Vision for the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

Our architectural vision for the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is captured in the following renderings by Bevanda Architecture, Penticton. We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the Oliver Rotary Club which enabled the arts council to hire the services of Bevanda Architecture, and the hard work of our Vision committee who consulted with Bevanda on our goals and needs.

1. Front Entry View :  From 95th Street,   a visitor will see the original  maintenance shed (north, on right) converted into a multi-use performance space, including flexible seating, floor space, and stage area, grid system lighting , greenrooms and storage. This is the proposed first phase of renovations. South (left) along 95th Street is a proposed gallery and gift shop. front-entry-view

  2.  Front Lobby View: Entering from the 95th Street entrance , a visitor will be greeted in a light airy lobby. front-lobby-view

Beyond the lobby is a long breezeway running between the multiuse performance space to the north (right) and a sunny courtyard (centre background).  It’s a perfect place for small touring exhibits, elegant pre-show cocktails, and intermission lounging.  

 The lobby also gives access to the gift shop.

3. Lobby Gallery View :  This rendering looks back east towards the front lobby desk and 95th Street from the west end of the breezeway.  To the left in the picture is the multiuse performance space. If you look closely, you can see some of the original shed exterior along the wall on the left!

gallery-view

To the right are the windows opening onto the inner courtyard.  Behind the viewer are washrooms and concession areas.

 4.  Courtyard View: Reflecting the “Quail’s Nest” name, the arts centre shelters an intimate inner courtyard. The rendering looks west towards a concession area and washrooms, with studio and office areas beyond.  To the right is the long breezeway and lobby area (with performance space beyond).

courtyard-viewThe courtyard gives access to the whole facility around the square: performance area, gallery, lobby, gift shop, studios, concession, administrative offices, and washrooms.

The courtyard, with its sunken quadrangle, is a perfect venue for outdoor concerts and other small performances. Alternatively, the central area can be used for a water feature, container garden, or  sculpture display.

 5. Studio View: In the final phase of building, a line of small studios along the south end of the property face inwards onto the courtyard. This view looks north out of one studio into the courtyard and opposite the breezeway and performance space. studio-view

Behind the painting figure on the right (east) is the lobby, gallery and gift shop area that face onto 95th Street.

 6. Exterior View:  Along the south side of the complex is outside access to studio spaces (the near doorway) and administrative offices (far end of the walkway).exterior-view

Phased in several sections, the renovation of the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre  is a mammoth undertaking requiring at least $3 million in fundraising. However, the Oliver Community Arts Council believes such a facility could become a hub of unique artistic activity in the South Okanagan. Oliver  has a comparatively large percentage of its population active in the arts, many at commercial or professional  quality.  being aready recognized as the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver is set to become a tourist destination for arts and culture. 

The Board is seeking a professional fundraiser to initiate these efforts, and the patronage of major corporate sponsors and private benefactors.  We welcome any interest in seeing our vision become a reality!  olivercac@gmail.com

Renderings: Bevanda Architecture, Penticton
Photos: Penelope Johnson

Vision for the Quail's Nest Arts Centre

Our architectural vision for the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is captured in the following renderings by Bevanda Architecture, Penticton. We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the Oliver Rotary Club which enabled the arts council to hire the services of Bevanda Architecture, and the hard work of our Vision committee who consulted with Bevanda on our goals and needs.

1. Front Entry View :  From 95th Street,   a visitor will see the original  maintenance shed (north, on right) converted into a multi-use performance space, including flexible seating, floor space, and stage area, grid system lighting , greenrooms and storage. This is the proposed first phase of renovations. South (left) along 95th Street is a proposed gallery and gift shop. front-entry-view

  2.  Front Lobby View: Entering from the 95th Street entrance , a visitor will be greeted in a light airy lobby. front-lobby-view

Beyond the lobby is a long breezeway running between the multiuse performance space to the north (right) and a sunny courtyard (centre background).  It’s a perfect place for small touring exhibits, elegant pre-show cocktails, and intermission lounging.  

 The lobby also gives access to the gift shop.

3. Lobby Gallery View :  This rendering looks back east towards the front lobby desk and 95th Street from the west end of the breezeway.  To the left in the picture is the multiuse performance space. If you look closely, you can see some of the original shed exterior along the wall on the left!

gallery-view

To the right are the windows opening onto the inner courtyard.  Behind the viewer are washrooms and concession areas.

 4.  Courtyard View: Reflecting the “Quail’s Nest” name, the arts centre shelters an intimate inner courtyard. The rendering looks west towards a concession area and washrooms, with studio and office areas beyond.  To the right is the long breezeway and lobby area (with performance space beyond).

courtyard-viewThe courtyard gives access to the whole facility around the square: performance area, gallery, lobby, gift shop, studios, concession, administrative offices, and washrooms.

The courtyard, with its sunken quadrangle, is a perfect venue for outdoor concerts and other small performances. Alternatively, the central area can be used for a water feature, container garden, or  sculpture display.

 5. Studio View: In the final phase of building, a line of small studios along the south end of the property face inwards onto the courtyard. This view looks north out of one studio into the courtyard and opposite the breezeway and performance space. studio-view

Behind the painting figure on the right (east) is the lobby, gallery and gift shop area that face onto 95th Street.

 6. Exterior View:  Along the south side of the complex is outside access to studio spaces (the near doorway) and administrative offices (far end of the walkway).exterior-view

Phased in several sections, the renovation of the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre  is a mammoth undertaking requiring at least $3 million in fundraising. However, the Oliver Community Arts Council believes such a facility could become a hub of unique artistic activity in the South Okanagan. Oliver  has a comparatively large percentage of its population active in the arts, many at commercial or professional  quality.  being aready recognized as the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver is set to become a tourist destination for arts and culture. 

The Board is seeking a professional fundraiser to initiate these efforts, and the patronage of major corporate sponsors and private benefactors.  We welcome any interest in seeing our vision become a reality!  olivercac@gmail.com

Renderings: Bevanda Architecture, Penticton
Photos: Penelope Johnson

Music in the Park: A Photo Flashback

Music in the Park is a popular program featuring performers every Thursday night in July and August on the riverside behind the  CPR Station in Oliver, BC.  Rock, country, jazz, classical, choral, gospel, folk and world music — there’s a sound for everyone!  Here are some photos of the July entertainers:

pent-concert-band-005-jul-9-09Penticton Concert Band:  
Conductor Gerald Nadeau gets the most from the Penticton Concert Band at their July 9th concert

 

 

  

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Bob Park, Classical Guitar: 
Bob Park explains the origins of flamenco guitar music on July 16th

 

 

  

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Luke Whittall concentrates on an intricate jazz piece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

desert-airs-003-jul-16-2009

 

 

The Desert Airs Men’s Chorus treats the audience to some four part harmony

 

    

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Country and Western singers Dale Seaman & Pam Ferens stayed nice and dry at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on a rainy July 23rd evening

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Ruhland Family Band rocks the patio with their original songs

 

 

 

lucas-silbernagel-001-jul-30-09

 

 

Mom Audrey keeps Lucas Silbernagel’s music from blowing away on July 30th

 

Photos  by Heather Fink.

Backstage bustles as Sand Mountain production nears

With their production of Sand Mountain only days away, the SOAP Players hasten to complete the last few backstage details for the show. Sand Mountain, a pair of funny Appalachian folk tales by Romulus Linney, is set in the rolling mountains of Alabama in the 1800s.

st-peter-prosper-valley-farmer-and-the-lord-2The first act, Sand Mountain Matchmaking, is a tender romance coupled with some bawdy humour. The second tale “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain” is a moral fable  with some magical elements and a dose of slapstick comedy. The Lord and St Peter, disguised as travel-worn circuit preachers, visit Sand Mountain for a mysterious reason. Pictured at left are Darryl Mackenzie as St Peter, Patrick Turner as the Prosper Valley Farmer, and Paul Everest as The Lord.

A huge set dominates their large rehearsal space at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. The air prickles with the smell of sawdust and fresh paint. The set backdrop is a frame outline of a rustic cabin and risers are painted to resemble wide wooden floorboards. Earlier in the day, a crew headed by builder Larry Raincock has been sawing, hammering and painting the last part of the set.

As the cast enters for the evening’s rehearsal, set designer JoAnn Turner is intent on painting in the stone fireplace. “How does it look from where you are?” she double-checks with the production team. “Is the chimney wide enough?” She reviews her design for the fireplace, a complex set piece that calls for a number of special effects, and ticks off items on her job list: “I need to set up that fresnel behind the fireplace, hook it up to the lighting board, find some orange gels, and purchase some clear corplast for the lighting effects to show through.”

Costumer Bernice Myllyniemi enters with an armload of pioneer dresses, denim overalls, and wide-brimmed hats. “Come get your costume,” she calls cheerfully to cast members. “I need to see how they fit when you move around on stage.” Turning to director Penelope Johnson, Bernice reminds her, “I still need to distress some of the costumes to make them look authentic and worn, so I’m taking them back home tonight.”

 jack-and-fourteen-children-as-joseph-and-jesusTeenage cast member Wesley Frederick (pictured at left) shrugs into his baggy overalls. He plays the unusual character Fourteen Children, a role requiring the actor to represent all the siblings in one Appalachian family. Wesley’s last appearance with SOAP was as one of the von Trapp children in The Sound of Music. “I am excited to have more acting and lines than I did with Sound of Music. I ‘ve been enjoying the challenge of portraying this new character ” Inspired by his experiences, Wesley’s goal now is to become a professional actor.

David Badger (pictured at left)  plays Wesley’s father Jack. He pauses to reflect on the weeks of rehearsal. “I marvel at the process from first read to performance -.the memorization, blocking and creating the mood and manner that will best serve a scene.” After weeks of hard work, Badger can see the process paying off.

 

 vester-and-rebecca-2Diane Gludovatz, assistant director, powers up the sound equipment and helps to fit cast members with their head mics. At the Tinhorn Creek Winery venue, voice amplification will be a necessity. “Can we run a level test, please?” she calls. Next, she points to the youngest cast member, eight year old Kaleb Mailey (pictured at left  as Vester with Aimee Grice as Rebecca). “And Kaleb’s head set doesn’t fit properly. We’ll have to use a lavalier mic instead.”

Meanwhile stage manager Jen Jensen pores over a revised sound and lighting cue sheet. “OK, how are we cueing that opening scene?”she asks. Then she turns to the props list. “And who’s responsible for picking up fresh ginseng and sandpaper?” Jensen grabs a pen and starts jotting down a to do list.  As she does so, intro music fills the room, and the rehearsal gets underway.

Sand Mountain runs Friday July 18 and Saturday July 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 students, available at Sundance Video (Oliver) Your Dollar Store (Lakeview Plaza Osoyoos), TinhornCreek Winery, and at the door. Wine will be available for purchase. Lounge cushions or blankets are recommended.

Photos by Penelope Johnson

Summer Studio: Colourful July!

summer-studio-2009-web

Dyeing for their Art: Fabric  Artists Kick Off Summer Studio

Colour is not something seen with the eye, but something spun, woven, and dyed. Colour becomes three-dimensional under the talented hands of the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers. The Guild is eager to demonstrate the richness and variety of their craft during the first week of Summer Studio, July 6 -11, at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.

Summer Studio, a series of weekly displays, workshops and demonstrations of local art and craft, opens July 6 and runs into August. Art comes alive in this Oliver Community Arts Council program. The program operates like a studio rather than a gallery. In addition to viewing finished pieces, visitors can watch art in progress as artists demonstrate their techniques.

Every Summer Studio week opens with a public reception on Mondays 6 – 8 p.m. The casual receptions have become a popular venue to bring house guests and friends to enjoy a relaxed evening of art, food, and music. Public displays and demonstrations run Tuesdays to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers will be demonstrating a variety of techniques during their week. Nuno felting, a Japanese art form, will be demonstrated on Tuesday July 7. As Guild member Gail Erickson explains, “The Nuno technique felts loose wool onto a silk or gauze background. We experimented with this skill earlier in the year, and are ready to demonstrate it to the public.” On Thursday July 9 the guild will be busy wet felting, and on Friday and Saturday will be up to their elbows in natural dyes. “These aren’t just demonstrations,” says Erickson. “It’s all hands on! We encourage the public to come out and try it for themselves.”

The popular Wednesday Kids’ Days encourage children to experiment with that week’s artistic medium, but geared to children’s skill level and interest. The Spinners and Weavers are considering two crafts for their Kids’ Day on July 8: weaving on cardboard looms or some form of dyeing activity. Programmed Kids’ Day activties run 10 – 12 noon Wednesdays, but children are welcome to visit any time. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 Upcoming displays include the Oliver Sagebrushers, a fine art club (July 13 – 18) and The RipOff Artists, a multimedia artists collective who interpret famous works of art (July 10 – 25). in past years, the RipOffs have exhibited their interpretations of Van Gogh’s “Cypresses” and Gustav Klimt’s “Emilie Floge”. The RipOffs will be inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting “Pink Tulip”.

 All opening receptions, displays, demonstrations and Kids’ Days are free and open to the public. The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is located just west of the Oliver airport at 34274 – 95th Street. For more information about Summer Studio, call arts council rep Penelope Johnson (498-0183), the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre (485-0088), or check the weekly Chronicle ads.

Penny Buhr Johnson Concert a Hit

penny-johnson-coffee-house-001-jun-25-09

Penny Buhr Johnson enthralled a near-capacity audience at her Coffee House concert at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on June 25th 2009.  Singing songs from jazz and pop to inspirational, many composed by her, Johnson admitted to her audience that the love songs are her favourites. The singer-songwriter also told stories about some of her past performances and a beautiful dream she once had. 

Penny was a long time resident of Oliver and an adored music teacher with Music for Young Children until her move to Saskatchewan a few years ago. 

Since her move, Johnson has focused on her singing career, and has produced three CDs, her latest being “Vision” which was released in 2008. Her hard work and artistry has been rewarded with numerous awards including Country Gospel Music Assoc. 2008 Female New Artist award, and four more CGMA Silver Heart Awards at the 2009 CGMA Convention in High River, AB  for Female Full-Time Vocalist, Songwriter Full-Time, Bilingual Artist, and Instrumental Artist. Penny displays her five awards in the bottom photo. You go girl!

Emotional at times, Penny expressed her happiness at visiting Oliver BC once more. We were delighted to have her appear at the Quails’ Nest.

 

penny-johnson-coffee-house2-jun-25-09

 

 

penny_and_awards_800-2009

Photos by Heather Fink

Two Member Groups Receive Arts Council Funding

The South Okanagan Concert Society and the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers recently were awarded $500 each in contracted service agreements between their organizations and the Oliver Community Arts Council. As a registered charity, the OCAC sponsors member group activities that reflect the constitutional purposes of the arts council. These must be public arts events including instructional seminars and workshops, visual arts events, and performance arts festivals.

romanzacoverThe concert society requested financial aid for their 2009-10 concert season. In order to make musical performances as accessible as possible to as many as possible, the society keeps prices low ($55 for a four concert flex pass), admits youth 17 and under free,  and helps facilitate master classes for local music students.

This season, the society is hosting some fabulous performers:  Duo Affinite (pictured at left), Calvin Dyck and the Golden Violin, Ezeadi Onukwulu and One Human Race, and the Vancouver Chamber Choir.

Flex passes are on sale for $55 at Miss Molly’s Quilt Shop, 97th (Main) Street Oliver. For more information on the concert series, use the search engine tool to locate articles on “South Okanagan Concert Society”.

 

diane-and-yarn-creations The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers applied for funding to support their two-day “Colour and Silk” workshop, with guest instructor Barbara Robinson from Rossland, on September 26-27. The workshop entails mixing dyes, dyeing the silk fibres, and spinning them into wonderful creations. A member of the club poses at left with a display of dyed, spun and knitted items during the 2009 Oliver Country Market A-Fair. More information about the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers can be found using the search tool, or looking under “member groups” on this website.

 Congratulations to these two member groups!

The nest deadline for contracted service agrrement applications is June 1, 2010. The artistic events applied for must occur between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011. To receive your application, or to become a member group, contact the Oliver Community Arts Council at olivercac@gmail.com or by writing to the OCAC, P.O. Box 1711, Oliver, BC Canada, V0H 1T0.

Rehearsal Photos for Sand Mountain

In a large echoing shed full of theatrical flats, risers,  old set pieces and props, the SOAP Players are hard at work on their next production, Sand Mountain by Romulus Linney. The play is actually a set of two humourous Appalachian folk tales, each one act long.

The first of the tales is “Sand Mountain Matchmaking”, a gentle romantic fable about finding the right man in a most unusual way.   

What is a lonely young widder-woman to do? Rebecca is, as she puts it,  “in the wilderness here on this dreadful mountain” being pestered by  three suitors who just won’t take no for an answer. The three suitors consider it their duty (as well as their delight) to get her married off to one of them right quick — especially since she’s twenty years old, and “men commence low-rating wives the day after they turn fourteen”.

Here are a few photos of Rebecca (played by Aimee Grice) and her suitors (actors Darryl Mackenzie, David Badger and Patrick Turner), along with some snippets of dialogue:

clink-rebecca-1

“I seen you a-watching me work,”  claims  Clink Williams (Darryl Mackenzie), a lusty swaggerring suitor. “Whilst we was a-raisin this house.”

“I recollect nearly thirty men a-raising this house. I watched ’em all.”  says Rebecca.

“Me a tad more’n tothers …Back muscles, front muscles, sweat and swearing, hands and fists and tongue, lips, shoulders, and  top, Lady and bottom, Lady. You are plain ready to marry agin, and let me say it, the man for you is me. I tolerate a woman’s carnal nature. You let a man know about it. I know what to do about it.”

“Modesty in  a man is everlastin’ welcome to the lady receivin’ him!” sighs Rebecca in frustration. ” I got no need to marry a man whose preference is forever in the front of his pants.”

 

slate-and-rebecca-1Suitor Slate Foley (David Badger) issues a warning in his courtship of the young widow:

“There’s another old boy around here, named Skeets. He shot his wife. … That’s the kind of real trouble flighty women git everbody into around here. …I might never hit ye atall, once the flirtin’ is over and you learn to lie down and like it.”

 

 

 

 

radley-and-rebecca-1“Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain,” proclaims hopeful suitor Radley Nollins (Patrick Turner), “But a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

“”You know what that is, Radley? That is a great heavy hunk of last month’s lard is what that is, ” retorts Rebecca. “And in her bones, a woman knows it, and you know it, and I know it . Favour is good, Radley, and beauty is just plain sun-ball wonderful, but a woman what goes about eternally a-fearin’ the Lord is scared of her own husband, and I ain’t gonna live thataway!  So go home!”

Sand Mountain will be performed Friday July 17 and Saturday July 18 at Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 students. They are available now at Sundance Video in Oliver, Your Dollar Store in Osoyoos, and at the Tinhorn Creek Winery Shop.

For more information, use the search tool on this website to find articles, or contact SOAP@telus.net

Photos by Penelope Johnson

June 24th – Coffee House Concert

Coffee House Concert
featuring
Penny Buhr Johnson
dock_smile_bio350
Singing a variety of  music from gospel to jazz and blues
Thursday June 25
7:00 p.m.
Studio Building,
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
$10 tickets at the door (includes refreshments)
A former Oliver music teacher, Penny moved to Saskatchewan and her musical career took off!  She was awarded the Country Gospel Music Assoc. Female New Artist of the Year in 2008, and has performed in several venues in the USA, Mexico and  the Canadian Prairies.  She has produced three CDs her latest being “Vision” which was released in 2008.   An exceptional musician with a great voice, Penny’s concert is sure to delight!
 
 

Tickets to Sand Mountain Available June 15

tho_329_12102003090604

The South Okanagan Amateur Players present

Sand Mountain
by Romulus Linney
two Appalachian folk tales
Friday July 17
Saturday July 18
7:00 p.m. 
Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre
$15 Adults
$10 Children (18 years & under)
Tickets available June 15th at
Sundance Video, Oliver
Your Dollar Store (Lakeview Plaza) Osoyoos
Tinhorn Creek Winery
Group rates for ten or more:  SOAP@telus.net only

Wine will be sold by glass or bottle.
No chairs permitted. Back rests, blankets, or cushions recommended.

Some mild adult themes. PG-13 suggested.
Information: SOAP@telus.net or 250-498-0183

Successful Auditions for Sand Mountain

Directors Penelope Johnson and Diane Gludovatz are pleased to announce the cast for the South Okanagan Amateur Players’ summer production of Sand Mountain at Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre.

Sand Mountain is a pair of original Appalachian folk tales written by American playwright Romulus Linney. These humorous tales are set at a rustic cabin in the plateaus of Alabama. The characters are simple mountain folk full of practical wisdom. Each tale has different characters but are set at the same location, are meant to be performed together. Both tales have a sweet unconventional charm and some good belly laughs. They have a decidedly cock-eyed view of the world and should leave audiences thinking – and smiling.

The first act is “Sand Mountain Matchmaking”. A young widow-woman is keen to remarry but not so keen on her over-eager suitors.  She obtains advice from the local wise woman, who gives the young widow a piece of eyebrow-raising folk wisdom audiences are unlikely to ever forget.

1564710The second act is “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain”. Jesus and Saint Peter, dressed as poor wayfaring strangers, decide to pay a visit to Sand Mountain. Saint Peter can’t wait to get down to the rich valley full of God-fearing folks. The Lord has other ideas. He’s much more interested in meeting the young couple with fourteen children (all played as one child actor) who keep their mountain cabin in a foul state and drink moonshine. To Peter’s horror, the Lord declares he wants to bide a while, and Jesus spends the whole night swapping outrageous tall tales with his hosts.

Three newcomers to SOAP, all from Osoyoos, join the cast. Paul Everest  plays the suitor Sam Bean in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking” and the title role of The Lord in “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain”. “Paul conveyed strength and calm from the moment he spoke his first lines at the audition,” says Johnson, “and both these roles call for a certain quiet power in the character. He has theatre background in Ontario, so although he’s new to us, he’s definitely not new to the stage.”   

Wendy Mellace, another SOAP newcomer, takes on the role of the matchmaker Lottie Stiles in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking”. Lottie provides guidance to the young widow Rebecca in her quest for a new husband, and gives her some eyebrow-raising but canny advice. 

Kaleb Mailey charmed the directors and won the role of Vester Stiles, the matchmaker’s young grandson in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking”.   Kaleb, only eight years old, initially had to master the Appalachian slang as it appeared in the script. “But once you got him to memorize a line, and act it out,” says Johnson, “you could see he had real understanding of the character.” Gludovatz adds: “And of course, being cute as a button, he’s going to just steal every scene he’s in.”

The directors  are especially pleased to see relative newcomers move from small roles in The Sound of Music into larger roles that display their talents.

Aimee Grice, a member of the nuns chorus in The Sound of Music, takes the romantic female lead, Rebecca,  in “Sand Mountain Matchmaking” and plays Jean in “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain”.

“Aimee really impressed me whenever she was called upon to fill in for someone else’s part during rehearsals for Sound of Music,” says Johnson. “She could immediately grasp a character and convey very clear, strong emotion. Then she would quietly resume her place in the chorus, and I would think “The audience will never see this, will have no idea how good she really is.””

David Badger, last seen as Captain von Schreiber  in The Sound of Music, plays a chilling suitor in “Matchmaking” and the moonshine swilling father Jack in “Why the Lord Come to Sand Mountain.” The two different characters will give Badger an opportunity to flex his acting muscles.

He blew me away as the icy Nazi captain. My first thought? “We need to give this fellow some more stage time!”” Gludovatz agrees, and so does her dog Pookie. “When David auditioned for the aggressive suitor, Pookie, who had been lying at my feet, stood up and started growling at him.”  

Patrick Turner worked as a stage hand when not performing his small role as Nazi sympathizer Herr Zeller in Sound of Music. Now he plays two characters in Sand Mountainwith similar personalities . He takes on the role of Radley, a Bible thumping suitor in “Matchmaking”, and the church-going Prosper Valley Farmer in “Why the Lord Come”. Although the Farmer is a small role, Turner will get to deliver the play’s final hilarious punchline, one audiences will not forget. “He just makes me laugh,” says Gludovatz.

Two more actors who had larger roles in The Sound of Music return to play quite different characters in Sand Mountain.

Darryl Mackenzie starred as Georg von Trapp in the musical, but makes a departure from that austere character. MacKenzie plays a lusty, swaggering suitor in “Matchmaking” and the complaining Saint Peter in “Why the Lord Come”.

“So far, Darryl has played rather emotionally reserved characters with SOAP,” says Johnson, “The naval captain Georg in Sound of Music, and before that, the upper class Charles in Blithe Spirit. We were delighted with his comedic talents. He has a mobile expression and a wonderful drawl. ”  

Wesley Frederick, who played Kurt von Trapp in last year’s musical, is rolling up his sleeves to play the scrawny scruffy Fourteen Children in “Why the Lord Come”. This unusual but highly entertaining role requires Wesley to argue and fight with his thirteen imaginary brothers and sisters.

Diane Gludovatz, a SOAP veteran, will step away from the assistant director’s chair to take on the pivotal narrator role in “Why the Lord Come”. She plays the Sang (Ginseng) Picker, a wise woman who has seen it all on Sand Mountain, and entertains the audience with her stories.

Sand Mountain is slated for production on Saturday July 18. Other dates earlier in that week, are currently being negotiated.

South Okanagan Concert Society

The South Okanagan Concert Society (SOCS) puts on a series of four concerts per year with a particular focus on classical and world music. They strive for a mix of  well-known established performers, and edgy new talent.  Performances are generally held at the Frank Venables Auditorium (South Okanagan Secondary School) in Oliver, BC.

Tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 concert series are already available. Flex passes are a great way to maximize the music! Each set earns you four admissions so you can see each concert as a single, or go to two concerts with a friend, or have a special evening out for four. Early bird flex passes are $45 until the end of April ($55 regular price).  Ticket vendor: Miss Molly’s Quilt Shoppe on Oliver’s Main Street. Single concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $20 each.

The 2009-2010 performers are:

duo-affiniteDUO AFFINITE
Friday, October 30, 2009

Guy Few on trumpet, corno and piano, and Nadina Mackie Jackson on bassoon create an irresistible combination of muscianship and engaging showmanship. Celebrated internationally as soloists, chamber musicians and recitalists, these two incredible musicians blend their ideas and spirits in this new recital concept. Trumpet and bassoon – the starting point – following the lead of Baroque tradition, the inspiration of 20th century composers and the voices of today. But there is so much more. Programming also includes piano, corno da caccia and voice. Join these two renowned musicians for an evening of musical magic.

“Few and Jackson play with polished tone, immaculate intonation, and infectious high spirits; it’s obvious they’re having a blast.”
All Music Guide, 2007

  

 

calvin-sideCALVIN DYCK AND THE GOLDEN VIOLIN
Friday November 27, 2009

Music and theatre are intertwined in the Golden Violin. The engaging script, costumes, backdrops and music draw the audience into the story. Violinist Cal;vin Dyck and pianist Betty Suderman take the audience on a journey, tracing the history of Calvin’s “golden violin”, a beautiful instrument crafted in 1807 by the Dutch violin maker Johannes Cuypers.

 “The audience was absolutely enraptured by his flawless interpretation…”
“Dyck and Suderman make a splendid ensemble as extraordinarily skilled musicians and actors.”
“He played with great skill and dexterity … sounding pure, crisp tones with a magnificent bowing technique.”
 – Daily News, Nanaimo

 
 
ezeadi2EZEADI ONUKWULU AND ONE HUMAN RACE
Friday, February 5, 2010

 Ezeadi’s charismatic presence, versatility and soothing voice have endeared him to audiences. Ezeadi is an innovator, motivator and  instigator in the African and World Music scene.

 Ezeadi’s music, based on traditional Igbo rhythms, evokes the spirit of highlife and afrobeat with a splash of funk, jazz, blues and reggae. The lyrics are prayers and appeals to universal consciousness and our conscience to make the world a better place for all.

His unique mastery of the pennywhistle, other instruments and vocal styling will take you to beautiful new places.

“This music uses gentle African rhythms and bubbling vocals to deliver peaceful idealism emphatically. It is new kind of African roots based world music cooked and ready to be served to the world from British Columbia.”  – The Province

 

vanchamberchoir1VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR
Friday March 5, 2010

The Vancouver Chamber Choir is Canada’s outstanding profressional vocal ensemble. The choir impresses audiences with the depth and range of their repertoire and interpretive skills.

“… When it comes to unearthly beauty and awe-inspiring power, they’re a pretty fine mortal approximation of how celestial singers should sound.”  – North  Shore News

“Jon Washburn’s Choir remains at the forefront of Canadian vocal ensembles. ….“Canada’s leading professional vocal ensemble.”  –  Toronto Star

“…the choir’s performance… began with admiration and finally left you in awe.” – Vancouver Sun


Events

 The Friends of the Oliver Library present
Monthly Coffee Mornings
Tuesday June 16th
10 a.m. – 12 noon
(once a month, third Tuesdays)
Help boost library use! 
When you enter you are automatically counted! 
Let’s set those front doors swinging!
 
Showcase of Talent: Part Two
Wednesday June 24
7:00 p.m.
Studio Building
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
So much talent, we had to book a second show!
Come out to enjoy young local musicians! 
Support their ongoing education with your donation!
 
CALL For Backstage Crew! 
The South Okanagan Amateur Players
Sand Mountain by Romulus Linney
a set of two Appalachian folk tales
performing
July 17 -18, 2009
at Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre
Technicians needed: Sound, Lighting, and Properties (Props)
Will train newcomers!
Attendance at tech rehearsals in June and July required.
Info: Jennifer Mapplebeck (Producer) 250-498-3597
 
 
Coffeehouse Concert
featuring
Penny Buhr Johnson
Singing a variety of  music from gospel to jazz and blues
Thursday June 25
7:00 p.m.
Studio Building,
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
$10 tickets at the door (includes refreshments)
A former Oliver music teacher, Penny moved to Saskatchewan and her musical career took off!  She was awarded the Country Gospel Music Assoc. Female New Artist of the Year in 2008, and has performed in several venues in the USA, Mexico and  the Canadian Prairies.  She has produced three CDs her latest being “Vision” which was released in 2008.   An exceptional musician with a great voice, Penny’s concert is sure to delight!

The South Okanagan Concert Society
2009-10 Concert Series
Four-way Flex Pass $55
at Miss Molly’s Quilt Shoppe, Main Street, Oliver
Regular price: $55 for four tickets
Door Price: $20 per ticket
 
 
The South Okanagan Amateur Players present
Sand Mountain
a set of two comedic Appalachian folk tales
by Romulus Linney
Friday July 16
Saturday July 17
Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre
$15 Adults
$10 Students
Tickets NOT yet available ! (date TBA) at
Tinhorn Creek Winery, Oliver
Your Dollar Store with More, Osoyoos
and one other venue
Adult themes. Recommended PG-13.
Bring cushions and blankets. No chairs.
Wine and concession available for purchase.
Information: 250-498-3597 
Group Bookings for 10 or more: SOAP@telus.net
Presented under license with Dramatists Play Service