In an effort to provide the talented musicians of the Penticton Concert Band a platform to play, Judi Ritcey, emcee for the band, came up with a two-fold idea — a joint concert with local voice students and a community fundraiser.
“This is a full band concert with tons of different music styles from show tunes, big band, Count Basie jazz and they will perform the theme from Pirates of Caribbean along with their own music,” said Ritcey. “These are all local musicians who have performed all over and at events like Peachfest and at Gyro Park.”
The Senses Converge concert will donate proceeds to the Shatford Centre Community Learning Kitchen Fund.
Gerald Nadeau, director of the concert band, and Tracy Fehr, a local voice instructor were approached with the idea and embraced it with open minds and great excitement. Nadeau picked out the music and Fehr chose the students to perform. Ashia Fredeen, Drew O’Sullivan, Judi Tircey and Verity Taylor will all grace the stage on Dec. 10 along with the Penticton Concert Band. The students will perform selections from Les Miserables and Annie.
“What an exciting project it is for the students to look forward to,” said Ritcey. “How many students get to sing with a 39-piece band? We just thought this was a great way to support the students and give back to the community at the same time.”
Also performing will be Fehr with Dennis Nordlund accompanying her on O Holy Night.
The Rotary Kitchen at the Shatford Centre has set a fundraising goal of $220,000 to have the kitchen installed. It will be accessible to all members of the community where culinary arts, lifestyle and wellness classes and workshops will be held.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and a selection of appetizers and sweets will be available. Tickets to The Senses Converge are $15 and available at the Shatford Centre (760 Main St.) and at the Dragon’s Den (12 Front St.) They also are available by phone at 250-770-7668. For more information email info@shatfordcentre.com.
