The writing’s on the wall as we get ready for the last party of 2015. After all, you only live twice, but tomorrow may never come, make that it never dies, so live and let die.
Nobody does New Year’s Eve better.
This year’s spectre will be an all time high, with a view to a kill. And that’s no golden eye.
The Legendary Lake Monsters will perform for your eyes only, and you’ll be pointing your gold finger as the sky falls to the living daylights.
Joined by the spy who loves you, you’ll need a licence to kill to die another day rather than miss this party, where indeed diamonds are forever.
The world just isn’t enough.
If you haven’t guessed the theme of this year’s New Year’s Eve bash at the Vernon Atrium Hotel and Conference Centre (formerly the Best Western Vernon Lodge) by now, there’s only one other way to introduce it:
“Bond. James Bond.”
The third annual NYE event is once again being brought to you by the hotel and the Legendary Lake Monsters, and it promises to be something out of a movie.
“We wanted to do something fun, different and classy, and we knew the new James Bond movie (Spectre) was coming out, so we started talking to different people about making it happen,” said Anita Baturin, vocalist with the Legendary Lake Monsters.
The band, of course, will perform some of those famous Bond tunes.
“We will play tunes adherent to the theme such as Shirley Bassey’s Goldfinger and Adele’s Skyfall and other songs that work for the band,” said Legendary band leader and bassist Rod MacDonald.
Joined by Paul May on guitar, Henry Piovesan on keyboards, Greg Baturin on drums, and a full horn section consisting of Al Szeliga and Dave McDonald on trumpet, Brian McMahon on trombone, Craig Carmody on tenor sax, Alex Barss on alto sax and Mike Scharf on baritone sax, the 11-piece Monsters are known for getting people up to dance.
“We play some Latin, some swing tunes, and a lot of dance oriented horn band music including rock, funk and Motown,” said MacDonald.
Formed three years ago, the Legendary Lake Monsters have made some changes along the way, with Baturin joining the band in its second year, and her husband, Greg, along with Piovesan joining the group earlier this year. Newest addition, Scharf, from Salmon Arm, joined in September.
“We are spreading our wings with some new songs such as Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and Runaway Baby,” said Baturin. “Everyone who comes to see us is moving and having a good time – the music is dynamic, fluid and changing.”
“The band has reached a real maturity in what they’re doing. We’re a band that people will actually travel to see,” added MacDonald.
That’s evident with the NYE show. MacDonald says he’s heard from people as far as Fauqier and Salmon Arm who are interested in attending. (The Vernon Atrium is offering special room packages for those attending the event.)
Guests are encouraged to dress as their favourite Bond character, whether it be a Bond girl, Miss Moneypenny, M, Q, or 007 himself. There’s also a few infamous villains to choose from: Dr. No, Auric Goldfinger, or even Jaws (that last one may be a little too scary).
“Some people might want to do the alternative such as the spy from Austin Powers,” said MacDonald.
Barrita Durward, of Cotton’s Chocolates, is also providing prizes for a balloon draw. Proceeds from the draw will go towards the Mexican orphanages that Durward helps build and maintain every year.
“She also makes jewelry and will create six collections as part of the draw and is also donating a giant chocolate basket,” said Baturin.
Everyone who enters the event will receive $1,500 play money to spend at the Casino Royale on the blackjack table and/or roulette wheel.
“At the end of the night, as part of the draw, people can change their cash in for tickets for the draw. Everyone will have a chance to win a prize,” said Baturin.
The Vernon Atrium Hotel will serve a wide selection of appetizers and desserts throughout the night, while Okanagan Spirits will be making the martinis – shaken, not stirred – and Prohibition Brewery, out of Kelowna, will sell its local craft beers.
Designing the stage in all that Bond finery will be local set builder Dave Brotsky, who will also handle lighting on the night.
“We will also have a backdrop for our photo booth, where people can have their picture taken with their favourite Bond,” said MacDonald.
Tickets are $65 per person and available at the Vernon Atrium Hotel and Conference Centre. For more information and hotel reservations, call 250-545-3385.
