World class experience at Pent as tic jazz festival

DEAR EDITOR:

I attended the Pentastic HOT Jazz Festival by myself this year as my husband Ernie was unable to attend, spending my time with four ladies. Coming from the Island it was the first time for one of those ladies and she is a guaranteed bet to attend all future events.

She came as a favour to her stepmother; a woman of my age and left a raging fan to the varied genre of music that has a lot of something for everyone. The other two ladies; one from Trail; one from Vancouver were seasoned veterans and knew what to expect.

Many of the old favourites were there: Dave Bennett and the Memphis Speed Kings, a tribute to the music of Jerry Lee Lewis. At one point Bennett asked for crowd favourites and someone yelled “Great Balls of Fire” and we were off to the wonderful land of music with a whole lot of shaking going on.

Another crowd favourite was Tom Rigney playing the fiddle with his own fan base. I think he must be related to the Pied Piper as his music is hypnotic and compelling.

All kinds of music from boogie woogie to big band kept the crowds hopping and the dance floors swamped. These musicians came to our city from across the continent providing fans with a varied repertoire of outstanding music.

Our very own South Okanagan Big Band was there Saturday night. They brought with them the sound of the ‘40s with a selection of tunes to delight young and old: Everything from Frank Sinatra to Patsy Cline including many of the well-known big band favourites of Glenn Miller. The dance floor was crowded as people went all out to take advantage of the fun.

My new friends from out of town were amazed at the talent in our fair city. SOBB’s lead singer Judy Rowe is a tribute artist for Patsy Cline so we heard many of Patsy’s famous songs including “Crazy.”

This talented songstress belted out many other famous tunes from varied artists.

Thanks to Michael and Beth Campbell and their cadre of volunteers. It was an amazing weekend.

Volunteer drivers ferried people to the various venues. Transportation was provided free courtesy of community minded companies like Toyota; Kia; Hyundai; Parker Chrysler and Grape Escapes Wine Tours making sure people got to experience what can only be called a Las Vegas experience Penticton style. Elvena Slump Penticton