Theatre troupe salutes country music
It seems like country music and the western theme is everywhere these days. I am just as confident slipping into a pair of wranglers as I do a cocktail dress.
My favourite seamstress is sewing fringe on a shirt because more is truly more.
Has country always been this prevalent or is it just because I’m more open to it?
Tonight is opening night for Theatre Kelowna production Good Ol Country Comfort, a musical review that pays homage to the genre and promises songs of the days “when country music was still western.”
Written and directed by Jeff Samin, the show promises exactly what is says in the title. Tickets are $25 plus service charges, available at the Prospera Place or online at Select Your Tickets. Limited seats may be available at the door for $30.
The show will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 2, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Check theatrekelowna.org.
When I think of country music, I think of BBQ and beer, and that’s exactly what is happening this weekend in City Park.
I’m salivating already at the thought of rocking a cool bib and grazing while attending the first Interior Savings Rotary Ribfest in Kelowna.
This three-day event will feature four of the most awarded ‘ribbers’ from across Canada with lots of other food vendors to include poutine and mini doughnuts.
Heaven continues with a list of live musical entertainment all weekend long and a KidZone with inflatable structures, buskers, jugglers, craft tables etc..
Check out their website for band lists and performance times. Fabulous music by Washboard Union, The Hip Replacements, Cod Gone Wild, Ben Klick and, of course, yours truly on stage with Sean Bray and Loni Moger (Friday 1:45-2:30 p.m.)
There is no excuse not to get to City Park and be part of this celebration. Come and go all weekend long, as you please, because admission is free. Visit ribfestkelowna.com.
This is also a special weekend for me, because I get to sing O Canada and officially open the 2016 Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Tennis and Bocce Tournament.
I have done this for six years, and witnessed this celebrity tennis tournament — now in its 15th year — raise well over $700,000 for KGH to purchase life-saving cardiac equipment.
The fabulous event is hosted at the Lightbody residence on Abbott Street.
Every year is special, and this year will be bittersweet as it will be the first year that we won’t have the most dynamic and beautiful Marietta Lightbody hustling people around the property and making sure that the show is running smoothly.
Marietta sadly passed away in July and I feel so sad because this Kelowna power couple, Walley and Marietta Lightbody, represent the true meaning of community spirit, philanthropy, and kindness with grace and class.
I am blessed to call them friends and feel a great honour to stand and sing our national anthem at this charity event.
Participants and spectators enjoy lively action over two days of play, and this year the organizers will be recognizing two individuals for their contributions to the local tennis community — Johnny Vesterinen and Paul Byrne — will be honoured because of their hard work for youth tennis and of course their love of community and music.
Registration for tennis and bocce is open and spectators and guests are welcome to purchase day passes and dinner tickets now. Register online at kghfoundation.com.
Usually Johnny V and Paul B run the music program at the Saturday evening celebration dinner, but this year as they are the honoured guests, I will be performing with my musician friends — Sean Bray and Loni Moger.
I’m sure they have a song or three up their sleeve, but let them bask in the spotlight without having to work is the agenda. The event launches on Friday at 4 p.m.
Another amazing country garden event is happening on Sunday at Eastwood Organic Farms with their annual family picnic, in East Kelowna.
It’s a grassroots event where anyone can come and hang out at the farm to celebrate the end of the harvest season.
The event is free, but you have to bring your own food. There will be a selection of workshops on food-related topics with advice to anyone with food and health questions.
There will be live music and a selection of activities and games for everyone to play.
For more information visit soilmate.com.
Eastwood Organics Farm is at 2995 Dunster Rd. The event runs from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.
Legendary singer-songwriter and social justice activist David Crosby performs at the Kelowna Community Theatre tonight.
For tickets call 250-762.5050 or go to Select Your Tickets online. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
Anna Jacyszyn is an award winning jazz singer. Email her at artafactevent@gmail.com.