“You can’t get too much winter in the winter” – Robert Frost.
I love everything there is to love about snow. Looking at it, driving in it, playing in it, even shoveling it. While I’m sure Old Man Winter’s recent cameo was met with many a groan across the valley, I think it’s good to be reminded that winter is still here – after all, Greater Vernon’s time to shine for the 2012 B.C. Winter Games is drawing near.
Over 1,100 athletes from around Beautiful British Columbia will be here to compete in the Games. This four-day event kicks off on Thursday with the opening ceremonies and pre-show at the Wesbild Centre. Be sure to visit the Games’ website at www.2012bcwintergames.ca for the complete event schedule.
When you’ve had your fill of winter sports, be sure to check yourself into one of Vernon’s soft-seat theatres as we ride out what’s left of this snowy season:
Powerhouse Theatre’s Italian American Reconciliation starts its run this Wednesday. It’s a dramatic comedy about a man who just can’t get past his divorce. This warm and humourous glimpse into love and relationships follows central character Huey Maximilian Bonfiglia as he breaks up with his new girlfriend to pursue reconciliation with his ex-wife, intent on regaining his virility.
The play runs most evenings from Wednesday through to March 3 and there is a 2 p.m. matinee performance Feb. 26. Visit the Ticket Seller website at www.ticketseller.ca or call 549-SHOW (7469) for more information and to buy your tickets.
The Penderecki String Quartet is now in its 25th year and is among the most celebrated chamber ensembles of their generation. This Wednesday, the quartet comes to the Vernon Performing Arts Centre as part of the North Okanagan Community Concert Association’s season. Their repertoire ranges from Haydn to Zappa as well as premiering new works. There are two performances to choose from starting at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and individual tickets and memberships are on sale through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
And coming up on March 3, Canadian recording artist Justin Hines is coming to the Performing Arts Centre. Hines thrives in life and music despite living with debilitating Larsen Syndrome. His incredible vocal talents were enough to win a singing competition that brought him to his first stadium performance: singing the anthems at a Toronto Raptors game. Without any apparent stage fright, his career as a recording artist was born and he’s gone on to release four studio albums and he was the subject of a recent CBS News Sunday Morning segment. Tickets are on sale through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
Enjoy the shows!
–– Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
