.50.

Don’t be mistaken though, this Trio is a force to be reckoned with. For over 20 years, their virtuosity, rigour, creativity and impressive stage presence has won converts all over the world. Humour and interaction with the audience go hand-in-hand with this group in hundreds of concerts. You can hear them in prestigious venues across North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia or you can hear them right here in Oliver. Your choice!

The trio is composed of guitarists Sebastien Dufour, Glenn Levesque and Marc Morin performing on Bruno Boutin guitars. They first met as classical music students at the University of Montreal. That conservatory background hasn’t stopped them from tackling flamenco and tango, nuances of Indian and Arabic music, hits from Queen and Rush or even Ennio Morricone’s music for spaghetti westerns.

Throughout the years, the trio has collaborated and shared the stage with world-renowned ensembles and artists such as the Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec, Jorane, Solorazaf and Don Ross. In the past ten years their most memorable collaborations have been with the California Guitar Trio when both ensembles joined forces to give unforgettable concerts that included brilliantly performing rock classics from The Beatles and David Bowie as well as some of their original compositions. Together the two trios perform individually but now about half their gigs are as a sextet together. This has invigorated both groups and speeds past classical oriented guitar acts to embrace a wider contemporary repertoire. Together the two trios created and released a new album “In a New Landscape”.

In January 2017 the Montreal Guitar Trio launched its 7th album “Danzas” at the Theatre Outremont in Montreal, which pays tribute to the great composers of Spanish music.

The Saturday, May 7th performance at Venables Theatre is not to be missed. Get your tickets quickly and be part of an extraordinary musical experience.

On Saturday May 7th, visit Phantom Creek Estates Winery (Black Sage Road Oliver, BC) from 12 noon to 3 p.m. for a classy art show featuring many talented artists. All sales of artwork support our new member, Oliver Crime Watch

Our world has been shocked at the developments in Ukraine and Russia.  The devastation of war; fear for security; economic impact and millions of refugees have caught the imagination and heart of millions around the world.   In the South Okanagan many are wondering what they can personally do to help Ukraine.  Our small communities have big hearts of kindness and compassion proven most recently in the collaborative work of the Cold Weather Sheltering for the homeless on the coldest winter nights of the past two winters.

The Seventh-day Adventist churches of Oliver and Osoyoos with the support of the Town of Oliver and Venables Theatre are sponsoring a Ukrainian Charity Benefit Concert.  Admission is free and concert attendees will have the opportunity to select several bona-fide Canadian charities to support in the humanitarian crisis of the Ukrainian people.   The concert will feature video stories of evacuees helping to put a real “face” on this crisis.

We are very pleased on such a late notice to book Canadian-born, Award-Winning, Multi-Genre Artist, Gina Williams.   Ms Williams is a singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, producer, and film & television actress.  An engaging and entertaining performer, this “Modern Day Renaissance Woman” – continues to defy stereotypes while touching hearts.  Ms Williams performs Pop, Rock, R&B/Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Christian, Dance, Caribbean/Latin, and Classical music at numerous festivals and concert stages around the world including audiences in Kiev, Ukraine.

The concert is free to the public and will open with several talented, local youth musicians.  We would be very grateful for you to share the information of this exciting concert and charity opportunity with your congregations and distribute the flyers.  Together, we can make a difference!

One Hundred X One Hundred Book Arrives in Oliver

Oliver, BC – A long-awaited event has come to pass: the One Hundred X One Hundred/ x̌cəcikst X x̌cəcikst local history book has arrived and is now available at the Oliver Archives! The book, which started in 2021 with funding from the Oliver Community Arts Council and a Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage: Community Anniversaries Program grant, has been a labour of love for the many contributors and partners who worked on showcasing stories from Oliver and the Osoyoos Indian Band and chronicling the growth of the present-day community.

The book, which is affordably priced at $9.99 + tax, contains 96 pages of full colour historic and contemporary photos, artwork, maps, history, and even interactive QR codes that allow readers to find additional content online. The cover includes the 100 X 100 Project logo created by local artist Emilie Herbert.

Co-editors Jenna Bower and Ken Favrholdt brought their own unique touches to the project. Jenna Bower, Curator of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, ensured the sukʷnaʔqinx oral histories were upheld. Bower, who studies her native language at the OIB Language House in Oliver, worked with elder Sheri Stelkia to add accurate transliteration of words and phrases in nsyilxcen throughout the book and recorded spoken phrases that can be listened to using the book’s QR codes. Ken Favrholdt brought a historical geographer’s eye for details of the past, as well as decades of writing experience as a local history author to choosing images and refining the text.

While paper shortages and supply chain issues led to delays late in 2021, with the help of a small book review committee and the assistance of ODHS president Vance Potter, OIB facilitator Terry Baptiste, and printer Munday Media, the book finished its long journey from community-submitted tales and pictures to attractively-bound local history volume, which is sure to grace coffee tables for years to come.

ODHS Executive Director Julianna Weisgarber stated, “This book is the work of many individuals, and we thank everyone for their enthusiasm for the project, for submitting their stories and bringing in photographs, and for directing our attention to the topics and people that needed to be included. The end result is a beautiful local history souvenir of the 100 X 100 year that residents can be truly proud of.”

To order your copy of One Hundred X One Hundred book/ x̌cəcikst X x̌cəcikst, please contact the Oliver Archives at 250-498-4027 or email info@oliverheritage.ca.

For more information contact:

Rebecca Rizzo

Curator

Oliver and District Heritage Society Museum and Archives

www.oliverheritage.ca l 250.498.4027 l 430 Fairview Rd, Oliver BC

Learn how to spin, skein, felt, dye, knit and more — all with luxurious, soft alpaca wool.

GNR Alpaca Boutique in Oliver announces the following workshops. Call or email for future dates. 416-526-0503 info@gnralpacaboutique.ca Location: 7171 Tucelnuit Drive OR your location (plus mileage) Minimum three students except where noted. All workshops include materials in the price.

3D Wet Felting Vessels ($50): 3 hours

Nuno Scarf ($60) 3 hours

Felted Scarf ($75) 3 hours

Felted Hat ($105): wet felt a one-of-a-kind felted hat 4 hours

Felted Soaps ($15): 2 felted soaps are completed in the 1 hour workshop

Yarn Dyeing ($65): alpaca or llama, 2 different bases, 2 skeins, 2 different methods of dyeing

Introduction to Spinning ($40): 1 on 1, learn preparing fibre, carding, using a Lendrum wheel, spin 2 singles and ply together to make your own skein of yarn.

Knitting class: ($60) learn to knit thrum mitts using amazing alpaca yarn

Knitting with Beads: ($25) learn to insert beads into your knitting

Blending Boards and Rolags ($40): playing with fibre to create batts and rolags for felting or spinning projects 3 hours

Felted Flowers and Beads ($25): 2-3 hours

Felted Cuffs and Bookmarks ($20): 2 hours

Felted slippers: ($95) wet felt one-of-a-kind pair of slippers

Needle Felted Animals ($30) owls, penguins, ladybugs, hedgehogs 3 hours

Ready for an evening of laughs?  The Anything You Can Do Comedy Tour features some of Western Canada’s funniest comedians who are masters of their craft. Celebrate International Women’s Day with a night of comedy with three hilarious ladies. Gather your friends—this show is perfect for a girls’ night out, (don’t worry, you can bring your guy friends too)!

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO Comedy Tour
Sunday March 13th
7:30 p.m.
Venables Theatre
TICKETS $30
​Recommended 16+

Headliner Erica Sigurdson is a Canadian comedian, writer, producer, and haberdasher. Sigurdson has Icelandic ancestry. She is a two-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee, a Leo Award-winning comedy writer and is regularly featured on CBC Radio’s smash hit The Debaters. She has been performing stand-up across Canada for ten years, has travelled to Afghanistan to entertain the troops and was a semi-finalist in the Seattle International Comedy Competition.

Yumi Nagashima is a Tokyo born, Vancouver based comedian, actress and writer. She made her stand-up debut in 2016 and realized that stand-up is what she was born to do. Don’t let her petite and gentle demeanor fool you — she has a savage wit! Her comedy has taken her around the globe, thanks to invitations from Montreal’s Just for Laughs showcase, the Jakarta International Comedy Festival, and Comedy Central Asia in Singapore. 

Rounding out the evening is host Katie-Ellen Humphries. Katie-Ellen is a standup comedian, writer and sketch performer who currently splits her time between Vancouver and New York. Whether sharing comedic confessions or disappearing into uproarious and dramatic characters, Katie-Ellen’s remarkable point-of-view resonates on the stage, page and screen. Her sensibility (that falls somewhere between the library and the locker-room) and sharp wit make her a favourite of audiences of all kinds. 

We’re excited! Let us answer all your arts-related questions! Drop by and visit our booth at the WOW Trade Show on Saturday March 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We’ll have door prizes, memberships, and lots of information about arts events.