In a partnership with the Cloverdale Rodeo, the BC Country Music Association (BCCMA) is taking over Shannon Hall (at the fairgrounds) for a showcase of four days of country music during the fair from May 15 to 18.
Not only will local up-and-coming talent be on display, but audiences will also see the top 25 participants from the Artist Development Project put on by the BCCMA and Music BC.
Plus local boy Rod Black will perform May 15.
The project, now in its second round, was established to develop the careers of BC country artists.
Both from Langley, JoJo Mason and Megan Twist are among the top 25 participants vying to make it to the top 10 selected to proceed to the third round of the competition. Those finalists will be announced at the country showcase on May 18 and will go on to perform at the Rockin’ River Music Fest in Merritt.
The top 10 will go on a two-day music bootcamp session prior to their performances in Merritt.
There is a songwriting trip to Nashville, a performance spot at the BCCMA Awards, and considerable cash and prizes on the line as country acts compete for top honours.
Also bringing a taste of Langley to the BCCMA organization are 2015 board members Cindy Giesbrecht and Mike and Tianna Sanshyn, with the Sanshyns being newly elected to the board in February 2015.
Getting in the swing of fundraising
Brookswood Senior Secondary will turn into a haven for swing dancing, music, and a silent auction on Friday May 22 when the Music Department and Fat City Swing host a fundraiser.
The seventh annual Swing Night and Silent Auction raises funds for Brookswood’s music department while creating a fun, affordable night out in the school’s small gym.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with live music from the concert band based on swing and big band. Fat City Swing will put on a swing dance lesson from 7 to 8 p.m. and the junior and senior jazz bands will play from 8 to 10:30 p.m. to inspire some great dance moves on the gym floor.
Free food is offered at the event and coffee and bottled water will be available for sale. Tickets are available for pre-purchase at the Brookswood office: $8 for students, $10 for adults. Tickets at the door will be $12.
Funds raised help support the many activities of the music department which includes concert band, jazz band, music composition, and musical theatre orchestra. The Fraser Valley International Kiwanis Music Festival is the next stop for these performers. The juniors will go to Victoria later this year and seniors are anticipating a tour to Italy and Greece next year.
Youth talent competition
Youth aged four to 18 are invited to put their talent on display in the first-round live auditions for Big Break Canada here in Langley.
Talent can audition live at the May 23 event at the Langley Events Centre in the Willoughby Community Centre Room 3 or by video or email.
Talent categories include: dance, cheer, acro, vocal, instrumental, acting, model, misc., art, and photography. Performances must be 2.5 minutes or less to be eligible.
Live auditions are free, but participants are asked to bring a donation for the food bank.
Time slots for auditions can be found online, along with other details about the Big Break competition and how to sign up, at bigbreakcanada.com.
Winners will proceed to the next round moving them towards prizes and a performance in Vancouver in September.
