When I first started reading the reviews for Duo Concertante, Canada’s premiere violin and piano ensemble, I wondered what I could be getting in for. “Vigorous, passionate, red-blooded” said one. “Ethereal textures, colorful sonorities” and “suspended between poetry and romance” said another. “Grace and fire…fury and repose” said another. Then a conclusion, “Two packages of musical dynamite that would credit any stage in any city in any continent on the planet!”

Wow!   Nancy Dahn, violin, and Timothy Steeves, piano, are coming to OUR stage at the Venables Theatre, Oliver, on Friday, February 24^th . Performance starts at 7:30 pm and tickets for $22.50 are available on line at www.venablestheatre.ca, at the Venables box office open 10 to 3 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday or at the door.

Dahn and Steeves are partners in life as well as in music and their powerful musical instincts and flawless technique have been recognized throughout North America, Europe, and Asia where they maintain a busy touring schedule. Their tight quality of ensemble playing speaks to years of successful collaboration where the fluidity of the piano intertwines intimately with the poignancy of the violin. The inscription over Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” sonata reads, “in stilo molto concertante” with the implication that the performers are two equal and dynamic voices. This notion defines Duo Concertante’s artistic relationship.   The “Kreutzer” sonata was the first piece the duo played when, in 1997, they burst into the performance world.

Both Dahn and Steeves are based at Memorial University in St. John’s where they are energetic, experienced teachers who have given hundred of master classes and workshops throughout the world. Their commitment to working with young musicians gave rise to the annual Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival, which they founded in 2000 to bring together young chamber music performers with world-class artists and ensembles for an intensive two weeks of learning and performance.

The couple have seven acclaimed CDs including Beethovens Complete Sonatas for Violin and Piano, which received rave reviews from the international press and their recording of R. Murray Schafer’s Duo for Violin and Piano which won the 2011 Juno Award for Classical Composition of the Year.

Tickets are on sale now for this concert which will close another very satisfying South Okanagan Concert Society season of music. Those requiring bus transportation from Osoyoos can call Maureen at 250 495 7978 to make arrangements.

SOAP is looking for actors to perform in their Spring 2017 production of Since You Left Us, a comedy by Vancouver based Playwright Susinn McFarlen. Auditions will be held as follows:

• Quails Nest Arts Centre;  5840 Airport Street; Oliver
• Thursday February 9, 2017 from 6 pm to 8 pm; and
• Friday February 10, 2017 from 6 pm to 8 pm

Since You Left Us calls for six cast members – three men and three women:

• Fanny (F) – The sister who arrives at Denny’s in search of her son. She is uptight, nervous, and anxious.
• Denny (F) – The dog-obsessed sister, Denny is the crazy glue that keeps the laughs coming.
• Mike (M) – Denny and Fanny’s fireman brother, who, along with his friend Chuck, is always enjoying yet another beer.
• Dolly (F) – Mother of Fanny, Denny and Mike — one sexy 70-year-old in a plunging leopard-skin patterned blouse, cinch belt, tight pants and spike heels.
• Chuck (M) – Dolly’s much younger, alcoholic boyfriend.
• Danno (M) – Fanny’s missing son, late teens.

People with all levels of acting experience (or lack of experience) are welcome to attend. Even if you are not sure of wanting a part, grab a friend and come out for an evening of laughs, reading parts from this great script.
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​RUN DATES: April 28 – May 6, 2017
Also planned to be part of the Okanagan Zone ​Theatre Festival in late May 2017 in Salmon Arm

Synopsis
There’s dysfunctional and there’s really, really dysfunctional. The family in Since You Left Us is one of the latter: shot through with alcoholism, bad parenting, sibling rivalry and unhealthy co-dependency (with a Jack Russell terrier named … Jack).

Since You Left Us is laugh-out-loud funny until the end when something is revealed that suddenly makes the play profoundly poignant.

The dog-obsessed Denny is the crazy glue that keeps the laughs coming in this production. Mouth-to-mouth on a mutt? Diapers on a dog? Cooing and baby-talking to Jack Denny is hysterically funny but can turn an evil eye on her mother, brother and sister that stops them dead in their tracks. Denny is a ‘don’t mess with me’ sort of gal – and who would mess with her? She’s big and tough and strong.

But the story is really Fanny’s, the sister who arrives at Denny’s in search of her AWOL son, Danno. Fanny can be uptight, nervous, and anxious but she is able to loosen up and, in doing so, is pulled back into this flawed family that is, nevertheless, a family.

It’s Dolly’s 70th birthday but she’s one sexy septuagenarian in a plunging leopard-skin patterned blouse, cinch belt, tight pants and spike heels. She’s got herself a much younger boyfriend – married, alcoholic Chuck, with whom she’s about to move in.

Mike is Denny and Fanny’s fireman brother who, along with his friend Chuck, is always enjoying yet another beer with the toast, “first one of the day”. These people, with the exception of reformed alcoholic Fanny, really drink.

There’s a lot of fighting, bitching, arguing and yelling so if your own family dynamic finds itself in the same position, Since You Left Us might not be for you. On the other hand it will make your family appear positively happy. It’s funny, the dialogue crackles with wit, these are people you might know (and love).

More information at www.soplayers.ca/since-you-left-us.html

by Anneke Le Roux
How lucky can our little town of Oliver be!?  We have a phenomenal theatre that brings incredible acts like the Montreal-based Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble performance hosted by the South Okanagan Concert Society January 27th.   I could not believe my good fortune and did not stop smiling.  The Dave Brubeck Tribute concert was World Class!

The set-up was plain and simple, no gimmicks or distractions, just pure, enthralling, mind-blowing craftsmanship. Rémi Bolduc brought together musicians that not only understand their instruments and the music of Brubeck, but that lose themselves in the dynamics of ‘telling the story’ to the audience. It is the dynamics that pull you in and make you part of this world that is pure with utter brilliance. We all know jazz is not every one’s cup of tea, but when presented to you in this way, one can not help but stand in awe. And they do this without a single piece of sheet music!

Rémi plays a 60 year old Selmer alto saxophone (the very first one he bought for himself in the 80’s) with a tone quality of velvet. His understanding and portrayal of Brubeck’s music is the exact balance of beautiful tonal themes and lightning fast arpeggios and scale dissections  that leave one astounded when he lets loose. But he does not leave you behind. The audience could not agree more when the intro started to ‘Take Five’. That can only be done with years of impressive experience.
I was a bit worried or disappointed at first when the pianist sat with his back to us because it was not just any pianist, it was François Bourassa, and I wanted to see him interact with the other musicians.  He did this but now I did not see his face, but his hands. Oh those hands…! And his feet – which had a whole conversation all on their own. He made the piano sing with the lightest touch and a more controversial contemporary approach when he started “Bluette” on the piano’s anatomy (the insides of the piano). He plucked and played together, which caused great delight in the audience.

The double bassist Fraser Hollins and drummer David Laing’s solid performances were ever impressive and not to be underestimated. They made the transitions between aTempo and double time seem effortless, and they are the reason for every foot that tapped along.

Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble is beyond fantastic! They are so aware of each other and what will happen next, they know the best ways to bring enhancement so the music stands out. What a privilege to see these professional musicians in action. They promised to return to the Okanagan, but if there’s a chance that they are near you, go! Their traveling schedule is available at www.stationbleue.com.

On this note, I have to say that so often the sound engineer is left behind. But Dave Mai (sound and lights) has done the outstanding by knowing the acoustics of the theatre so well and giving each individual instrumentalist the best balance, in order to give us the best performance. Thank you.

Frank Venables Theatre gives us another reason to be proud, and that is to anyone with an Orace Hearing System. On the 12th and 24th February, there will be two separate performances. 150 MOVES, Ballet Kelowna’s Celebration of Canadian Dance and DUO CONCERTANTE, and both performances’ sound will be paired with the Orace System. In other words, the music will be played directly in your ears!

DUO CONCERTANTE will be the next SOCS concert on 24 February at 7:30 at the Venables Theatre. Canadian partners in life and music, Nancy Dahn and Timothy Steeves perform on Violin and Piano. They have been praised by critics for over fifteen years for their ‘artistry, poetry and impeccable technique’. Tickets will be on sale at the theatre during new office hours. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:00 – 3:00. Make sure you don’t miss any of the shows!

Thursday, February 16^th, is the date to mark on your calendar for the annual Grandmothers for Africa BRIDGE EVENT from 10 to 2:30 at Fairview Mountain Golf Club.   Preregistration by Feb. 14^th is necessary so email bridgesocialnews @ gmail.com or call Leslie at 250 498 2282. For only $20 you get the entire bridge social including lunch and you also are contributing to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s work with unsung heroines, African grandmothers.

Recent global events have had women all over the world marching for social justice. The recognition that we are all connected as human beings is front and center.   That is why women in Oliver have gathered to support the empowerment of grandmothers in Africa.   The depth of love, tenacity, intelligence and hope at community level in Africa is absolutely compelling. Most African grandmothers live in under-resourced communities and face the brunt of the effect of HIV/AIDS and poverty as they bear the load of caring for families, financially, emotionally and physically.   With their strong sense of responsibility they quite literally make the impossible happen. They are the greatest hope for kids growing up orphaned by the AIDS pandemic.

Grassroots support groups, funded and encouraged by the Stephen Lewis Foundation, carry particular meaning for African grandmothers.   They are greeted with love, warmth and open arms and they find in their groups a place to share their life experiences and to learn new coping strategies.

When you come to play bridge on February 16^th, you will have the opportunity to see and buy goods made by both African and Canadian grandmothers.   It is a day to come together, have fun and support other women carrying burdens greater than our own.   Don’t forget the preregistation deadline of February 14^th!

Photo: Shirley Polk, President of Oliver Grandmothers for Africa and African Grandmother, Mariam Mulindwa

Don’t Dress for Dinner opened this past weekend to enthusiastic Osoyoos crowds. Attendance both evenings was among the highest for any SOAP production at the OSS Theatre. The cast and crew look forward re-tuning for the larger stage at the Frank Venables Theatre and welcoming crowds from Oliver to Penticton this Friday and Saturday, February 3-4, at 7:30 both evenings. Of course, we also expect a sizeable Osoyoos contingent who heard about this great show from their friends that attended this past weekend!

Don’t Dress for Dinner is Mr. Camoletti’s “saucy” sequel to last fall’s bedroom romp, and will be staged by SOAP Theatre Society at the OSS Theatre in Osoyoos on January 27-28 before moving to the Frank Venables theatre in Oliver on February 3-4. Curtain time for all shows is 7:30 pm.

Several years have passed since Bernard (Trevor Leigh) married his “favourite” fiancee, Jaqueline (Jackie Brockholm) and moved to a converted farmhouse outside Paris. With Jacqueline off to visit her mother, Bernard is salivating over the idea of a weekend romp with his mistress, Suzanne (Louise Szalay). It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong?

Well, Bernard’s old pal Robert (Craig Bjornsen) is also invited to supply an alibi. But unbeknownst to Bernard, Robert is having an affair with Jacqueline, who swiftly cancels on mother when she gets wind of her paramour’s arrival.

The prime source of the play’s accelerating confusion is Suzette (Angela Stuart), a Cordon Bleu chef hired by Bernard for the evening. Given Suzanne and Suzette’s similar names, Robert initially assumes Suzette is Bernard’s mistress and passes her off as his date to cover for his friend. By the time he wises up, it’s too late to correct the mistake without exposing either his own hanky-panky or his buddy’s.

Unfazed by the eccentricities of her clients, Suzette is happy to play along and pose as Robert’s girlfriend, niece or whatever, extorting additional payments from both men for each fresh layer of deception, including having to pretend to be the mistress while the mistress is unable to cook.

​An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed, to be interrupted only by arrival of a gruff and suspicious George (Bryan Sykes), to pick up his wife, Suzette at the end of her evening catering engagement.

Nathan Linders is back to direct his third performance for SOAP. “I have been most fortunate to work with this great cast … a lively mix of seasoned professional and amateur actors (Mr. Leigh, Mr. Bjornsen), recent SOAP additions (Ms Brockholm , Ms Szalay) and newcomers (Ms Stuart , Mr. Sykes).”

 Frank Venables Theatre uses assigned seating, so get your tickets early for best selection and to save money on at-the-door prices. They can be purchased at:

Sundance Video in Oliver (cash only please)·        

On-line ticket office (www.venablestheatre.ca … Visa/MasterCard… 24 hours/day)

Venables Box Office in person (6100 Gala Street Oliver … Tue-Wed-Thu 10:00 to 3:00…cash, credit, debit)

Buy by phone (250-498-1626 … Tue-Wed-Thu 10:00 to 3:00…Visa, MasterCard)

If you miss our office hours, you can email tix@venablestheatre.ca with your phone number and they’ll call you back.

Advance tickets through all outlets are $22.50 for adults and $15.00 for students (includes all fees).Adult prices at the door increase to $25.00 

With your advance, assigned seat ticket in hand, enjoy an offering from our licensed concession before the show. The theatre lobby opens at 6:30 pm on show nights.

The Trade Show began in 1993 as a fundraiser for Soroptimists International of Oliver. When that group disbanded in 2003, the Trade Show continued through the work of the WOW Club.

The Trade show title “Mainly for Women” reflects our mission statement, with the funds raised going to support our projects which focus mainly on women and children within our community.

Trade show displays feature everything from beautifully handcrafted jewelry to pottery, wood crafts, fibre art, health products and services, real estate and investments, home improvement, fashion, food, and many more themes.

The ‘Mainly for Women’ Trade Show occurs every February, on the third Saturday of that month.  Forty to sixty individual vendors showcase their wares in the Oliver Community Centre, where there is free parking for patrons.  A lunch and snack area is available.

If you would like to be part of the next Trade Show, please download

WOW Trade Show Entry Form 2017

WOW Trade Show Info Sheet 2017

The arts council hosted the annual Community Christmas Concert (held on November 27) as admission by donation with proceeds going to the Oliver Food Bank. Entertained by dancers, choirs, soloists, and humorous narration, the audience once again opened their hearts and pocketbooks to people in need. Proceeds of $500 and bags of groceries were presented to the food bank. Pictured are Brian Mapplebeck (right) presenting Jim Ouellette of the Oliver Food Bank with monies and food collected. Thank you to our audience for their generosity! The arts council board is already brainstorming ideas for next year’s revue!