The South Okanagan Concert Society is holding its AGM on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 pm at the SOSS Library. All are welcome to attend. We would be very pleased to see anyone interested in helping plan and present concerts for our next season.
The truth is we have lost a number of key people to illness. They have worked to present the concerts over many years and we need new people to come forward to help. We are an efficient group and it is very satisfying work.
Photo: Janet Marcotte, SOCS President, welcomes tenor Ken Lavigne to the new Venables Theatre.
The Oliver Sagebrushers will be participating in the third annual SPRING ARTS FAIRE on April 5th at the Oliver Community Centre. Drop by our booth!
ART AT THE OWL, a welcome venue every year, will be set up on April 17th for the Easter weekend. A reception with music, refreshments and meet the artists will be held Saturday April 19th from 1-3 p.m. in the Burrowing Owl Winery Guest House. Please note the NEW DATE for this event. This is now the Saturday of the Easter long weekend, one week earlier than orignal planned. A great time for your visitors to get out and celebrate some Okanagan culture. This will be the second year the Sagebrushers are partnering this exhibit with the Osoyoos Artists on Main. A wonderful array of colours and paintings in all mediums to grace the walls for your enjoyment.
A PORTRAITS IN ACRYLIC workshop led by instructor Leza Macdonald takes place on successive Tuesdays April 1st and 8th from 9 a.m.-12.00 at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.
Due to unforeseen circumstances Women of Oliver for Women (WOW) is unable to host the Easter Bridge Social on April 13th. This event has been cancelled and a bridge afternoon will be held on Sunday, May 4th at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street, Oliver. A further notice will be sent out after mid-April.
Pre-registration is required, preferably by responding to bridgesocialnews @ gmail.com by April 10th.
Due to unforeseen circumstances Women of Oliver for Women (WOW) is unable to host the Easter Bridge Social on April 13th. This event has been cancelled and a bridge afternoon will be held on Sunday, May 4th at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street, Oliver. A further notice will be sent out after mid-April.
Pre-registration is required, preferably by responding to bridgesocialnews @ gmail.com by April 10th.
After a very successful One Billion Rising event, V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos is only gaining steam as they get closer to the date of their production at the newly constructed Frank Venables Theatre. On Friday, April 4th at 7 pm they will be putting on ‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer’– “A ground breaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. These diverse voices rise up in a collective roar to break open, expose, and examine the insidiousness of violence at all levels: brutality, neglect, a punch, even a put-down.” (Source: http://vspot.vday.org/available_events/MMRP). Tickets for the event are $25, and available at Beyond Bliss (Oliver) and JoJo’s Cafe (Osoyoos) and at the door. Proceeds will benefit Desert Sun Counselling Centre and the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House.
“Last year we staged a production of ‘The Vagina Monologues´ in Osoyoos, and had a sold out show, which we were thrilled about,” says this year’s lead organizer Tiffany Beckedorf. “One of the great things for me about MMRP is that there are roles for men, and we will have men onstage participating. Violence against women and girls is something that affects everybody, regardless of gender, race or social status, and that is something that these monologues really address.”
“It is a global problem, which at times, can seem very daunting. I think it is important to take action if you are able to, and raising awareness locally is an effective first step towards ending gender based violence. If you have not been a victim yourself, then you likely know a woman who has been, whether she has shared her experience with you or not. Around violence, we often experience shame, and fear,” affirms co-director Aimee Grice. “Taking action with campaigns such as V-Day gives men and women alike an opportunity to free themselves, and perhaps, free others as well.”
For those of you who don’t know, V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations, which started on Valentine’s Day 1998 by Eve Ensler, along with a group of women in New York City. Originally staffed by volunteers, the organization’s seed money came from a star-studded, sold out benefit performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, a show that raised $250,000 in a single evening.
V-Day’s mission is simple. It demands that violence against women and girls must end. To do this, once a year, in February, March, and April, Eve allows groups around the world to produce a performance of the play, as well as other works created by V-Day, and use the proceeds for local individual projects and programs that work to end violence against women and girls, often shelters and rape crisis centers. What began as one event in New York City in 1998 today includes over 5,800 V-Day events annually. (Source: http://www.vday.org/about/why-vday-started#.UyIdyfldXYE).
“Memory, Monologue, Rant, and a Prayer reminds us that although we have taken steps towards addressing the issue of recognizing violence against women and girls, it still exists in places you wouldn’t think of,” said co-director Marji Basso, “This collection of readings will awaken you, move you, offend you, and hopefully, inspire you to become part of a global movement to ending the long battle of violence. Your attendance is an integral step to bringing about change for our younger generation and their collective future.”
There will be a meet and greet with the cast following the show, with a wine reception and light snacks. For more information please visit the website at www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org.
Put some Spring in your step by attending the very exciting Spring Arts Faire, an exhibition and sale of art works in a wide variety of media by local participants. The displays include a host of new arts businesses and groups. We hope to have booths such as hand crafted jewelry, paintings, demos, stained glass, photography, cards, pottery, picture framing, hats, fabric arts, wood products, books, and more.
This is a spring outing for the whole family. Come browse, learn, buy, and chat. Admission is free although donations are greatly appreciated. Soup and sandwiches, goodies and beverages will be available, courtesy of Oliver Bakery.
So do come out and enjoy the wonderful displays and meet the artists. There will be an information table staffed by Oliver Art Council members who will be able to answer your questions as to what the Arts Council is all about and a chance for you to become a member of the Oliver Community Arts Council.
Want to be a vendor? Don’t delay!!! Download the Spring Arts Faire package by clicking on the “Forms” tab at the top of this page. More info? Sally 250-498-0104
There is something to do this Friday night!! Medici’s is back with another Friday Live Music night. We’re opening our doors at 7 and closing when you’ve had enough. Join Marcel Morneau, Brian Highley and some other great talent from around the valley and sink into some music.
Can you perform a bit? Bring your instrument, bring the music inside you and come be part of the nights sounds.
We’re hoping, again, some of the very talented folks from SOSS come join in the music. We know they’ve got the music, we want some! We are going to do some open mic stuff…if you’ve got the stuff!!
We are licensed. We have beer, wine, coffees with a kick and our usual great appie platters and sweet treats. Friday March 21st. Doors open at 7:00 PM. 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228. Cover at the door? Nope!
Friends of the Oliver Library presents OKANAGAN RIVER RESTORATION INITIATIVE Wednesday, March 19
7:00 p.m.
Oliver Library
Lee McFayden will speak about the re-naturalization and restoration of the Okanagan River system.
Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to this free presentation.
Call (250) 498-4655 for info
The South Okanagan Concert Society has some downright “yummy” concerts set for their next season, for all you early birds waiting to snap up tickets at reduced prices. From now until April 30, flex passes are on sale at 15% off the regular pass price, and are 25% of the regular single ticket price.
So, what’s up?
On Monday, October 20, 2014, Quartetto Gelato promises sweet refreshment. Described as “supremely talented, deliciously smart, endlessly creative, refreshingly funny, and totally surprising” this quartet combines violin, cello, accordion, and oboe. With a performance repertoire that spans the globe including classical masterworks, operatic arias, the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and folk songs, the group’s theatrical stage presence and relaxed humor has established an intimate rapport with audiences worldwide.
Gelato’s individual credits are as astounding as their reputation as a quartet. As just one example, locals will remember gasping at world champion accordionist Alexander Sevastian in his solo concert a couple of years ago. He represents just on quarter of this magical foursome. Quartetto Gelato toured Oliver a number of years ago, to great reviews. Since then, their popularity has sky-rocketed and they are hard to book. Aren’t we lucky to have them? Get a small taste of this deliciously cool treat of a quartet here: www. quartettogelato.ca
We may be starting the season off with dessert, but for something hot and satisfying, you will certainly “dig” into the Off Ramp Jazz Sextet on Friday, January 23, 2015 This Penticton based group features Aidan Mayes on vocals. If anyone caught the recent Soundstage production of Les Miserables, you will know Mayes stunned the audience with her powerhouse vocals as the tragic heroine Fantine. OffRamp Jazz brings the best of the swing era and everything in between, that will leave you dancing and singing! Their sets have immense variety: Duke Ellington and Count Basie, tasty Latin grooves, a bit of boogie, beautiful ballads, and few small surprises along the way. Aidan Mayes (vocals), Justin Glibbery (piano), Stefan Bienz (bass), Mike Treadway (drums), Larry Crawford and Stan Sabourin (saxes). Visit www.facebook.com/OfframpJazzSextet
As you raise and tinkle your glasses for a toast to this feast of music, perhaps you would like to hear the tinkling of a piano? The grand Steinway piano at Venables Theatre, no less? On Friday, February 20, 2015, pianist Sara Davis Beuchner performs. Although “tinkling” is a huge understatement of Beuchner’s supreme mastery of this instrument. She has graced the stages at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House, Here is just a sampling of her international reviews:
“What stands out is not only technique, but intelligence… When it comes to clarity, flawless tempo selection, phrasing and precise control of timbre, Buechner has no superior” (In Tune Magazine, Japan). “Buechner’s performance… with its soft contours and liquid, legato phrasing… had a beauty that might have taken even Mozart’s breath away” (The Washington Post). “Buechner has it all… intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess” (The New York Times)
“A pianist of exceptional merit, a musician of evident integrity, with an all-encompassing technique and natural sense of the composer’s propulsive style….the pianisim never less than 100% committed and breathtaking” (Pianoforte Magazine, England).
Need more convincing? Check outwww.saradavisbeuchner.com to be simply astounded. She will give our piano a real workout!
Or how about a buffet? Nibble on a colourful array of musical styles on Friday, March 27, 2015 when QuintEssence performs. If you loved musica intima last season, you will love these folks. Featuring four internationally renowned vocalists and a sensational pianist, QuintEssence offers a fresh, innovative concert experience for lovers of classical music of any style. Their concerts showcase cherished opera repertoire of phenomenal quality and exotic musical gems by celebrated songwriters spanning Schubert to Britten and Gershwin to Weill. They will dazzle you with vocal pyrotechnics, melt your heart with beautifully sung poetry, and stretch your musical frontier to the limit with adored music from off the beaten track. QuintEssence concerts even encourage audience participation with their “a la carte” programmes; the listener gets to choose what they wish to hear! Yummy! Sample more at www.quintessencemusic.ca
All performances will be at the Frank Venables Theatre at 7:30 pm. Four admission Flex Pass cost $60 at early bird prices if ticket bought before April 30th. Thereafter they will be $70. Single entrance is $20 and students 17 & under are free. For music’s sake, bring the kids and grandkids!!! Where else can youngsters see this calibre of musical performance for FREE! Exposing children to great performance is a surefire way to inspire their own creativity. Tickets are available at Beyond Bliss Esthetics in Oliver, and Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos.
PS The SOCS Annual General Meeting is on Tuesday, April 29th, 7 pm at the SOSS library. Everyone is welcome. After a year when some volunteers had to step away because of ill health, SOCS needs some new volunteers. The group is very efficient and easy to work with. It’s a great way to be part of the music — without having to be musical!
Phenomenal. The artwork, the artists, the speakers and musicians, the message, the food, the venue, and the crowd. V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos, together with the support of the Osoyoos Indian Band and participation from many members of the Oliver Community Arts Council and its member groups, mounted the successful “Metamorphosis” art show event on the afternoon of Saturday March 8 at the OIB Community Hall.
V-Day organizers Tiffany Beckedorf, Ursula Wick and Norberto Rodrigues de la Vega and many V-volunteers created a well-balanced space, combining art exhibit, information booths, sales tables, a tasty reception, and performance area with audience seating.
A jam-packed schedule of speakers, spoken word artists, and singers kept the audience both informed and entertained. MC Marji Basso (left) first introduced Darlene George to bless the event with an OIB Elder Prayer and the Women’s Warrior song (top photo). OIB Chief Clarence Louie, in his opening remarks, noted the recent media attention paid to missing aboriginal women, and the timeliness of V-Day’s message “Stop the Violence”.
MLA Linda Larson paid tribute to Russian and Eastern European women who were the first modern-era women to fight for women’s rights in the late 1800s. Mayor Ron Hovanes reflected on growing up in Oliver, and “the good small town folks can do in support of their community”. He reminisced about caring adults who kept an eye out for everyone’s children, and who “raised a village”. He encouraged the audience to embody the best from Oliver’s history, keeping Oliver a nurturing and safe place to live.
Following these short speeches from community leaders, several spoken word artists and musicians entertained the audience. Jeannette McCall gave a meditative rendition of her poem “Reflections”. Aimee Grice shared the uplifting “Phenomenal Woman” by one of the most famous feminist poets, Maya Angelou. Penelope Johnson experimented with her first foray into “slam poetry” with a selection called “Pretty” by Katie Makkai, followed by a Margaret Atwood poem entitled “Siren Song”.
Following speakers from the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House, Desert Sun Counselling (Roxie van Aller, above), and Roots of Empathy, two musicians returned to the stage with their own compositions: Aimee (left) and Morgan (below).
Closing out the afternoon was a ceremonial burning of a painting by Leza Macdonald. Throughout the afternoon, visitors were invited to write messages of hope, defiance, and comfort across her canvas depicting a child confronted by a frightening stranger. Gathering in the community hall parking lot under a grey sky, the audience watched as flames gradually consumed the violent image. Let’s hope that the event’s message “Stop the Violence” continues to resonate and is transformed into action in our lives.
The South Okanagan Concert Society’s ticket takers were kept busy in the lobby of the new Venables Theatre on Friday February 28, 2014, welcoming the audience for the
Ken Lavigne concert, and selling season passes for the 2014 -15 season.
Inside the theatre, SOCS president Janet Marcotte’s opening remarks included praise for the new venue, along with her gratitude to the concert’s many sponsors.
Tenor Ken Lavigne’s light-footed entrance with an umbrella, to the piano accompaniment of “Singin’ in the Rain” , brought immediate laughter from the sold-out crowd. Many in the audience remembered that Lavigne’s previous appearance on the Venables stage (the last performance before the original theatre was closed for renovation) was marred by a leaky roof. The tenor recalled standing backstage under a shower of rain.
Lavigne expressed admiration for the stunning new venue, calling it “a theatre to be proud of”. He also acknowledged his profound honour to be part of an historical moment: the first performer at a ticketed event to grace the new stage.
The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
Watch for some creative ideas at the Oliver Art Gallery this year. Beginning in March, the gallery will refresh exhibits monthly based on themes rather than by artist. Rather than wait months for your favourite artist to be showcased, you can see a variety of artists on display each month but with similar subject matter: still life one month, mountains or rural scenes the next.
Another new idea on the planning table is a portrait contest, with a monetary prize awarded to encourage all local artists to participate.
The gallery is also planning some outside activities during the summer. You can look forward to seeing member artists painting street scenes in front of the gallery. An Art Walk is scheduled for August. To take advantage of some great vistas (and weather), field trips for art students are also in the works.
Check out their website for a selection of art images by their twenty members. Drop by the gallery on Oliver’s Main Street to view it up close – and be inspired to take it home!
The following officers and directors are on the new OCAC Board:
President: Penelope Johnson
Vice President: Jack Bennest (pictured top) (**)
Secretary: Nathan Linders (pictured middle) (**)
Treasurer: Arleyene Farnworth
Directors: Sally Franks, Janice Goodman(**) , Brian Mapplebeck, Jennifer Mapplebeck, Bernice Myllyniemi, Brian Wilson (pictured bottom) (**)
Six Board members are returning, and four are newly elected (**).
A hearty thank you to those retiring from the board: President Stephanie Salsnek, Vice President Mary Fry, Secretary Diane Gludovatz, and directors Betty Lou Trimmer Bahnsen, Marion Trimble, and Bob Parker.