With the official debut of spring on Thursday, I’ll take this opportunity to thank winter.
Thank you winter for reminding me what a privilege it is to wear short sleeves outside, for making the chore of washing the cars in my driveway feel so liberating and for my rediscovered awe for the simplicity of a blue sky. After all, these are but a few of the wonderful things I’ll take for granted by October.
While it will be a little while longer for green grass and fresh produce, the next few weeks hold some fantastic indoor events to help channel the spring fever while Mother Nature does her handiwork.
Local modern Celtic band Cod Gone Wild is back at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Monday at 7 p.m. for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In addition to St. Patty’s Day festivities, this band also plans to perform its newly released album, Battered and Fried.
Also on stage will be Andrew Smith on guitars, mandolin and bouzouki and the Okanagan Celtic Choir for this spirited night of music. Tickets can still be purchased through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469) or online at www.ticketseller.ca.
This Friday, enjoy an energetic evening of Django Reinhardt tunes when Van Django takes the stage at the Performing Arts Centre.
Four talented and eclectic string musicians bring the punchy rhythms of gypsy jazz along with the musicianship, musicality and humour that have established this group as a must-see act in the Canadian jazz scene.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available and can be purchased through the Ticket Seller box office at 549-SHOW (7469).
On Saturday, the Vernon Jazz Club is host to songwriter and jazz vocalist Ali Henry from Kelowna. Her background is in jazz and gospel music, and she takes her audiences through a diverse selection of styles and rhythms. The music starts at 8 p.m. Saturday and tickets are on sale through the Bean Scene, Bean to Cup or at the door.
And coming up March 29, City Dance presents Dance: Global Fusion at the Performing Arts Centre. See local professional and amateur talent from several Okanagan dance studios showcase dance and music from around the world. Joining the dancers on stage will be soprano Melina Moore in this event that celebrates unique styles including country, ballroom, Latin, swing, hip hop and more. There are two performances to choose from starting at 2 and 8 p.m. and you can call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.
Enjoy the shows.
Brian van Wensem is with audience development at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
