Be shaken and stirred by the music of James Bond
It’s the penultimate month of 12 as we head towards the end of another year.
Did you know that November was actually the ninth month? It got its name from the Latin word “novem” which means nine; however, it became the 11th month when the Romans added January and February to the start of the year.
November has a somber feel around it, perhaps that is why we tend to pack in our fundraisers and pre-Christmas parties inside the month in order to inject a little sunlight into the reality of gloomy changing weather.
“Movember” was introduced as an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during this month to raise awareness of men’s health issues — such as prostate and testicular cancers — as well as hard hitting issues of men’s suicide.
The goal of Movember is to “change the face of men’s health.”
If you want to be included on this, visit movember.ca to get grooming tips, challenges and even register your facial hair to become the International Man of Movember.
——— Oh, that sounds quite 007 doesn’t it? This Saturday night at the Forum in Kelowna, I’m performing Countdown to Bond, a concert of Bond music from the last 24 films. It’s in anticipation of the 25th film, tentatively called Shatterhand (which is based on the novel Never Dream of Dying).
Its release date was supposed to be November 2019, but with the resignation of director Danny Boyle, the film release is postponed until Feb. 14, 2020, under director Cary Fukunaga.
I guess I will have to throw another party then. Tickets for the show are $47 through kelownatickets.com and as we go to print, there are perhaps 10 remaining.
Dress as your favourite Bond hero, villain or seductress.
——— Tonight is Jam Night at the Grateful Fed, and all genres and instruments are welcome.
The venue will provide drums, bass and electric guitar to make it easier. Start time is 9 p.m. and the venue is at 509 Bernard Ave.
Also at The Fed, but on Thursday night, its the Casey Easton show.
Mr. Smartypants will interview local celebrities, entrepreneurs, whackos and people of interest. This show will be filmed for future online viewing and begins at 7 p.m.
Also on Thursday, but further up at 271 Bernard Ave., Munkey’s Fist Grill & Bar is hosting Rocking the Originals, where local musicians have a platform to perform selfpenned songs that are either already recorded and on CD or new material.
This week’s show will include: James Hay and Betty Goodacre, Joshua Smith and Bex Troock with Typical Underground.
Tickets are $10 at the door, the show is from 7-9:30 p.m.
While on the subject, put Dec. 6 on your calendar when myself and Loni Moger will be performing at the Christmas version of this show. Of course, I will be rocking the jazz originals from songs I have yet to record, but a Christmas album is in the making, subject to funding.
——— John Mellencamp brings his Sad Clowns and Hillbillies Tour to Prospera Place on Saturday night.
Mellencamp had a string of top-10 singles in his career that include Hurts So Good, Jack & Diane, Crumblin’ Down and Pink Houses.
He holds the record for the most tracks by a solo artist to hit number one on the mainstream rock charts.
Tickets for this show are between $80 and $150 through selectyourtickets.com or at the box-office by calling 250-979-0888.
——— This morning in the post I received a book to review by author Amy Newmark, the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. This new addition her library is titled Canadian Acts of Kindness, with inspiring stories from random acts of kindness to doing what’s right.
As I leaf through, the book shows how positive attitudes and good deeds are changing the climate of our country.
It’s a big statement, especially as we watch our American neighbours react about their mid-term elections.
I believe we can change attitudes, hearts and minds by the goodwill of the Canadian people we are.
Royalties from this book will go towards the United Way Canada – I look forward to reading and reviewing it for a future column. Have a great week everyone.
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.