Firefighting fundraiser at Dakoda’s Comedy Lounge
My husband and I have just had a wonderful holiday off Vancouver Island, just near the coast of Nanaimo.
We were invited by friends who have a summer home there to visit, relax and rest. This is a very small island with a low population year round, and although we had the luxury of hot water, electricity and the comfort a modern cabin to stay in, there was no TV, wi-fi or phones, so we really had to use old fashioned fun to entertain ourselves.
With a fishing licence in hand, we went out most days on a motor boat with the hopes of catching something for our dinner, but no luck catching fish.
One day, coming back from Gabriola Island, after a seafood lunch, we spotted a family of whales. Turning off the engine and floating on the sea with my video on, I giggled in wonder when a baby whale started playing, jumping and diving. I was so engrossed in watching that I almost missed the parent whale — it came straight towards us as it surfaced, then quickly went under our boat and up the other side.
It was the first time I have ever seen an Orca whale outside an aquarium and it was magnificent.
As this family of mammals passed by, I knew the fishing was over, so we slowly boated back to the dock and put some steaks on the barbecue.
From blue skies to grey, we knew that there were wildfires ablaze. This smokedfilled sky followed us from the ferry ride back to the Mainland and all the way to the Okanagan, as the reality of what was happening all over the province and beyond borders sunk in.
******** Fire is no laughing matter, but sometimes it’s therapeutic to slow down and do something to put happy vibes back into the atmosphere. Active Body Kelowna — an online and retail dietary supplementation company — and Kelowna Comedy have partnered to present Comedy For A Cause, benefitting the BC Fire Relief Fund.
This fundraiser is happening on Friday, Aug. 11, at Dakoda’s Comedy Lounge, 1574 Harvey Ave.
Many crews and equipment are needed in this lengthy fight. The costs have already reached $258 million, says B.C. Wildfire Service information officer Ryan Turcot.
The ripple effect of fire has had a big impact on plywood prices throughout the province and other areas, from tourism to our own personal respiratory health.
This special night of laughs begins at 7 p.m., and features the Okanagan Valley’s top comics. Reservations can be made by calling 250-860-9500.
If you cannot attend and still want to help, a British Columbia Fires Appeal has been opened with a link to donate to the Red Cross on their website page:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/donate-to-the-british-columbiafires-appeal
******** On Thursday, Aug. 10, M.A.S.K will be performing at the House of Rose Winery, 2270 Garner Rd. This is a free concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.
For those who have not heard of this group, you will thank me for introducing you as they are not only talented with harmonies and great voices, but their song choices are spot on.
They inject a bit of tongue and chic into this show by performing songs from ’50s, ’60s and ’70s and, I believe, with costumes.
******** On Saturday Aug. 12, one of my favourite restaurants in the Okanagan turns 16!
Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen in Lake Country has regularly given me a gig, once a month for the past 8 years. I have enjoyed an abundance of great dinners, welcoming hospitality all set in a fairy lit ambience that truly makes for a great night out.
There will be live music from rhythm and blues band, The Salmon Armenians – as well as Don and Rhonda who regularly visit from Puerto Vallarta to perform.
To book your reservation for this or any night call 250-766-6810 or visit their website at ricardos.ca.
Loni Moger and I will be performing at Ricardo’s on Thursday, Aug. 24 as a continuation of this milestone celebration.
******** Rock The Lake is taking over the town this weekend at Prospera Place.
A whole weekend of nostalgia rock and roll. ’80s and ’90s bands are taking the stage. Bands like: Toronto, Platinum Blonde, April Wine on Friday. Saturday’s line-up includes Doug and the Slugs, Sass Jordan, Rik Emmett and Kim Mitchell, while Sundays finale is Carole Pope, Helix, Chilliwack, Honeymoon Suite.
Tickets are from selectyourtickets.com at various prices for each day, show and the whole weekend. It is back by popular demand, as last year’s inaugural series of concerts sold out in three days.
******** May I have your attention ladies? This year’s Okanagan Symphony Orchestra fundraiser is a white party!
Symphony in White will take place on Aug. 16 at the Gallagher’s Canyon Activity Centre from 2 – 5 p.m.
Be part of the atmosphere while enjoying The View Winery ‘bubbles’ and delicious tasty bites. Schmoozing and strolling along the silent auction tables always seems to have a great effect on one’s social life, as that is the place to meet new friends or acquaintances or catching up with familiar faces.
I will also be on hand as the musical guest to set the tone and ambience to round off this beautiful afternoon. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at okanagansymphony.com
Anna Jacyszyn is an award winning jazz singer and recipient of the Civic Honour of the Arts award, the Okanagan Arts award in Music. Email her at artafactevent@gmail.com.