2014 Entertainment: year in review

Local art, culture, music, all highlighted in 2014 year in review

David Francey charmed the Martin Exeter Hall audience with songs and stories on Aug. 20. He was accompanied by Mark Westberg on acoustic guitar and together they provided a 'wonderfully intimate and introspective musical evening.'

David Francey charmed the Martin Exeter Hall audience with songs and stories on Aug. 20. He was accompanied by Mark Westberg on acoustic guitar and together they provided a 'wonderfully intimate and introspective musical evening.'

Sept. 3

David Francey concert hit all the right notes

Juno award-winner David Francey, a Canadian folk singer-songwriter, entertained the 170 people in attendance at Martin Exeter Hall on Aug. 20.

The Scottish-born former carpenter wove stories taken from his life experience into the evening’s performance. Although organizing the event was a leap of faith, Len and Cathryn Aune said they were very pleased with the evening and thank the people of the area for their support.

Sept. 10

Jump on board the Louisiana Hayride

The Louisiana Hayride Show fall tour extravaganza was rolling into 100 Mile House on Sept. 27, bringing some brand new songs and stories – as well as fan favourites from previous shows – performed by the cast and crew of characters such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison – along with a new character, Tammy Wynette.

Sept. 17

CAG show captured ‘Magic of Light’

Cariboo Artist Guild (CAG) member Sharon Isaaks won the People’s Choice Award for her painting of the northern lights at the group’s annual Fine Art Show and Sale at Parkside Art Gallery in 100 Mile House.

The theme was “Magic of Light.”

Local artists captured a variety of subject matter having to do with light, which was judged by visitors. The themed-pieces hung in the entrance of the local gallery while an assortment of many more paintings by CAG artists went on display in the main showroom.

Sept. 24

Hunnies hosting another night of Ha-Ha

The Hun City Hunnies were bringing back another night of stand up comedy.

Its Second Annual Comedy Night at the 100 Mile Community Hall was taking the stage Oct. 3.

“We’ve got some big names in the comedy world lined up, and we’re really excited to bring them to 100 Mile House,” said Danielle McLauchlin, one of the organizers.

Oct. 2

Love Letters, from 100 Mile

The 100 Mile House Performing Arts Society was all about the drama rehearsing for a performance of Love Letters, an emotional two-person play, which took the stage Oct. 16-18 at Martin Exeter Hall.

The dramatic production was a departure of sorts from the comedic route the local theatre group took last year.

Chris Adams and Renee LaRochelle starred in the show.

Oct. 9

Big laughs at 100 Mile Community Hall

The Hun City Hunnies’ Second Annual Comedy Night in 100 Mile House sold out again.

The 19 years-plus event featured Vancouver-based comedians Kevin Banner, Katie-Ellen Humphries and headliner Damonde Tschritter.

The trio drew a ton of raunchy laughs throughout the three-hour show.

Oct. 16

Artist shares something special

Local artist Olaug Jaenicke’s most recent work was on display for the month of October at the Showcase Gallery in 100 Mile House.

Jaenicke found the Cariboo Artists’ Guild as a way to connect with the community when she moved to the area 10 years ago.

Joining the group, which supports budding and established artists, was a good thing for her.

“I don’t have any formal art education at all. When I was working on something and got stuck, or something was wrong and I couldn’t tell what it was, I could ask some of [the members] and they were always really good and could help with good advice.”

Oct. 23

Castonguay’s images featured in art show

Anyone that enjoys great photography, ranching scenes, wildlife and birds, and art in general, would have enjoyed the October show at Parkside Art Gallery.

Renowned photographer Peter Castonguay had a variety of work on display in a show that ran until Nov. 8.

After a long career in agriculture while also developing his skills and reputation as an amazing photographer, Castonguay retired from ranching some years back and devoted his time to professional photography.

 

 

 

Oct. 30

Actors deliver emotional performances in Love Letters

Local actors Chris Adams and Renee LaRochelle delivered raw and excellent performances in the 100 Mile House Performing Arts Society’s production of Love Letters, a two-person dramatic play by writer A.R. Gurney, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

LaRochelle, as Melissa Gardner, and Adams, as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, were “remarkable,” said director Marie Hooper.

 

 

 

Nov. 6

Raising money on the runway

“Fashion with a Heart” raised close to $2,200 for children’s education in the South Cariboo and Central America.

The third annual event saw the latest fashions from local retailers and benefited the Shirley Case School Project, and the Just the Basics Success By 6 Campaign.

Local models hit the runway donning a variety of fashions, including dresses, hockey equipment, pyjamas and hunting gear, from The Log House, Borgo’s Sports Shack, The Outlaw, Class Act Formals and Exeter Sporting Goods.

 

 

 

Nov. 13

Friendly faces featured in art show

Patsy Granberg focused on faces in the community for her show at Showcase Gallery in 100 Mile House.

The display downtown featured an interesting and captivating collection of the local artist’s portraits in pastel.

“I love the challenge of capturing a likeness in a face,” Granberg said. “It is probably the most difficult thing to do artistically, and I love the connection you get when you are able to draw somebody.”

Nov. 20

Christmas musical set to entertain families

The Weir family and special guests were rehearsing for an upcoming Christmas musical show.

“From Me To You: A Christmas Musical” told the story of one quirky, funny family that breaks into festive songs, on the night before Christmas.

“It’s not a typical Christmas concert,” said Nicole Weir, who along with husband, Brian, and children, Mia and Luca, were set to perform.

“I wanted to do a Christmas concert and had a lot of fun ideas. Fortunately, I have a family full of performers.”

Nov. 27

Birch Avenue going to the dogs

Organizers of the 2015 Cariboo Challenge Jack Gawthorn Memorial Sled Dog Race were planning a Cariboo Challenge Family Fun Night event on Jan. 9.

Cariboo Challenge Family Fun Night is all about beating the winter blues, promoting the 2015 Cariboo Challenge, and bringing the community together.

A portion of Birch Avenue is set to be closed for a variety of fun events. Organizers were looking for community input and ideas.

Dec. 4

Top mark for Lydia Kinasewich

Local student Lydia Kinasewich, 14, of 108 Mile Ranch, was awarded a gold medal from The Royal Conservatory of Music recently in Vancouver for scoring the top mark in British Columbia on the Grade 8 Speech Arts and Drama examination.

Kinasewich, who is now in Grade 9, has been studying speech arts since the age of five. She’s a regular performer in annual Festival of the Arts competitions and loves drama and acting.

Dec. 11

Art group shares ‘Christmas Toys’

Among the works on the wall at Showcase Gallery as part of the Cariboo Artists’ Guild’s “Christmas Toys”-themed group show in 100 Mile House was a painting by Susan Kruse, depicting Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls sitting under a green conifer.

Inspiration for the painting came from Kruse’s teaching days, when she used to do a pioneer Christmas theme lesson with her primary school students.

“Pioneers didn’t go buy toys, they made them by hand. So, Raggedy Ann and Andy were handmade by someone with love.”

Dec. 18

String, piano and speech arts performers delight audience

Performers provided great entertainment at the 100 Mile Festival of the Arts Committee’s annual Fall Recital at the Evangelical Free Church in 100 Mile House on Nov. 30.

It was a full program with two dozen participants – both young and old – said Marilyn Buyar, who co-chairs the committee with Bruce Madu.

“It was lovely because it was Canada Music Week. It was nice, too, that we had strings well represented, and we had quite a few piano performers as well.”

Dec. 25

‘Everything and more’

“From Me To You: A Christmas Musical” ran from Dec. 4-6 at Martin Exeter Hall in 100 Mile House to the delight of local audiences.

The show starred Brian, Nicole, Mia and Luca Weir, and featured performances by members of the South Cariboo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club (SCRG), local “Elves” and music by Pat Friesen on piano.

 

100 Mile House Free Press

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