I am constantly amazed at how life often works in cycles and trends.
This past week, for instance, has been filled with unanticipated multiple marvelous musical moments presented to Teresa and I.
Attending concerts does not surprise either of us, however, we remain humbled and happy when kind people make such kind gestures to join them for such events.
On Valentine’s Day, Tez and I were fortunate enough to be invited by Full Spectrum Leadership owners Peter Comrie and Joyce Evans to watch the amazing group Chic Gamine.
What a memorable night of fabulous music and equally wonderful people.
Admittedly, I knew nothing about the five-piece group consisting of four outstanding female singers Alexa Dirks, Annick Bremault, Andrina Turenne, and Ariane Jean, along with solid, creative drummer Sacha Daoud.
Chic Gamine boast amazing four-part harmonies with each lady a dynamite lead singer in her own right.
A totally versatile group, the Juno winning band shared vocal spotlights during the concert while also displaying an amazing, rotating adept skill at numerous instruments, largely comprised of percussion.
Song genres were as diverse as their independent spirits and voices.
Chic Gamine put on a riveting show from start to finish and the crowd at the Mary Irwin Theatre ate it up. Full Spectrum sponsored the evening and a huge tip of the hat to Peter and Joyce (and Shelley Vida for recommending the band).
Next on the entertainment list was another outstanding and gifted band —recent Juno recipients, The Once.
Minstrel Cafe owner Clare Anderson was our gracious host on Tuesday night, and once again Tez and I were blown away with the talent on stage.
The Once likewise boasted breathtaking harmonies with three superb singers.
The charming Geraldine Hollett handled the majority of lead vocal duties on the evening while the harmonic contributions by talented musicians Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale kept the audience spellbound.
The Ounce’s repertoire is largely traditional East Coast, sprinkled with a number of truly captivating a cappella songs throughout their performance.
A real crowd working group, audience members were encouraged to sing along in several tunes during the evening.
Clare Anderson’s clear knowledge of music and his ability to bring in outstanding talent to the warm and charming restaurant provides Kelowna music lovers with not only a great venue for music but a tremendous place to dine. Well done Clare.
Fortunately for us, it appears our menu of amazing music has really just begun.
With those two tremendous evenings of song behind us, Tez and I are certainly looking forward to a couple of more nights of tunes in the next few days.
We will be taking in the Wentworth School of Music’s Tribute to the Beatles on Saturday night at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
We will have front row seats (well, actually side of the stage seats) as I have been honoured by being asked to play master of ceremonies for the special night clearly for the music students involved as the concert is already sold out.
Congrats to Noel Wentworth and his staff and students at Wentworth Music.
As well, on Tuesday, March 5, the music continues as Tez and I venture out to the Creekside Theatre for more magic.
My youthful hero, Canadian folk legend Valdy, is playing at the superb concert facility in Lake Country with the proceeds going towards assisting with needed improvements at Camp Owaissi, the Okanagan Anglican Church Camp on Westside Road,
Once again I have been blessed with the role of MC and can’t wait for the chance to share the stage with such an icon as Valdy.
Hope to see you there.
Tickets are available at the door and apparently a number of excellent silent auction items will also be up for grabs, so bring your wallet.
Last but not least my friend, and relative newcomer to the Okanagan music scene, Jordan Matchett will be one of four musicians to perform at the Mission House Coffee and Cupcakes facility on Saturday
It should be a fine night of music including tunes by Mark Irving, a guitarist best known for his musical work with New Life Church. Tunes start at 7 p.m.
