Winners of the 2009 Okanagan Arts Awards
To Be Unveiled February 14th at Awards Presentation



The Arts Council of the Central Okanagan will be announcing the winners of the 2009 Okanagan Arts Awards on Saturday, February 14th, 7 pm at Creekside Theatre in Lake Country.
Culminating in a cultural tapestry of arts and entertainment, the evening will unfold in a colourful display of choreographed dance, theatre, music, poetry and media presentations presented by

The Spirit of BCTalent Showcase, sponsored by 2010 Legacies Now.
This is a rare opportunity to be among distinguished artists as they share their life experiences and passion for the arts. Doors open at 6 pm with a wine reception, followed the awards presentation, and concluding with an evening of celebration and dessert reception.
Get your tickets today! Tickets for the Okanagan Arts Awards are available at Ticketmaster by calling 250.860.1470, Creekside Theatre at 250.860.9390 or at the door. Admission is $25, or $15 for students.

For more information on the Okanagan Arts Awards visit www.okananganartsawards.com or call
250.861.4123.

0 Comments

11 Feb 2009

Experience a fresh Canadian folk band with feel-good sound when Lily Come Down takes the stage at 7 pm, on Thursday, February 26, at the Penticton Art Gallery, 199 Marina Way in Penticton.

Blending intoxicating melodies with fun rhythms and innovative harmonies, Lily Come Down demonstrates the bandТs considerable skill in songwriting and arrangement. Fusing their broad influences, Lily Come Down is a new brand of Fiesty Folk!

Melissa Bandura and Joanna Chapman-Smith are the sirens of Lily Come Down, seducing the audience with their songsТ poetry, sung with captivating melodies. Blending JoannaТs velvet-smooth voice with MelissaТs sultry cadence, these women bring a depth to their creative lyrics with help from Chris and JustineТs singing knowhow. With Joanna as the Сwarm, dark stoneТ and Melissa as the Сbreezy, fluid windТ, they meet in the middle to meld vocal forces in tight harmony. Both have worked with artists in music, dance, theatre, film, spoken word and visual arts, making these two the very definition of collaborators.

Writing and performing since 1995, Joanna has explored a wide variety of instruments and musical styles. Her poignant lyrics are evidence of an English Literature background, but her heart and history continually turn to folk. In Lily Come Down, Joanna uses voice, guitar, mandolin and clarinet to blend her diverse influences into the feisty brand of folk that this group personifies. Melissa has a long history of bringing delicate melody to music with her sweet violin solos. A classical-Celtic-gypsy-jazz fiddling background creates her unique sound which is intimate, sensitive, whirling and accented; all in one musical phrase. Melissa moves around JoТs and ChrisТs ever-transforming solos to spread a river of melody above the musicТs intricate chords, thoughtful vocal phrases, and rockinТ rhythm section.

Justine Fischer is the groove of Lily Come Down, walking the songs forward with her involved bass lines. Her extensive background in jazz, funk, and jam bands brings a new quality to the eclectic brand of folk that Lily Come Down makes. Recently, she began dabbling in vocal harmonies to add a subtle, sweet quality to the Lily sound. But itТs her rhythm play along with KentonТs percussion that sets the fire under the songs.

Chris Suen is the Сwhiskey-bottle-half-fullТ of Lily Come Down. His practice of old-time music traditions, renaissance choral singing and all stringed instruments from guitar to guzheng (Chinese classical zither) makes this one-of-a-kind banjoist a feisty addition to the band. Surprisingly, he only recently acquired his first banjo, quickly learning the claw-hammer style he now performs with ease. He brings his love of Appalachian music and Сclaw-grassТ to Lily Come Down, pitching in on vocal harmonies and picking his banjo with a re-imagined style thatТs all his own.

Kenton Wiens is the heartbeat of Lily Come Down. Using drums and cymbals, he adds a mean accompaniment to those sweet melodies and dulcet harmonies. His folk-meets-rock-meets-jazz background brings a defined edge yet sensitivity to his rhythmic impulses.

Tickets for the February 26th Lily Come Down concert are available at the Penticton Art Gallery; $10 for Gallery members and students, or $15 for non-members. This event will be held in the intimate concert setting of the Tea Room with seating limited to 50, so please reserve yours in advance. To arrange a media interview, reserve tickets, or for more information, please contact Paul Crawford at the Penticton Art Gallery, (250) 493-2928.

http://www.lilycomedown.com/

0 Comments

11 Feb 2009

0 Comments

11 Feb 2009

Celebrating Together

August 14-16, 2009 ~ Salmon Arm Fair Grounds

 

3 Days of Infectious Rhythms 

 and Cultural Exchanges for the Whole Family!

 

0 Comments

10 Feb 2009

Start with a shape (e.g. a square or triangle) and explore the world of free form knitting.  Knitting skills such as increases and decreases, picking up stitches, and short rows are emphasized.  Free form knitting is a perfect use for yarn left over from other projects.  You will use your own scraps as well as sharing (if you wish) unwanted yarns with the group.  There will be a review of colour theory.  Being free form, there are no rules!

Instructor:  Janet Armstrong
Date:  Saturday March 7, 2009
Time:  12:30 ö 4:30 PM
Place:  Gallery Vertigo
Cost:  $40.00 plus $5.00 for materials
Register by February 28.

Janet Armstrong believes that to be happy in life one must have a passion÷hers is fibre, whether that be yarn, fabric or thread.  In her workshops, she actively cultivates an atmosphere of invigorating creativity, encouraging discovery and invention amongst the participants. Janet coordinated the first Okanagan Knitting Retreat with colleagues Gloria Hanson and Wendy Henderson in 1999÷the 11th retreat is scheduled this May.  Janet has taught at national and international fibre art conferences.  Find out more at www.janetarmstrong.com


Materials List for Free Form

*        Optional:  Bring scraps and balls of yarn in lots of colours, fibres, textures, and weights/sizes from your stash. Bring yarns suitable for 6mm needles or finer  (e.g. Aran weight or finer) because bulky and chunky yarns are more difficult to work with. Bring yarns you want to use yourself as well as those (if any) you are willing to share with the group.  This is an opportunity to reduce your stash and use yarns you may not have experienced before. Bringing your own yarn is optional÷materials will be supplied.  The yarn shop is also open around the corner!

*        NEEDLES and CROCHET HOOKS: Bring a selection of needles and crochet hooks in whatever sizes you have between 2mm to 6mm. Any kind of needle will do but double pointed needles work best.

*         Your usual knitting kit (small scissors, 2 darning needles (blunt and sharp), tape measure, needle gauge, a few safety pins, pen, pencil.) You will receive a handout.


Gallery Vertigo. #1 (upstairs) 3001 31st Street, Vernon, BC
250-503-2297
www.galleryvertigo.com
Business Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm
 

0 Comments

10 Feb 2009