Concerts
Dec. 16 — The best of the swing era and everything in between, The Off Ramp Jazz Quintet, with special guest Taylor Cook, brings you a sampling of jazz that will leave you dancing and singing. Tickets are going fast for this local band’s performances at the Dream Café.
Dec. 16 — The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra presents Ringing in the Season at 7 p.m. in Cleland Theatre. The program includes seasonal favourites, such as Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker as well as a special Christmas Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra. Also joining the orchestra is the Hand Bell Chorus, musicians whose beautiful ringing tones will blend with the symphony in songs celebrating the spirit of the season. Tickets are available from the Penticton and Wine Country Information Centre.
Dec. 16 — Featuring live music from Jolene Hayter, Parmley, DJ Shakes and DJ Ohms, the Community Holiday Gala is an elegant event to foster community in Penticton while raising money for the South Okanagan Children’s Charity at the Penticton Yacht and Tennis Club. Tickets can be purchased at FRÜV, Red Bag or by calling Jonny at 250-490-5511 or Joey at 250-309-4188.
Dec. 17 — Local hip hop group Mad Melody will be performing a Christmas-themed show at Fibonacci’s Café. The show starts at 8 p.m. with the Mad Melody Artists’ MC Bodhi, Jay-E, ADANACMORF, Toxik Emmissionz, Step-one, and the band Cinged. Admission is by donation with any non–perishable food item or a cash donation.
Dec. 19 — The Sheepdogs, winners of the 2011 Rolling Stone cover contest, will be performing at 7 p.m. in The Barking Parrot, with special guests Monster Truck. Tickets are available at Penticton Lakeside Resort or by calling 250-493-8221.
Dec. 20 — The Penticton Concert Band, under the direction of Gerald Nadeau, will be performing Christmas music in Cherry Lane shopping centre at 7 p.m. Soprano Madison Johnson will be the guest vocalist.
Events
Dec. 16 — Just a few days left to view George and Friends at Leir House, an exhibition of the work of George Traicheff and some of his artist friends continuing until Dec. 21.
Dec. 17, 18 — Cormier’s Studio Open House weekend, an opportunity to share some Christmas cheer and view original art, sculpture and functional fun from noon to 5 p.m. each day. For more information call 250-493-3273 or visit www.cormierstudio.com.
Dec. 31 — The seventh annual Amazing New Year’s Eve Dance Party from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, featuring Steve and Kyle performing patio-style dinner music, The Amazing Rubber Band to kick off the dancing, followed by the The Amazing Rubber Beatles Band to ring in the new year. Cocktails at 6 p.m., gourmet buffet at 7 p.m. followed by party games, dancing and midnight champagne. Tickets are available at the Wine Country Information Centre, 250-493-4055.
Dec. 16, 17 — The Golo Art Project Room and Gallery, Penticton’s only artist-run gallery is hosting a silent auction with partial proceeds to local charities such as the Food Bank as well as a collection hamper for Food Bank donation hamper. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday at 419 Main St. For more information call 250-488-1343.
