Presented by Sunshine Theatre Company
Date: April 15-19th at 8:00pm
Venue: Mary Irwin Theatre, RCA
Starring: Bridget Ryan, Beth Portman & Kate Ryan
Music Director: Roxanne Classen

Join us for a fantastic evening with The Swingin' Sisters Club. This poignant and humourous cabaret set in a club on the plains of Western Canada during World War II, features melodies sung by the fabulous swingin' sisters: Kate Ryan, Bridget Ryan and Beth Portman. You'll hear the amazing hits that held the spirits high throughout the 1940s and be transcended to a time that redefined the meaning of friendship, courage and community.

The performance features brilliant music by the talented cast and crew of Nightingale Productions. Having worked in theatre for many years, each of the three dynamic dames has something unique to offer this amazing performance. Collectively the gals have it all, panache, verve and great pipes!

Kate Ryan
Kate Ryan has been working in Edmonton's thriving theatre community for over 20 years. Since graduating from the University of Alberta's Fine Arts Program, she has performed in numerous theatre performances throughout North America. Kate has also taught drama and musical theatre at the Citadel, Grant MacEwan College and with the City of Edmonton. She received a Sterling Award for best actress (The Ugly Man, Workshop West Theatre) and supporting actress (Hello Dolly, The Citadel) as well as an AMPIA Award for leading actress for her work in the film 1132 Pleasant Street. Kate is currently working towards a degree in Education at the University of Alberta.

Bridget Ryan
Bridget began her cabaret career in New York's Don't Tell Mama with Rant Control, in which she garnered 'Most Promising New Talent' in NYC. She has since been a main staple in morning television as a remote host on CityTV's Breakfast Television. As an actor, Bridget has worked in many theatres throughout North America and the United States and has directed a variety of productions including Spitfire Grill for Leave It To Jane Theatre and NINE for Grant MacEwan College. Bridget has also written Counting Americans, Myles: The HypoAllergenic Superhero, and The Winter's Tale Project with Chris Wynter's - a new rock and roll musical which won 4 Sterling Awards in 2004, including Best Musical.

Beth Portman
Beth's early exposure to theatre, music, visual arts and film helped shape her varied creative interests. Trained as a classical animator, Beth has created two award-winning short animated films with the National Film Board of Canada: Cactus Swing and Fair Phyllis. For over 10 years, Beth performed with the Edmonton based South African roots inspired Acapella sextet, Juba. Her involvement with the group had her touring across the globe to areas such as Yellowknife and as far as Zimbabwe. As an experienced ukulele and guitar player, Beth also performers with the eclectic acoustic group Linden Green and The Swingin' Sisters Club with her sisters Bridget and Kate Ryan.

Tickets to The Swingin' Sisters Club are $30 per adult and $10 per student and can be purchased by calling the Rotary Centre at 717-5304 or through Ticketmaster. As this is the final performance in the 2007/2008 Sunshine Theatre Season, we urge you to purchase your tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

About Sunshine Theatre Company

Sunshine Theatre Company started in 1977 as Kelowna's professional summer theatre company. The company offers a winter subscription series which consists of presentations of touring shows from across Canada. Sunshine is dedicated to the promotion of all forms of theatre in Kelowna.

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10 Apr 2008

A full schedule is now up on www.okanaganfilmfestival.com and we have confirmed some fantastic movies from the Toronto Film Circuit, and some Canadian Premiere's discovered through our Okanagan Film Awards competition at various venues from April 16th to April 20th. We have also confirmed some great Filmmaker Panels for people interested in taking the "step up" to professional movie making, or want more information on todays Motion Picture industry. Keep checking the website for news and details!

Wednesday is our opening gala with local filmmakers Adam Scorgie's award winning documentary "The Union", tickets are $15 and includes pre-party onboard the Executive Houseboat and the after show party at the Habitat featuring BC Music videos and performances from local bands! Tickets are all but SOLD OUT 50 tickets will be on sale from the Paramount Box Office from 6pm before the performance on the 16th. Parties are on a first come first served basis.

All other tickets for performances at the Paramount are $8 including membership and are on sale at the Paramount Box Office a week before the festival!

The Executive Boardroom houseboat is host to the "Boardroom Selection" from 7:20pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Watch a movie in our only fully licensed venue that is docked on the Lake Okanagan, behind "The Sails" opposite the Paramount Theatre. Wednesday has short films with an okanagan flavor including locally shot "Ogopogo" directed by Chris Amundson, and "How to Kill a Bear from the Comfort of Your Chair" by Patrick King. Thursdays selection includes the Kelowna shot feature film "2 tickets to Paradise" by Robert Gervais and Stace Williamson. Seating is limited so come early! The Boardroom selection is ticket less and by donation, first come first served.

Thursday features more local connections in The Paramount Theatre with the documentaries "The Fallen Feather" and "Project Canada" that have been programmed with some of the shorts considered for this years "Home Grown" award.

Friday we have the "Projections" High school competition along with the winners of The Centre for Art and Technologies 48 hour film challenge and a nominated shorts showcase from the world over.

Don't forget about the series of hand-picked films from the latest Canadian and International movies through the Toronto Film Circuit throughout the festival. See the schedule online!

Festival passes (good for all 30 performances and parties!) are $50 and can be bought online using Paypal, and from some of our select vendors. See website for list!

Saturday continues a string of fantastic premieres and special events, which includes a special Canadian Gala Premiere of "The Fly Boys" where KIDS ARE FREE when accompanied by a paying adult and a donation for the food bank.

Saturday afternoon brings the hard hitting documentary "Shadow Company" which swept the 2007 Leo Awards, as well as some stunning short film programs from filmmakers the world over!

Canadian Premiere's of "Dark Room" and "The Good Night" starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Simon Pegg! Filmmakers in attendance! Look out for announcements on Panels and Q and A!

There is also a full complement of short film programs, family friendly programs and live entertainment in the Mary Irwin Theatre and the Kelowna Art Gallery! Tickets for Mary Irwin Theatre performances are on sale now! Contact the Rotary Centre for the Arts Box office to get your tickets!

Kelowna Art Gallery short film showcases are a suggested donation of $5 including membership to OFFS!
For all the latest news of whats going on and who's coming in keep checking www.okanaganfilmfestival.com!

This is just the local highlights of the 11th annual Okanagan Film Festival... check the website for more information on some of the great films we have coming in!

If you are interested in volunteering for this years festival click here
A volunteers meeting is being held on the Boardroom Executive Houseboat (behind the sails) on Sunday April 13th from 1pm!

Remember to come early to avoid disappointment, see you at the festival!

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10 Apr 2008

The Healing Power of Creativity » Thursday 10 April 2008 | 4:30 pm » Hanna's Lounge, 1392 Water Street An informal afternoon hour showcasing the people and ideas featured in Okanagan Arts. Join us as artist and writer Karen Close explores the breakthrough ideas and influence of Dr. Gene D. Cohen and Eckhart Tolle. » This is a free event. Refreshments will be available at a modest cost. » Seating is limited, please reserve yours HERE Sponsored by the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan, Wood Lake Books, UBCO-FCCS, and in support of Project Literacy Kelowna Artist and Writer Explores the Nature of Creativity Creativity is the language of the heart. It is the gift within each of us for the processing and releasing of emotion, and the sharing of our uniqueness with each other. This Thursday April 10, at 4:30 p.m. at Hanna's Lounge, the Okanagan Institute continues its Express cultural series with The Healing Power of Creativity - featuring Karen Close, a retired teacher who has developed an innovative program designed to help people of all ages engage in art and from there find their artistic voice. Karen Close is an artist and writer, a former schoolteacher and the author of Unfinished Women: Seeds from My Friendship with Reva Brooks. Since moving to Kelowna, she has been involved in many arts pursuits. She offers a program that explores the nature of creativity at the Rotary Centre."The program is designed to encourage participants to see with fresh eyes and to feel the joy of expressing with 'heArt'," says Close. "Teaching people to have faith in the creative urgings of their hearts is the most important lesson I try to impart." Her approach is from the perspective that�creativity has been proven to improve health. Her worshops are developed from�Dr Gene D. Cohen's work on creativity and the process of aging, and demonstrate that this type of work has been clincally proven to improve all bodily systems. Close states, "Creative invention protects and empowers. When we create we build an imaginary world in which we solve the problems that seem unsolvable in our reality. Nurture your creativity." She encourages participants to make themselves "heArt fit", and also draws inspiration from the writings of Eckhart Tolle. Dr. Gene D. Cohen is an internationally recognized scholar in the field of aging, widely known for his books on aging which include The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life and The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain. Much of his work has focused on the powerful positive effects of community based art programs, and how becoming involved in dance and painting classes, art exhibits and performance-based events are a lot more than just having fun. They also help maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle. Cohen states, "Cutting edge neuroscience and groundbreaking psychology advise that Creative Fitness directly affects the health of all bodily systems." Eckhart Tolle is the author of the bestseller The Power of Now and A New Earth, which are widely regarded as two of the most influential books of our time. Eckhart's profound yet simple teachings have helped countless people discover greater fulfillment in their lives, through the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. Since 1995 he has lived in Vancouver. Tolle states, "The surrendered state of consciousness opens up the vertical dimension in your life, the dimension of depth. �Something will then come forth from that dimension into this world, something of infinite value that otherwise would have remained unmanifested." By exploring the ideas and influence of these two important thinkers, Karen Close reveals much about the nature of creativity and how it impacts our lives. The Healing Power of Creativity is a free event, and takes place at Hanna's Lounge. It's presented by the Okanagan Institute in association with Wheat King Publishing. Express is sponsored by the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan, Wood Lake Books, UBCO Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, and supports the work of Project Literacy Kelowna. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER ONLINE CLICK HERE Okanagan Insitute at Hanna's Lounge A hearty feast of lectures, presentations, workshops and showcases celebrating our culture and community. Produced by the Okanagan institute in association with Wheat King Publishing magazines: Okanagan Arts and Okanagan Home. Expresss is a cultural tonic that refreshes the mind. Join us at Hanna's Lounge after work on Thursdays for a free hour of stimulation that will get your synapses tingling with new ideas and fresh images. Designed for inquiring minds looking for, among other things, the wild blue yonder.

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07 Apr 2008

COAST CAPRI HOTEL
VINTNER'S POOLSIDE GRILL
1171 Harvey, Kelowna
Phone 860-6185

presents

April
4   Trevor Salloum Group (Jazz)
11  Small Change (Blues)  
18  Sherman Doucette (Blues)
25  Midnight Access (Blues/Jazz)   
                        
May
2 Blue City (Blues)
9 Danielle Kozlowski Trio (Jazz)
16 Ritmo Soleil (Jazz)
23 Tricia Dalgleish Trio (Jazz/Blues)
30  Trevor Salloum Group(Jazz) 

June
6  Blue City (Blues)
13  Midnight Access (Blues/Jazz)
20  Ritmo Soleil (Jazz)
27 Trevor Salloum Group (Jazz)
                 
 No Cover
  7-10pm

Join us for live Jazz and Blues every Friday night.

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30 Mar 2008

Kelowna Art Gallery Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser

Friday May 2, 2008 @ 7 pm

It’s time again for the Kelowna Art Gallery’s ever-popular annual Fashion Show. Fashion Savoir-faire is scheduled for Friday May 2, 2008 and will once again present unique ensembles for women aged 20 through 60, providing commentary and sharing fashion tips for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

The event is hosted by CBC Radio Daybreak’s Marion Barschel. You will see fashions from The Wardrobe, Bella Clothing Boutique, and Blonde, accessories from Ninestyles Boutique, as well as handmade glass jewelry from A Pure Shade and handmade beaded jewelry from Brynn’s Bodacious Beads.

The Color Room for Hair & Body will be doing the hair and make-up for the models, DJ JGirl will provide the music, and tr∂s chic items donated by local businesses are up for silent auction.

Due to the popularity of this fashion show, this year we are staging an even larger event in our main gallery space so we can accommodate more people. Guests will be seated around a stage area during the show. Refreshments including hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served throughout the evening.

Fashion Savoir-faire: a Fashionista’s Forum will be held Friday, May 2, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Kelowna Art Gallery. Tickets are only $50.00, and include 2 glasses of wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and an informative live show where the models are everyday people!

Seating is limited, so get your tickets early.

Stop by the Kelowna Art Gallery, or call 762-2226 to purchase tickets. Your dollars support the gallery’s School Tour program, Family Sundays and the popular annual Apple Bin Paint-In.

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28 Mar 2008