One of the things I love about working at the Performing Arts Centre is how diverse performance arts are.
They keep my work interesting because every show is so very different: One day is ballerinas and pointe shoes, the next day we see cowboy hats and steel guitars, only to round out the week with bagpipes.
This diversity brings different audiences through the centre’s doors; each performance seeks to emotionally connect with the people there.
So come out and enjoy the performances. When the curtain has closed and the house lights come up, take a moment to listen to and share experiences. It’s all part of this never-ending human need to look inside ourselves, and one another, through the arts.
This afternoon, the North Okanagan Community Concert Association is presenting Sergei Saratovsky at the Performing Arts Centre. This versatile performer provides a musical tour de force, demonstrating his amazing technical and interpretative ability.
Moving effortlessly from elegant technique to big romantic effects, this young Russian-Canadian doctoral student at the University of British Columbia is one of the most engaging rising stars on the Canadian classical music scene.
The music starts at 2 p.m. and tickets can still be purchased online at www.ticketseller.ca or at the door within one hour of show time.
On Thursday, the B.C. Cadet Honour Band will visit the Performing Arts Centre with young musicians ranging from 14 to 18 years of age.
These 55 top teenage musicians come from the ranks of the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets selected from across B.C. The full concert band is complimented by pipes and drums and together they perform popular concert music highlighted by military pomp and ceremony.
There is no charge to attend this performance which starts at 7:30 p.m., so plan to arrive a little early to avoid disappointment.
This Friday is an evening of nostalgia and fun as likenesses of Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash and Reba McEntire take the Performing Arts Centre stage in Country Gold.
They’ve got the look, the sound, the charisma and charm and the impersonators are backed by a live country band for an old fashioned night of music.
Showtime is at 8 p.m., and tickets are on sale now through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW.
And on March 29, Okanagan College is host to the Jo Burt Experience.
Born and raised in England in the 1960s, Burt began emulating British guitar legends, many of whom he would eventually perform with on stage and as a session musician — Elton John, Bob Geldof, Freddie Mercury, and Canadian Bryan Adams, just to name a few.
This “evergreen rocker” continues to electrify his audience with the mixture of honesty, intensity and humour.
The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale now through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW.
Enjoy the shows!
— Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
