Music cheaper than therapy
Last week was a very long week for me. My sister, who is six years older than I am, passed away because of double pneumonia due to COVID-19.
Just writing these words wells tears back into my eyes from a sad place in my heart. My family was just easing back after grieving my mother’s death six months ago from pancreatic cancer, and here we are again, back at the cemetery saying goodbye to a soul that just began a new life in Kelowna from Edmonton.
I tell you of this sadness, but also to share some great events that I will inevitably attend to fill the gap left in my heart with creative joy and some laughs.
Music is cheaper than therapy and makes you feel alive. Tomorrow is the Jazz Jam at the Rotary Centre for the Arts from 5-7 p.m. Pre-registration for all free community programming is required through: rotarycentreforthearts.com.
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Friday night at The Vibrant Vine Winery, 3240 Pooley Road, jazz chanteuse Kinga Heming is in concert from 6-8 p.m.
She’s to be accompanied by Bernie Addington on double bass and Loni Moger on guitar. I hold them all in high regard. As a trio, I am sure ticket-holders will enjoy songs by Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets are $25 through thevibrantvine.com.
——— Comedian Howie Miller is to perform on Saturday at Kelowna Curling Club, 551 Recreation Ave., as part of the Trainwreck comedy tour.
Miller is arguably one of Canada's top stand-up acts who is consistently funny and keeps his act refreshingly clean.
A member of the Cree Nation, he sees wit and a unique point of view on topics relating to stereotypes, personalities, the job market, as well as the funny side of not being Caucasian. Howie is an accomplished comedic actor and writer and has been nominated for a Gemini Award, a Canadian Comedy Award, and a Canadian Screen Award for his writing and acting in the sketch comedy show Caution: May Contain Nuts.
I can’t wait till Saturday. Tickets are $60 for a table for two and $120 for a table for 4 through trainwreckcomedy.com. The show begins at 8:45 p.m.
Let me tell you, I need this kind of good clean fun right now.
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This weekend at Grizzli Winery, 2550 Boucherie Rd., enjoy some outdoor theatre on a big screen, freshly popped popcorn from Okanagan Kettle Korn and a glass of Grizzli wine. Set up your spot with lawn chairs, pillows and blankets to get ready for a fun night under the stars. Friday’s film is The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, and Betty White. The film is a modern romantic comedy about a pushy boss who forces her young assistant to marry her to keep her visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada. A perfect date night film.
Saturday night is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
Both films are family and dog friendly and cost $10 per ticket. Street Eats will be on hand from 6-7:30 p.m., and the films begin around 7 p.m. Part of the proceeds will help the Grizzli Gives program in support of the YMCA and Canadian Mental Health Association. Purchase your tickets through: exploretock.com.
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In Lake Country on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., its Art Walk 2021.
Due to the restrictions and impact of the pandemic, organizers are calling it: “Taking It Outside.”
Groups of artists will be set up at 12 sites where artists will work in the open air to paint, draw, sculpt, stitch, or whatever their artmaking process is, as well as have their wares on display and for sale.
Find details at lakecountryartwalk.ca.
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I am excited to tell you about the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra’s return after almost two years of challenges. Music director Rosemary Thomson is putting the finishing touches on the 202122 season, and will be sharing the details on Monday.
On the same day, Ballet Kelowna is to announce details of its anticipated mixed program and full-length feature ballet. I can’t even begin to tell you how healing this news is and how happy I am to continue supporting these major creative companies in our beautiful Okanagan Valley.