THEATRE
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Dec. 9-17
Mary Irwin Theatre in the Rotary Centre for the Arts
421 Cawston Ave.
Kelowna
353 Bernard Ave.
New Vintage Theatre will present a faithful stage version of this classic Christmas tale.
The original story was penned in 1939 by Robert L. May for an advertising campaign for the retail chain Montgomery Ward.
The retailer had been giving away colouring books for Christmas every year and it was decided that creating their own book would save money so they contracted May to write it.
May’s book was a hit and sold 2.5 Million copies in its first year.
Later, May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, wrote a song based on the story which singer Gene Autry made a number one hit in 1949.
Other books, specials and more followed, including a unique reworked version of Rudolph that included a snowman, gold prospector, elf that wanted to be a dentist and a not so terrifying snow beast in 1968.
Bonnie Gratz, New Vintage Theatre artistic director, adapted the stop motion animation version of the story for the stage in 2010 while with a theatre company in Calgary for a sold-out theatre run.
The only stipulations the trademark holder had were to include all the same characters, dialogue and real tracks from the 1968 special.
“This is why there are still some very 1960s references like ‘they felt it was best to get the womenfolk home’ and why you will hear the cast singing with the original tracks during our show,” said Gratz.
“It sounds strange, but the result is actually a fun vintage show that is very easy to sing along to, funny and incredibly heart-warming.”
Joining the cast are John Van Dyk (Sam The Snowman), Cory Armour (Rudolph), Graham Daley (Hermey The Elf), Ashley Plomp (Clarice) and Brad Hull (Yukon Cornelius).
Other performers featured are Vince Walzak, Sheila Campbell, Adam Weaver, James Szabo, Dana Murphy, Kiran Madahar and Emily Friesen.
Musical director Krista Buttenaar and esteemed choreographer Angela Quinn have collaborated on the show along with designer Derek Gratz on set and props and Natasha Davis as stage manager.
Rudolph is a shorter, one act show that is family and age friendly so all can attend and enjoy the production, no matter what the age.
“We expect to see entire families at this one—grandparents, parents, young adults, kids and toddlers alike, sitting together. It is a crazy adventure story that celebrates being a misfit in a world of sameness.”
Tickets are available online at selectyourtickets.com or at The Rotary Centre For The Arts Box Office.
CONCERT
Christmas Bells & Whistles
Sunday, Dec. 6
2 p.m.
First United Church
721 Bernard Ave.
Kelowna
The phrase “bells and whistles” usually refers to the non-essential, the desirable but not necessary, the additional features we don’t really need, but would nevertheless like to have.
For many Kelownians, however, the annual Christmas Bells & Whistles concert is an essential part of their holiday celebrations, a tradition that has become an integral element of creating their Christmas mood.
The Alleluia Ringers handbell choir and the Merrie Pipers recorder orchestra are bringing together their popular collaboration for the eighth year.
Admission is by donation at the door (suggested amount $12).
As he has been since the concert’s inception, Ralph Milton, a local United Church speaker and writer, will be the MC.
Also appearing as invited guests will be soprano Dawn Mussellam and pianist Graham Vink.
Mussellam has been a regular guest soloist with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, the Kamloops Symphony and Symphony of the Kooteneys in Cranbrook/Invermere.
Vink, born and raised in Kelowna, recently took on the role of artistic director of the Kelowna Community Music School, along with continuign to be a busy pianist, accompanist and piano teacher
The Merrie Pipers recorder orchestra formed in 2001 as a small music class within Kelowna’s Society for Learning in Retirement.
Although all retirees, these dedicated players take their continuing musical growth seriously.
Always active in the community, in 2014 the Merrie Pipers performed in Peachland and Lake Country, and at the Rotary Centre for the Arts and at Kelowna General Hospital. Sue MacDonald directs the Merrie Pipers.
Now approaching their tenth anniversary, The Alleluia Ringers are eagerly anticipating attending the 2016 International Handbell Symposium, which will take place in Vancouver next July.
After participating in several regional and provincial festivals along with the 2011 the Canadian national festival in Calgary, the opportunity to attend an international event that will attract as many as 900 handbell musicians from around the world is a thrilling prospect. Nikki Attwell directs the Alleluia Ringers.
Patrons attending the concert are advised to arrive early to find street parking (as parking in the church’s lot will be limited), and to be assured of a seat!
PERFORMANCE
The Nutcracker
Dec. 11-13
Kelowna Community
Theatre
1375 Water St.
The Canadian School of Ballet will bring another Christmas tradition back to the Okanagan.
Full of fantasy and magic, The Nutcrackerhas captivated generations of families around the world.
With five shows this year, starting on Friday, Dec. 11, there are more chances to join Clara as she takes her magical journey from the comfort of her home to The Land of Snow and to The Land of Sweets.
Tickets are available now for the five shows at KelownaTickets.com or at the box office location in Orchard Park Mall.
The Friday show is at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday will feature 2 p.m. matinee performances and the evening shows at 7:30 p.m.
“The Nutcracker has been delighting Okanagan families for the past 25 years,” said Carley Bailey, the Canadian School of Ballet co-owner and one of The Nutcracker choreographers.
“The show remains a cherished, heart-warming tradition for the entire family and we look forward to another year.”
The Nutcracker first premiered a week before Christmas in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Alexandre Dumas Père’s adaptation of the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann was set to music by Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa. Since premiering in North America, it has become perhaps the most popular ballet performed during the Christmas season.
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CONCERT
Matt Hoyle
Friday, Dec. 4
Doc Willoughbys
353 Bernard Ave.
Kelowna
Matt Hoyle is a low down, wailing bluesman, hailing from deepest darkest New Zealand:
After broadening his horizons through obtaining a bachelors degree in music and becoming proficient in both composition and orchestral scoring, Hoyle traveled to Europe and somehow managed to survive as a wandering minstrel.
Eventually he landed in Vancouver where he settled.
Drawing inspiration from Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Son House, BB King, Eric Bibb, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Cray, Seasick Steve and Otis Redding, Hoyle combines all influences both classic and modern to create his own unique blues sound.
CONCERT
Westbank Country Opry Christmas show
Sunday, Dec.6
3 p.m.
Westbank Emmanuel Church
2600 Herbert Road
West Kelowna
The Westbank Country Opry singing cast will be joined by Elvis tribute singer Jeff Bodner for its annual Christmas concert.
Bodner has performed nationally and internationally with his Elvis tribute show dating back to 1987.
Bodner won the Penticton Elvis Festival in 2007, and has competed in the Images of the King Competition in Memphis.
Donations will also be accepted to the food bank. Tickets available at the door, $10/person.
CONCERT
Okanagan Festival Singers
Saturday, Dec. 5
7:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
4091 Lakeshore Dr.
Kelowna
The Okanagan Festival Singers, long known in the Okanagan Valley for their expertise with baroque music, will perform G.F. Handel’s Messiah on Dec. 5.
Originally written over 250 years ago for Easter, Handel’s Messiah burst onto the stage at Dublin’s Musick Hall on April 13, 1742.
That first audience was more than 700 attendees as women had been asked to wear dresses “without hoops” in order to make “room for more company.”
Handel was already an esteemed musician but his Messiah will stand forever as a testimony to his abilities as a great composer.
Ticket prices for the concert are $30 adults; $20 students and can be purchased at Wentworth Music, Keystone Music and Mosaic Books.
For more information, please see the website ofsingers.com.
THEATRE
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Until Dec. 20
Kelowna Actors Studio
1379 Ellis St.
Kelowna .
Originally billed as “the most phantasmagorical musical in the history of everything,” Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a classic musical adventure featuring an out-of-this world car that flies through the air and sails the seas.
It tells the story of eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, who with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima, and the ever-lovely Truly Scrumptious, sets about saving a former Grand Prix-winning race car from the scrap heap.
Soon they discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight.
After word gets out about its extraordinary abilities, trouble ensues when the evil Baron Bomburst decides he wants it all to himself, launching Caractacus, Jeremy, Jemima, and Truly on a series of high-flying high jinx to save the miraculous motorcar.
Based on the timeless novel by famed James Bond author and creator Ian Fleming, the production features the music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins.
Before being turned into a stage musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a 1968 British musical film, starring Dick Van Dyke as Caractacus Potts and Sally Anne Howes as Truly Scrumptious.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is directed by Angela Lavender, a local actor, director, and teacher who has staged productions across the valley including the young actors project in School District 23.
Roslyn Frantz is resident music director with Jennifer Davies as choreographer/stage manager.
Rick Worrall (Les Miserables, South Pacific) portrays Caractacus Potts; Laura Benty (Crimes of the Heart; Les Miserables) as Truly Scrumptious; Ryne Van Vliet Brown (Oliver); Hannah Friesen (Oliver); Brandon Shalansky (Jesus Christ Superstar); Delphine Litke (Oliver); Neil Johnson (The Addams Family) and Ray Mordan (Miracle on 34th Street) as Grandpa Potts;
Fourteen local youths fill out the production with another 15 adults adding to the marvelous magical characters.
When adapting the show for London’s West End in 2002, producers were faced with the daunting prospect of bringing the indomitable personality of Chitty to life—including seeing the car take flight and set sail —live on stage.
Kelowna Actors Studio now faces similar challenges for its production.
“Some time ago, I saw the stage musical in New York with a car that flew using hydraulics to lift and tilt it. How will we do it? Well, I’m working with designer Mike Nordlund, who is creating the car from a concept I had for staging the show in an imaginative, new way,” explains KAS artistic managing director Randy Leslie.
“We’re very excited to show our audiences, but I’m not giving away any secrets early.”
The London production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, ran a record-setting three and a half years and was nominated for two Olivier awards. In 2005, the Broadway production of the show received five Tony Award nominations, 10 Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, and four Drama Desk nominations.
The KAS production technical staff include producer and set designer Randy Leslie; executive producer/projections/drops Nathan Flavel; set decor, Stacey Baker; master carpenter Casey Easton; sound and mic design Jordan Leboe; properties Tracey Hway; costume Design, Hazel Rodgers; light design, Jordan Davies; and chitty car design, Mike Nordlund.
For tickets, call 250-862-2867 or available at Kelowna Tickets box office in Orchard Park Mall.
THEATRE
The Happy Elf
Friday, Dec. 4
7 p.m.
Mary Irwin Theatre in the Rotary Centre for the Arts
421 Cawston Ave.
Kelowna
The Studio9 arts school students will present The Happy Elf.
Eubie the Elf is on a musical mission to bring Christmas cheer to a town on Santa’s naughty list.
With the music written by Harry Connick, Jr., The Happy Elf tells the tale of Eubie the Elf, a lovable fellow who wants to spread Christmas joy throughout the town of Bluesville.
Hoping to introduce a new generation of children to the joys of jazz, Connick has crafted a musical landscape against which Eubie’s story unfolds.
The Happy Elf follows Eubie, the happiest elf in the North Pole.
More than anything else, Eubie longs to be a part of Santa’s sleigh team. Instead, he’s stuck checking the naughty-or-nice lists.
Then one Christmas Eve he sees something strange—in the whole town of Bluesville, not a single person has been nice.
With a pinch of elfish magic and a magical whoosh, Eubie’s off to Bluesville. But can he turn a whole town of naughty children nice in just one day?
Tickets available at SelectYourTickets.com
CONCERT
Spectrum Singers
Dec. 4-5
St. Michael’s Cathedral
608 Sutherland Ave.
Kelowna
The Spectrum Singers Christmas season concert this year is entitled “Our Christmas Gift of Song.
The Spectrum Singers will perform a selection of classical and traditional songs, under the direction of Kim Kleineberg and with special guest vocalist Mark Wells.
Tickets ($10 for students and $20 for adults) will soon be available from all choir members, as well as at Mosaic Books in downtown Kelowna and the UPS Store in West Kelowna (by Save-On-Foods).
CONCERT
Okanagan Festival Singers
Saturday, Dec. 5
7:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
4901 Lakeshore Rd.
Kelowna
Handel’s Messiah is an Okanagan Festival Singers tradition that returns again for this Christmas concert season.
The Okanagan Festival Singers soloists include two young but highly acclaimed singers from Winnipeg—Jane Fingler and Justin Odwak.
As well, the choir looks forward to the return of Fabiana Katz-Esler and Michael Kurschat, who both sang in the 2012 performance.
For ticket informaton, contact Clair Smith-Burns at 250-764-5188.
CONCERT
Kelowna International Choir
Dec. 13
Delta Grand Hotel
1310 Water St.
Kelowna
For the Kelowna International Choir, 2015 marks the 20th anniversary years of serving the community with Christmas benefit concerts that have raised more than $55,000.
This year’s benefit concert will be in support of the food bank, admission being free with either a food or cash donation.
“We believe we should give back to the community where we sing,” said Shirley Keller, president of the Kelowna International Choir.
“Our concerts have benefited the food bank for the past 15 years, but we also have given to Kid’s Care, the Rotary Cancer Lodge and the cardiac and mammography units at the hospital in the past.”
Under the direction of Gwen Plitt, KIC will present a program of both traditional and modern Christmas music, backed up by choir accompanist Esther Goertz.
Along with the 30-member choir, the benefit concert will also feature award-winning young fiddlers Chloe and Kyle Davidson.
Multi-instrumentalists, the Davidsons play everything from Celtic to Cajun, Blues to Bluegrass, and Métis to Middle Eastern.
More information about the choir is available online at KIC’s website kichoir.weebly.com.
CONCERT
Oliver
Sister Speak and Raquel Cole
Saturday, Dec. 19
8 p.m.
The Streaming Cafe
596 Leon Ave.
Kelowna
Sister Speak’s moving live show and unique musical pallet has afforded opening slots for Xavier Rudd, Chris Isaak and Air Supply.
Led by Canadian singer-songwriter Sherri Anne and a talented band, Sister Speak is currently based in San Diego and performs more than 150 concerts a year.
Sister Speak’s musical forte is built around compelling vocals, rootsy yet gritty guitar stylings, and thought-provoking lyrics.
Raquel Cole is a seasoned singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has featured on Sirius XM’s The Highway and was the opening act on tour for Diamond Rio. And she’s only 21.
The performances of Cole and Sister Speak will be streamed online at streamingcafe.net.
CONCERT
Jazz Café Presents….Christmas Presence!
Wednesday, Dec. 23,
7 p.m.
Kelowna Community Theatre
1375 Water St.
In early January of this year, the snow starting falling on the Okanagan Valley and didn’t stop until the whole city was at a stand-still, covered in a blanket of white.
It was that day, specifically Jan. 5, that jazz singer Anna Jacyszyn and her musical director Bernie Addington felt inspired to write a song, and they used that inspiration to create their new single Snow Day.
But the musical inspiration didn’t stop there as the duo continued to write songs throughout the seasonal changes of 2015.
On Dec. 23, those original songs will make their debut at a Christmas music special event planned for Kelowna Community Theatre.
Jacyszyn’s close friend, Juno award winning singer/songwriter Julie Masi, also co-wrote several new songs for the concert while Neville Bowman has also composed an instrumental piece which will be performed accompanied with a dance interpretation by Lucy Hazelwood.
The concert backdrop will feature the concept of a shopping mall, with the musicians featured as the shoppers running to and fro throughout the shops on Christmas Eve.
A disillusioned Santa sees how commercial the season has become with no one paying attention to its true meaning.
This musical journey of original seasonal tunes in the genre of jazz, blues, pop and soul is directed by Neal Facey with choreography by Lucy Hazelwood of LUKI dance
On stage to perform will be Bernie Addington, double bass; Neville Bowman, piano; Scott Gamble, drums; Loni Moger, guitar; Stephen Buck, saxophone/flute; and vocalists Anna Jacyszyn, Julie Masi, Kinga Hemming and Amanda Morazain
Tickets available online at kelownatickets.com, call 250-862-2867 or visit the Orchard Park Mall ticket office (info@kelownatickets.com).
CONCERT
André-Philippe Gagnon
Wednesday, Dec. 30
Kelowna Community
Theatre
1375 Water St.
André-Philippe Gagnon skyrocketed to fame in 1985 with an appearance on The Tonight Show when it was hosted by Johnny Carson.
Gagnon performed his version of “We Are The World,” the fundraiser anthem written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie which was recorded by various music artists at the time in support of the USA for Africa.
The after-effects of Gagnon’s television performance, reaching an audience of 15 million viewers, were immediate.
His impressionist act is unique for his specialized talent in impersonating the singing voices of celebrities, as opposed to his contemporaries, who typically can do only the speaking voices.
That Tonight Show appearance served as a launching pad for his music singing impersonation career that has spanned 30 years.
Tickets are available at the Kelowna Box Office outlet in Orchard Park Mall or by calling 1-855-441-7500.
CONCERT
Vance Joy
Thursday, Jan. 14
Kelowna Community
Theatre
1375 Water St.
Vance Joy has had an unexpectedly long time to finish his debut album.
There’s a simple reason why—his first single, “Riptide,” kept charming the world and he followed his new audience all across the globe.
As well as selling out headline tours in Australia, Vance Joy performed at South By South West, Glastonbury, Firefly and Boonaroo Festivals before returning to Australia for Splendour In The Grass and then back to the UK, Europe, US and Canada for headline tours and V Festival, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands and Osheaga.
In Australia, Riptide moved from alternative to commercial radio, then commercial TV and got a second wind after it became the first song to top Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown without an album to call home.
The song has sold over a million copies worldwide has been streamed over three million times a week.
“It’s taken on its own life,” said Joy. “It’s definitely been a door opener. It’s running its own race now.”
CONCERT
Janis Joplin tribute show featuring Cat Wells
Saturday, Jan. 16, 20126
6:30 p.m.
Creekside Theatre
10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd.
Lake Country
Toronto native Cat Wells has developed an uncanny impersonation of the 1960s blues/rock artist Janis Joplin.
Along with her ability to mimic Joplin’s voice, Wells has paid close attention to every detail about the singer onstage, from the costumes to her moves and mannerisms.
Along with her own band, Wells will add the Okanagan’s “Uptown Hornz” for their Interior performances creating an impressive nine-piece ensemble.
Wells will perform many of the classic Joplin song renditions including Ball and Chain, Summertime, Mercedes Benz, Another Piece of My Heart, and Me and Bobby McGee.
Tickets are available at Creekside Theatre Box Office, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd. Call 250-864-3155
9CONCERT
Blue Rodeo
Monday, Jan. 25
8 p.m.
Prospera Place
With every ticket purchased, fans are invited to choose a digital download of any studio album in the Blue Rodeo catalogue including their upcoming release Live at Massey Hall.
In 2014 Blue Rodeo hit the road and showcased their In Our Nature album with a lengthy tour across the country featuring two sets and almost three hours of music.
In addition to the release of Live At Massey Hall, Blue Rodeo will also make available vinyl releases of the classic albums Casino (Oct. 30), Lost Together (Nov. 13) and Five Days In July (Nov. 27).
Tickets on sale at selectyourtickets.com or call 250-762-5050.
CONCERT
Classified
Monday, Feb. 29
8 p.m.
Kelowna Community
Theatre
1375 Water St.
Concert tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 30, for Classified, a revered and respected rapper-producer, has taken Canadian hip hop music all over the world.
He will be touring next year on the heels of his new album release, “Greatful.”
Classified hails from Enfleld, N.S., features hip-hop pioneer DJ Premier on the new album’s street track “Filthy” and rap icon Snoop Dogg on the lead single “No Pressure.”
Classified, born Luke Boyd, uses witty wordplay over top a simplified, catchy beat and sing-along chorus.
He has found the secret of his success so far in the rap world to be his ability to break down the barrier between the performer and the man.
A dedicated family man, Classified’s charisma and approachability extends to both his on-stage and off-stage personas that engage even the most discerning hip-hop fans and critics alike.
In his career, he has sold more than 500,000 records, earned multiple Juno Award nominations and had two singles reach
top-10 status in Canada.
“I try and write as if you’re sitting in a room with me and we’re having a conversation,” Classified explained. “I never got into this to be famous, but to get my point across, be honest and make real music.”
Tickets are on sale online at selectyourtickets.com.
CONCERT
The Wailers
March 10, 2016
7:30 p.m.
Kelowna Community
Theatre
1375 Water St.
Together with Bob Marley, The Wailers have sold more than 250 million albums and played to an estimated 24 million people across the globe.
The anchor ofthe band is Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who in addition to being Marley’s most trusted lieutenant and co-producer, played on countless other classic reggae hits throughout the 1970s.
The authenticity he brings to the Wailers’ sound is indisputable and yet today’s line-up combines old school know-how with lead vocals from one of Jamaica’s most exciting new singers.
The Wailers are undoubtedly the world’s premier reggae and world music group who bring high energy shows to fans across the globe.
The current lineup includes Barrett’s young son Aston Barrett Jr., a multi-instrumentalist who plays bass, drums and organ.
On drums is Anthony “Benbow” Creary, who recorded and toured with the band in the early years.
The two lead singers are Dwayne Anglin, known as “Danglin,” and Joshua David Barrett.
On lead and rhythm guitar and backing vocals is Audley “Chizzy” Chisholm and Cegee Victory, joined on keyboards by Chaka Taylor.
Now well into their fifth decade, The Wailers truly are living legends who embody the nobility, conviction and progressiveness of Bob Marley and his music.
“Our music is the magic,” said the elder Barrett. “The oxygen of the people. It’s the message of roots, culture and reality, meant to spread peace and love to all.
Tickets are now on sale at selectyourtickets.com.
CONCERT
Marianas Trench
April 5, 2016
1223 Water St.
Prospera Place
Kelowna
Canadian pop-rockers Marianas Trench will make a stop on the group’s Never Say Die tour across Canada at Prospera Place on Tuesday, April 5, 2016.
The tour is supporting Marianas Trench’s fourth studio album, Astoria, which debuted at #2 in the Canadian SoundScan charts and is currently at 33 on the U.S. album top 100.
Of the current tour, Marianas Trench front man Josh Ramsay enthuses: “Mousse up that hair, throw on your best ripped acid wash, and get ready to join the fight to make dancing legal once again. Can you survive Astoria? The only other thing capable of generating that much energy is a bolt of lightning.”
Known for their infectious sound and energetic performances, Marianas Trench have secured a spot as one of Canada’s most successful bands of the past decade, building their name on relentless touring combined with two platinum sales albums, hit songs such as “Fallout,” Stutter” and “Haven’t Had Enough” and a Juno Award for group of the year in 2013.
Ramsay also received a Grammy nomination in 2013 for co-writing and producing Carly Rae Jepsen’s breakthrough smash hit, “Call Me Maybe.”
Tickets on sale at selectyourtickets.com or by calling 250-762-5050 or at the Prospera Place box office.
CONCERT
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Wednesday, April 20
7:30 p.m.
Prospera Place
George Thorogood’s music career dates back to 1973, when the barely-out-of-his-teens Wilmington guitarist piled his gear into the drummer’s Chevy van to play their very first gig at a University of Delaware dorm.
More than four decades and some 15 million albums sold worldwide later, Thorogood and his band are badder than ever.
Thorogood and his longtime band—Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) —will share a romp through many classic songs from the group’s music catalogue— “Who Do You Love,” “I Drink Alone,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Move It On Over”and the infamous “Bad To The Bone.”
“When I was 16, I was going to school and playing Little League but nothing felt comfortable to me,” Thorogood recalls. “The first moment I picked up the guitar, it felt so right that it almost scared me. The fact that I couldn’t sing, play or write a song didn’t matter. I’d learn to do all that soon enough.
“But by having a knack for this thing and feeling relaxed doing it, I knew I was halfway home. I love to perform live, and I’m lucky to be able to do it on a level that our music and reputation have taken us to. To this day, I consider my job description to be ‘live rock performer.’”
show. Most of all, we’re making a living doing what we love and people love what we’re doing.”
Tickets on sale at selectyourtickets.com or call 250-762-5050
CONCERT
John McDermott
April 23, 2016
Kelowna Community
Theatre
1375 Water St.
Scottish-Canadian tenor John McDermott is best known for his rendering of the song “Danny Boy.”
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, McDermott moved with his family to Toronto in 1965.
Growing up in a musical family, his only formal musical training was at St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto, Ontario in 1971 and 1972.
He performed his first concert at the Rebecca Cohn Theatre on Oct. 5, 1993, in Halifax.
From there he continued to tour the rest of Canada, performing as an opening act for The Chieftains.
Throughout 1994, he went on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, following the great success of “Danny Boy,” which had been ranked Number 1 on the charts there and achieved triple platinum in New Zealand.
Within a year he began to develop his own following, becoming the headliner at concerts after years of beign the opening act for other peformers.
He also began to appear at several special events including the D-Day ceremonies in France in 1995, and the United States Democratic National Convention in 1996.
He has also appeared on television several times, both as a host of CBC Television concert specials in 1997, and in his own television special titled John McDermott: A Time to Remember, which aired on PBS in 2002.
He formed The Irish Tenors, and after performing a large concert in Dublin, Ireland, in 1998, the trio spent some time touring the United States, appearing on television, and releasing an album.
Since leaving the Irish Tenors, McDermott continues to tour extensively, performing with his own group and with the great symphonies of the world.
He continues to work to support the veteran community in the United States and in Canada.
In 2000, McDermott dedicated McDermott House in Washington, D.C., a transitional home for homeless veterans.
His latest album release, Journeys: Bringing Buddy Home, was recorded to help support fundraising for Fisher House Boston and launch the Canadian initiative for an outreach center for Canadian veterans.
For tickets, 250-762-5050; online selectyourtickets.com.
CONCERT
Hedley
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Prospera Place
1223 Water St.
Kelowna
Hedley returns to the familiar confines of Prospera Place for a stop on the group’s Canadian tour next year.
Hedley, who have included Kelowna in previous tours, will play here Tuesday, May 17, 2016.
The opening acts will be Carly Rae Jepsen, she of the Call Me Maybe international hit song of 2012, and Francesco Yates.
Hedley’s tour will be in support of the band’s sixth studio album, Hello.
Featuring a state-of-the-art stage production, the 2016 tour will be the Juno Award winning Hedley’s most impressive show to date, with staging elements that will bring the band closer to the fans than ever before.
“Playing live is who we are, and going on tour is the ultimate way for us to interact with our fans,” said Hedley frontman and creative force Jacob Hoggard about the upcoming tour.
“We’re about to unveil the most spectacular tour we’ve ever embarked upon.
“We can’t wait to connect with each and every one of our fans, in person…and to pull some pretty amazing tricks out of our sleeves.
“We have amazing fans and we can’t wait to share this with them.”
Having sold close to 500,000 tickets in Canadian arenas since 2010, Hedley have quickly and quietly become one of the most successful touring acts in the country. In 2013 alone, the Wild Life tour sold 150,000 tickets across Canada.
Hedley have produced five consecutive multiplatinum albums— Hedley (2005), Famous Last Words (2007), The Show Must Go (2009), Storms (2011) and Wild Life (2013).
Tickets will be available online at selectyourtickets.com, call 250-762-5050 or at the Prospera Place Box Office.
CONCERT
City and Colour
June 2, 2016,
Prospera Place
1223 Water St.
Kelowna
City and Colour, led by acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter and performer Dallas Green, will kick off a Canada-wide tour at Prospera Place in Kelowna next year.
The tour is in support of City and Colour’s latest album, If I Should Go Before You, and also features as the opening act Austin’s Shakey Graves.
If I Should Go Before You recently debuted #1 in Canada, City and Colour’s third consecutive national chart-topper, earning both commercial and critical acclaim.
The A.V. Club calls the album “alluring” and “breathtaking,” while AllMusic praises, “…a culmination of the sturdy pop sound he’s built up over the years that weaves through territories of dreamy indie folk, pastoral Americana, and soulful alt-rock.”
The new album is Green’s fifth release as City and Colour and follows 2013’s The Hurry and The Harm. Most recently, in 2014, Green collaborated with Alecia Moore (aka Pink) on a new project, entitled You+Me.
