My wife and I were fortunate to spend time at a destination wedding this weekend. It’s an occasion that has been on the calendar for several months now and the end of May seemed so far away until just this past week.
With June on our doorstep, it’s the time of year where rehearsals turn into ceremonies. Obvious examples are the graduations, weddings and year-end recitals and performances. It’s all about honouring the hard work and commitment our loved ones have taken on.
This afternoon is a celebration of Ukrainian culture at the Performing Arts Centre as the Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble presents their 2012 Okanagan Ukrainian Festival.
Enjoy the culture and drama rolled into a spirited afternoon of folk dance featuring special guests, Pokotillo Ukrainian Dancers of Kamloops and the Stepanchuk Family Singers.
The fun starts at 2 p.m., and tickets are still on sale online at www.ticketseller.ca, or at the door after 1pm.
Valley Vocal Arts is up on deck starting Thursday for their goofy and irreverent take on Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance.
It’s the story of an orphan boy who wants to be a pilot, but ends up a pirate instead. A quirky plot line and a revised original score, this musical comedy is fun for the whole family.
The show runs from May 31 to June 2 at the Powerhouse Theatre with performances starting at 7 p.m. nightly. Tickets are still available through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
From June 1 through 3, the Vernon Recreation Complex will transform into a crafter’s mecca.
The recreation centre itself is host to Creative Chaos on Friday through Sunday, and the Performing Arts Centre’s Marie Fleming Hall is home to the Okanagan Potters Association Spring Sale on Friday and Saturday only.
Admission is free to both events so prepare to be amazed at the creativity piques the interest of all ages.
Legendary American singer-songwriter Steve Earle comes to the Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, June 2.
His music career spans more than 25 years, highlighted by 14 Grammy nominations with three wins, a catalogue of 23 singles, and 14 albums, including his first, Guitar Town, which went platinum. Instantly recognized by music fans everywhere, his greatest hits include Copperhead Road, Hillbilly Highway, Guitar Town and Nowhere Road.
Tickets to his solo and acoustic performance are still available through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).
And coming up June 8 through 10, is Thrive: What On Earth Will It Take?, presented by Chris Madsen at the Powerhouse Theatre.
It’s a screening event for a film that gives an in-depth look at the flow of money, energy and the balance of power in our global economy and suggests solutions and serves as a call to dialogue and action.
Show times and more information are available at the Ticket Seller website www.ticketseller.ca, and tickets are available for purchase by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
Finally, I’d like to offer my congratulations to Krista and Corey Johnson on their recent nuptials. And to all those celebrating their respective accomplishments, enjoy the shows!
–– Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
