Last week I picked up my guitar for the first time in years. I spent some time tuning it then clumsily strummed my way through a few well-loved songs.
As though the frequent mistakes weren’t enough, my fingers quickly and painfully reminded me of how long it’s been since I’ve played.
It takes perseverance, discipline and courage to master any art form. Learning an instrument simply hasn’t been my passion but I personally think I make a much better audience member than a performer. So while I shamelessly let my guitar rest for another year or more, I think I’ll sit back and take a moment to enjoy the results of arts students who have the passion to see it through.
Coming up Thursday, Caravan Farm Theatre is host to Carolyn Mark and the New Best Friends.
Originally from Sicamous, this alternative country singer-songwriter is known for her off-balance sense of humour and slightly racy jokes as much as for her homespun tunes. Her woodsy, introspective style earned her a Juno nomination for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year in 2009.
Carolyn and The New Best Friends bring the golden era of Nashville back to life at Caravan along with special guests Hearse, a folk-cabaret couple from Victoria.
Tickets for this off-the-wall night of music are available through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
Accentz Dance Studio is back at the Performing Arts Centre on June 15 for their year-end recital.
Do You Remember consists of two different shows dedicated to iconic musicals, artists and pop-culture moments of the past.
The 2 p.m. performance features younger students up to nine years old, while the 7 p.m. show is a presentation of Accentz’ students age nine and up.
Tickets for both shows and two-show packages are on sale now through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
Dance season continues at the Performing Arts Centre on June 22 when the Okanagan School of Ballet takes the stage for their 2013 recital.
Students ages three and up will be performing ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, modern, hip-hop and more. Exam awards and scholarships will also be announced at the show, which starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
And today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is your last chance to check out the 38th annual Creative Chaos at the Vernon Recreation Centre.
This arts and crafts mega-event brings more than 200 vendors, food faire and live performers to three buildings. Admission is free and more information can be found on the Creative Chaos website at www.creativechaoscrafts.com.
Enjoy the shows!
— Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing arts Centre.
