Just as spring was poking its head above winter’s leftover grey on Sunday, April 28, the Arrow Lakes Arts Council Community Artists’ Concert was kicking off at the Bonnington. As usual, it was packed to capacity and beyond, with extra chairs being brought in to accommodate the crowd.
Master of Ceremonies Larry Parkes started us off with a bit of Geoff Chaucer’s Canturbury Tales – a tamer bit – that proved there is a good reason to memorize neat pieces of fiction from times gone by. Parkes was good enough to translate the Middle English verse so everyone could understand that it was about Spring rolling its way around once again.
NSS band launched the singing/dancing/playing/reciting event with a melange of tunes from Shrek 2. Identifying the songs by their hooks and phrases was a fun game that revealed Funkytown and La Vida Loca among others. The band is set to have their own concert on May 29, so mark the date.
Extolling the virtues of not joining team sports, Barb MacPherson read her original piece entitled My Athletic Career. Although she was proficient at not strangling herself while skipping, Barb has long preferred the company of books rather than sweaty teammates.
Eric Faulks sang a trio of tunes reminding us to be thankful for what we’ve got, ending with Cadillac with a Cattle Rack which he dedicated to the late great Stompin’ Tom Connors.
If Kitluka Brautigam’s singing is any indication, the NSS production of the musical Bonnie and Clyde is going to be a smoking success. Accompanied by NSS band teacher Patrick MacGibbon on piano, the song How ‘Bout a Dance from the play had a smooth jazzy feel that is the best advertising for a musical production you can get.
David Pedersen and Brautigam graced the stage with two deeply touching original numbers composed by Pedersen.
As the Fauq singers were arranging themselves, the annual mid-concert leave-taking by the Arrow Lakes News reporter once again took place. The second half promised more fantastic singing, reading and some dancing, but unfortunately deadlines have no mercy.
