The Caetani Cultural Centre has a few reasons to celebrate this summer and is kicking off what promises to be a busy season with its inaugural music series.
The concerts will take place on the historical Vernon home’s grounds on select Sunday afternoons and will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Each concert will feature a local musical act and an artist/writer showcase.
The music series kicks off May 25 with a performance by modern Celtic-folk-rock band Cod Gone Wild.
“We are extremely excited about this talented lineup of musicians for the inaugural Caetani Summer Music Series,” said series coordinator Andrew Mercer, who is also lead vocalist/guitarist with Cod Gone Wild. “All of these world-class musicians just happen to live right here in our own backyard and we have the opportunity to showcase them to our community.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sveva Caetani’s death on April 28, 1994.
The descendent of Italian royalty, Caetani and her family moved to Vernon and settled on the property on Pleasant Valley Road in the 1920s. After her father, Leone, died, Sveva was kept in isolation in the house by her mother until years later, she emerged to become a well-known artist, teacher and arts advocate.
Sveva bequeathed her family’s home and grounds to the City of Vernon in her will, with the wish the property be utilized by local residents for artistic pursuits.
Angelika Jaeger, co-chair of the Caetani Cultural Centre Society, says Caetani’s wishes continue to come to fruition with the addition of new public events at the house and property.
“Even though Sveva was a ‘prisoner’ in her own house for a long time, she never forgot the world around her. With her bequest of the house for the use by the local arts community, she provided a great place for new endeavours,” said Jaeger. “This year we would like to extend the event list to honour Sveva’s love for music and give back to her and the community with our music series event.”
Other artists scheduled to perform include a songwriter’s circle featuring Carolyn Anele, Betty Johnson, Kerry Parks, and Ginger & Rose, June 29; The Lent Fraser Wall Trio, Aug. 3; The Dharma Dolls (Judy Rose, Tanya Lipscomb and Melina Moore), Aug. 31, and The Creeks Sept. 28.
Concert goers of all ages are encouraged to bring blankets, folding chairs and a picnic to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of music. A selection of refreshments will be available for purchase and admission to the concerts will be by donation.
Proceeds from donations will go to the performing artists and will contribute to capital projects and program development at the Caetani Cultural Centre.
The centre is located at 3401 Pleasant Valley Rd. in Vernon. More information is available at caetaniculturalcentre.org.
