Enjoy the variety fall has to offer

The falling leaves drift by my window, those autumn leaves of red and gold. Yes my friends, we are officially in autumn and I could not be more happy.

My garden is cleaned and composted, cleared from the gifts that it gave me all summer. I added some nutrients and with the wet and rainy weather it will be just right again in spring.

The rest of my green tomatoes will become relish and the walnuts I have picked so far are drying in the basement.

Soups are now the normal fixture on my stovetop pot: borscht, roasted carrot, Asian spiced broths with noodles.

I love October. For me, it’s a great excuse to stay in and write, go through new music and rehearse for upcoming shows.

The times that I do like to go out and connect with other humans had better be worth it, and I think I have a great cross section this week to tell you about.

On Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m., it’s the new Marmalade Cat Jazz Jam hosted by saxophonist and educator Craig Thomson.

He has very strict rules about this jam, which makes it a much better listening experience for the audience.

The first hour is a concert type scenario for the band to play, then when others are invited to join in, they have to know their stuff as there is no sheet music available and the guest musicians are required to keep up or get off the stage.

It’s not a jam session to sharpen your teeth at. You have to already be sharp and ready to shred. You will go home wanting to practice. The house band this week includes Scott Gamble, Sean Bray, Darko Cuk and Thomson. The Marmalade Cat Cafe is at 2903 Pandosy St.

————— Saturday is Kids Music Day at Wentworth Music on Highway 97. Celebrate by bringing your curious kids to a place where they can try out different instruments like guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, or even DJ and synth stations.

This day is free of charge and it goes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Teachers and staff will be on hand to guide your budding musician in the right direction and answer any questions.

————— Saturday afternoon in East Kelowna, The View Winery and Wards Cider are hosting Ciders & Sliders. This event is a casual cross section of what the winery has to offer, and for $12, the experience you receive is a tasting, a cider, and a slider, and setting the ambience is usually a live band inside.

Last year, I ended up jamming with the band and had an absolute blast. The View Winery is on 2287 Ward Rd., off Spiers, the event is from 1 to 5 p.m.

————— Jesse Cook will be at the Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St., on Saturday.

The acclaimed Canadian guitarist, composer and producer is just the ticket to fill in the gaps of your soul on a rainy autumn evening. My husband and I have been playing his music all weekend inside our home, and I have become a fan.

I already love being accompanied by guitar when I sing, the sounds and rhythms that a great musician can make from this portable instrument is just inspiring, and to hear a true craftsmen like Jesse is gold.

Tickets are $51.50 through Select Your Tickets.

————— Football is better in the fall too. Come to the Apple Bowl stadium on Sunday to support the Okanagan Sun as they play the Kamloops Broncos in BC Junior Football action. Tickets are $15 and kick off is at 1 p.m. The next game is Saturday, Oct. 13, when the Sun host the Westshore Rebels at 7 p.m.

Anna Jacyszyn is an award winning jazz singer. Email artafactevent@ gmail.com.