PERFORMING ARTS

Do you Slam?

You hear it all the time in the music you listen to. Raw, unscripted poetry. This is the essence of slam. Slam poetry has quickly become the voice of our generation.

Have you ever wanted to learn the art of slam, and develop your voice as a writer? Here is your chance. UBC Okanagan is hosting a Poetry Slam Camp at the UBC Okanagan campus from July 23rd-25th.

Enter to be one of only twenty poets between the ages of 15 and 18. If selected, youíll stay in residence at UBC Okanagan and get the opportunity to write with and learn from university students and local poets. You will have the chance to perform your work with other students at a slam competition and be eligible to win some amazing prizes.
It gets better: you will also get to attend a poetry slam featuring some of the Okanaganís finest poets and spoken word talent. You will be able to connect with other writers, explore the UBC Okanagan campus, and learn the art of slam poetry.

The Poetry Slam Camp is sponsored by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBC Okanagan and Canwestís Raise a Reader program.

Enter by June 7th, 2010. Pick up your pen and paper or your video camera and write or record a poem. Next, email your poem or a send a YouTube link to creativestudies.ubco@ubc.ca. Only twenty of the best poets will be selected. So the question is: do you slam?

Contact Information:

Ryan Trafananko: Poetry Slam Camp Coordinator.
Email: poetryslamcamp2010@gmail.com

Debbie Henderson: Poetry Slam Camp Coordinator.
Email: poetryslamcamp2010@gmail.com

Nancy Holmes: Head of the Department of Creative Studies
UBC Okanagan 3333 University Way, Kelowna B.C. V1V 1V7
Email: nancy.holmes@ubc.ca

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05 Jun 2010

GET JAZZED
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Kelowna Community Theatre | 7.30 pm


GET JAZZED with JackОe Guillou and Robert Fine in a benefit concert for NOW CANADA at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Tuesday, April 27.

>From jazzy tunes and classic favourites, music from the Great American Song Book will entertain audiences in an evening of live vocal performances.

Fine’s crooner style has wowed audiences with his interpretations of old blues eyes, while Guillou’s vintage vocals has won her the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award at the 2009 Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

A benefit concert for NOW Canada, proceeds from GET JAZZED will go towards restoring the Alexandra Gardner Women and Children Safe Centre (AG House) in Kelowna. “The AG House is accessed by women and children who are working towards overcoming mental health challenges; are struggling with addictions or fleeing abuse,” explains Liz Talbott, Executive Director of NOW Canada.  “There are also others who have been displaced, lost their jobs, have no way of making ends meet and require assistance to get back on their feet. This 20-bed shelter is a non-judgmental environment, offering clean beds, nutritious meals, clothing and referrals to various community supports,” she explains.  Since opening its doors in 2002, the AG House has operated at full capacity and serviced nearly 5,000 women and children.
 
For Katherine Kopec, the AG House transformed her life. Living with physical abuse and addiction for more than half her life she explains, “The AG House gave me trust and hope, neither of which I had before. It’s a beautiful place. The support and staff believed in me and because of them, I regained my dignity”. Surviving a volatile relationship of physical and mental abuse, violence and addiction, Kopec is a survivor and a success story of how the AG House changed her life. ”It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” she says.
 
For Guillou, she’s returning to Kelowna to perform this benefit concert and explains, "I firmly believe that everyone deserves a second chance, especially the women and children that are being reintegrated back into society with the help of the programs and housing provided by NOW Canada.  As a part-time Kelowna resident I like to work within the community itself and with organizations that people aren't generally aware of.  There any many unfortunate issues and problems that women and children face from day to day, and these are taking place in all neighbourhoods.  Luckily for some, they have a chance to change this, to improve or seek comfort whatever they need to lead a better life. I think it's amazing that NOW Canada can provide support, and I would like to personally bring an awareness of this much needed program for all women and children who need help and assistance in changing their lives for the better," she says.

GET JAZZED is a collaboration between JackОe Guillou and Robert Fine. Performing traditional classics made popular by legendary vocalists Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee and Carmen McRae with a selection of fresh new original pieces. The concert will entertain and help improve the quality of life for homeless women and children in the Okanagan.

Tickets for GET JAZZED are available at Select Your Tickets by calling 250.762.5050 or visit selectyourtickets.com.

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13 Apr 2010

by Lisa Loomer directed by Linda Beaven

"Distracted" is a new comedy about a family with ADD. The child (Jesse) is the one that is diagnosed with ADD, but the whole family, and the entire community that they live in suffer from it.

The play is from the mother's perspective, molding the world around her in order to tell her story. At times she loses control of her own story, and at others she is distracted by the technology of everyday life--Instant Messaging, Cell Phones, CNN, Google, Zappos.com and Ritalin can definitely take a toll on a family. Come join us on her journey to do right by her child.

Cast:
Mama:   Allison McFarlane
Dad: Andrew Glass
Jesse: Konar Sanderson
Dr. Savala/Waitress/Carolyn: Deborah Ward
Mrs. Holly/Dr. Waller/Nurse: Debby Helf
DR. Broder/Dr. Jinks/Dr. Karnes: Roger Ward
Sherry: Trina Glass
Vera: Aletha Currie
Natalie: Sarah Macfarlane

Okanagan College Theatre
1000 KLO Rd.
Evenings 8PM May 6, 7, 8, & 12, 13, 14.
Special Mother's Day Matinee: Sunday May 9th at 2PM

TICKETS
http://www.selectyourtickets.com 250-762-5050
Prospera Place Box Office & at the door
Adult $20; Senior $18; Student $10 (plus service charge)
10% discount for groups 10+

warning: adult content and language

info: http://www.theatrekelowna.org
250-862-8673

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10 Apr 2010

 Tickets to the hottest Jazz concert in town are now on sale.

GET JAZZED is a benefit concert for NOW Canada featuring Kelowna's Robert Fine and Jackee Guillou.  

On Tuesday, April 27th the collaboration of this dynamic duo will take audiences on a musical journey, infusing jazzy rhythms and silky vocals that will feature classic favourites from the Great American Songbook.

Fine's crooner style has wowed audiences with his interpretations of the legendary Frank Sinatra. Guillou, a recipient of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award at the 2009 Vancouver International Jazz Festival returns to her Kelowna roots and brings her vintage vocals and fresh style.

GET JAZZED is a benefit concert for NOW Canada in an effort to raise funds for the Alexandra Gardner Safe House.

Get your tickets and GET JAZZED today! Tickets are now on sale and available through Select Your Tickets by calling 250.762.5050 or visit www.selectyourtickts.com.

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06 Apr 2010

The Princeton Traditional Music Festival will take place August 20-22, 2010.  We present traditional music from southern BC and other traditional musics.  If you know of any makers of traditional music in your area we would really like to hear from them.  The festival is free, and is entirely volunteer-run: no one is paid, including performers (though we can cover some travel expenses). In 2009 year we presented over 100 performers and we hope to do the same this year.

What is traditional music?  A really good example is Celtic music.  Or it could be songs made by loggers, miners, sailors, settlers, or songs made for fun about local characters and communities.

If you know of any performers in your area who make this kind of music could you please send us their contact information or have them get in touch with us directly?

Rika Ruebsaat
President, Princeton Traditional Music Society
Past President, Princeton & District Arts Council
250-295-6010
Princetonfestival@telus.net
Box 2451, Princeton, BC V0X 1W0
Website - www.princetonfestival.wordpress.com

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06 Apr 2010

Friday March 26th @ 8PM
Tickets available in advance at Gallery Vertigo, #1-3001-31st Street, Vernon, BC,  or at the door.

"a very talented, professional performer... He captured the audience and held them with his superb musicianship and beautiful lyrics." -Shann Gowan
Music Director, Long Day‚s Night Music Fest.  Swift Current, SK

"An absolute pleasure to hear live, this very talented songwriter is reminiscent of Bob Dylan, weaving great tales and melodies with his guitar and harmonica." -Julie Fowler, Artistic Director, Artswells Festival of All Things Art, Wells, BC

„I'd never heard of Trevor Caswell before but I'm sure everyone there will remember his name..."
-Glenna Turnbull, Capital News, Kelowna, BC

"Trevor's unique style & well crafted material captivated the audience at The Moonshine. We look forward to a return engagement..." -John Marlatt
Prop. The Moonshine Café Oakville, ON

"an engaging, humorous and thoughtful songsmith and poet..." -Paul Crawford, AGSO Curator

A guitar and a harmonica, a scorching summer and a cool basement, Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" in the CD player, a Bob Dylan songbook on a music stand, and endless Beatles songs in the DNA (having heard them since the womb)- it's the setting and the stew for Trevor Caswell and his music. A glorious summer where a friend left that harmonica behind, so Trevor wandered down to the local music shop and picked up a rack to hold it the way his heroes did. Nothing to do then, but head out onto the streets and start busking- banging and hollering! Dylan, Guthrie, Leadbelly- those classic folk styles served him well, and continue to do so...

Trevor's original music is highlighted by disarming, socially conscious lyrics alongside great songcraft and a touch of sly humour. His CD releases include 2001's "Serenade", 2003's "Another Something", and 2006's "Mr. Poirier". Each release has built upon that singer/songwriter model with Mr. Poirier branching out into 1960s pop territory and being described as having "a delightfully progressive, gentle feel". The winter of 2008 brought the well received "Folksinger Blues" featuring a group of acoustic blues songs that Trevor had been performing as encores to enthusiastic crowds over the prior years.

"An absolute pleasure to hear live" Trevor's performances can range from intimate solo shows to appearances with a full band including violin and cello. With the addition of a National steel guitar and that ever present harmonica, seeing Trevor live is a definite treat. Currently basing himself out of Kamloops, B.C. he tours between that province and Ontario, and his songs can be heard on radio across Canada. His festival appearances have included the Komasket Music Festival, Artswells Festival, Morfee Mountain Music Festival and the Long Day's Night Music Festival. 

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22 Mar 2010

Ken Smedley and The George Ryga Centre are pleased to present -  “The 15th Annual Bill Henderson/Roy Forbes Songwriters Showcase” – featuring Songwriters from across Western Canada – on Friday, April 16, 8 p.m. at Centre Stage Theatre in Summerland. Advance tickets available immediately at

Martin’s Flowers(next to Nester’s), Summerland(Ph. 250-494-5432) and

The Dragon’s Den, Penticton (Ph. 250-492-3011).

Canadian recording/producing legends Bill Henderson – renowned as the lead Guitarist/vocalist for his band CHILLIWACK – and Roy Forbes(aka BIM), will perform a “rare duo Concert” – the only time, anywhere, they perform as a “duo”- in the spring each year in the S. Okanagan. Traditionally, the past 15 years they’ve shared the stage with a select number of “songwriters”, in this celebrated evening, that showcases some of the emerging songwriting talents - attending their Songwriting Workshop (at The George Ryga Centre) - from throughout the Okanagan and across Western Canada.

The Showcase and Workshop are produced by Ken Smedley.

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16 Mar 2010

AFRO-CUBAN DRUMMING
Wed 7-8 pm, April 7-June 9, 2010, Kelowna Drum Studio
10 week course for all levels and ages,
Conga drums provided, No experience required Learn basic Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms and popular Latin rhythms.
Cost: $120 or drop-in $15/class

MIDDLE EASTERN DRUM WORKSHOP
Friday, May, 28th, 7-9pm, Kelowna Drum Studio
This program is for drummers/dancers of all levels who would like to increase their knowledge and technique on the doumbek (Middle Eastern Drum). Topics include terminology, positioning, warm-up exercises, strokes, common rhythms, improvisations, notation, art of the drum solo and style for dance accompaniment.  Cost: $35 Preregistration recommended.

DRUMMING FOR KIDS (Ages: 8+)
Looking for an exciting summer program of activity for kids. This is a great introduction to hand/stick drumming. A rare opportunity to experience various percussion instruments of the world. (Bongo, Conga,Timbales, Doumbek, Djembe, Surdo, etc.)
July 12th-16th 11-12noon or July 19-23 1-2pm, Kelowna Drum Studio
Cost:$60/Class  Preregistration required
*Lessons available for private or groups. Drums:Conga, Djembe, Drum set, Doumbek, Dumbek, Darbuka, Tabla. Styles: African, Brazilian, Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Middle Eastern. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, RnB.

For information call Trevor at (250)763-3951 or see http://www.trevorsalloum.com

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11 Mar 2010

The 33rd BC Interior Jazz Festival, April 8 - 10, 2010, includes middle and high school jazz bands, choirs, and combos from the Central and Southern Interior, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Washington State.  More than 65 groups will be performing this year.  The festival includes adjudicated performances, free workshops for the public, and two evening concerts.  

The featured guest artist for the Friday evening Jazz Masters' Concert is Sunny Wilkinson, and the Michael Garding Big Band will play. The Showcase Concert on Saturday evening has the best of the competing groups performing.

Kelowna Community Theatre
April 8, 9, 10 throughout day - Jazz bands and choirs
April 9, 7:30 p.m.  Jazz Masters' Concert featuring Sunny Wilkinson and guests.  Tickets $25 plus service charge available at selectyourtickets.com, 250 762-5050, and the box office at Prospera Place.
April 10, 7 p.m.  Showcase Concert & Awards Ceremony $5 at the door.

Rotary Centre for the Arts
April 8 all day - Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Combos - adjudicated performances - FREE
April 9 and 10 all day  FREE WORKSHOPS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Bring your voice and/or your instrument.

For details visit www.jazzfestbc.ca

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08 Mar 2010

Ken Smedley & The George Ryga Centre present “The Return of El Mariachi” - a “fiesta of music ” from Ol’ Mexico! Direct from their return engagement to the prestigious International Festival of Mariachis(in Guadalajara, Mexico) EL MARIACHI is a festive musical ensemble that will literally transport audiences into the warmth and joy of Mexican culture. EL MARIACHI’s “return” is anchored once again by former Okanagan resident Terence “Diego” Smedley-Kohl(son of Ken Smedley and Dorian Kohl).

Tickets are now available for “The Return of EL MARIACHI” on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 9 – Zion United Church Hall, Armstrong – 8 p.m.
Tickets at The Final Touch Gallery, Armstrong – Ph. 250-546-1949

Wednesday, March 10 – Minstrel Café & Bar, Kelowna
Dinner: 6 p.m. Show: 8 p.m. Reservations – Ph. 250-764-2301

Thursday, March 11 – Lorenzo’s Cafe, Ashton Creek
Dinner: 6 p.m. Show: 8 p.m. Reservations – Ph. 250-838-6700

Friday, March 12 – Kal Lake Campus Theatre, Vernon
Tickets at The BookNook – Ph. 250-558-0668

Saturday, March 13 – Centre Stage Theatre, Summerland
Tickets at Martin’s Flowers, Summerland(next to Nester’s) – Ph. 250-494-5432
and The Dragon’s Den(Penticton) – Ph. 250-492-3011

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27 Feb 2010