The Cowichan Valley’s Acafellas have finished second in the National Music Festival’s Men’s Choirs competition.
The group of nine teenagers, ranging in age from 12 to 18, are directed by Sheila Hilton Johnson, and are one of her Cowichan Valley Youth Choir groups.
The guys represented B.C., in the Men’s Choir class, and finishing second to the Bach Chamber Youth Choir – Men’s Chorus, from Toronto, was no mean feat. That choir was also named best overall, and was an inspiration as well as tough competition.
In case you didn’t know, getting to the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals’ national event (this year in Sackville, N.B.), is quite a job. They have to get through regional festivals, and then provincial ones, before being chosen for nationals. Then, roughly 45 choirs compete in the various classes by sending recordings of their performance. Highly qualified adjudicators listen to the recordings and the winners are announced at a Choral Awards Reception.
Well done Acafellas!!
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Gary Bishop from the Black Swan Pub has sent a message north to us to say that Matt Hoyles is playing Black Swan Blues on Friday, Sept. 14, starting at 9 p.m.
I didn’t know about him, so I checked him out online at www.matthoyles.com
Once I had a listen, I thought: this guy is an old time wailer. In fact, that’s how he describes himself: “a low down, wailing bluesman, hailing from deepest darkest New Zealand”.
No one knows how he came by the blues, but “whatever the cause, this boy was born with the blues in his heart.”
I concur. Definitely worth a look for the Valley’s devoted blues fans.
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If you’ve been wondering if there will be a One World Festival in 2018, your question has been answered.
The Cowichan Intercultural Society has passed along the message that they’re holding a two-day event, with an opening night and art show on Friday, Sept. 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. and the big festival itself on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year, events will be held at the Society’s new home: 321 St. Julian St. in Duncan.
The festival is family friendly and wheelchair accessible, so bring everyone along and celebrate the Valley’s cultural diversity. About 1,500 people are expected.
Activities on Saturday, Sept. 22 run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include old favourites like the International Fashion Show showcasing colourful, traditional clothing from around the world. And of course, the Children’s Funfair is on site again with inflatables, games and fun.
On top of that, guests can stroll dozens of booths and engage with local community services, businesses, artists, merchants and others.
“While this is our fourth One World Festival, it’s our first street festival,” says executive director Lynn Weaver. “We appreciate the careful attention the City of Duncan gave to our permit application that allows us to close part of St. Julian Street for the Festival. Now we can welcome people to our new offices and have lots of space to celebrate multiculturalism with our neighbours and all of Cowichan.”
It’s going to be a fun day for all.
“We’re so proud to be part of a community that is excited about diversity,” says CIS president Morné Van Niekerk. “We rely on more than 200 volunteers to make the Festival happen. It’s just one more example that Cowichan is an engaged and welcoming community.”
This year’s Festival features more hands-on opportunities. People can try Japanese or Arabic calligraphy, German and Japanese tea ceremonies, Tai Chi, origami and more. There is also a “dress up” tent with clothing and accessories for everyone to enjoy.
The One World Stage runs all day Saturday with performances by talented artists representing cultures from around the world. So far, they’ve got the Saidi Sisters, Mary Egan, Tibetan Circle Dancing, Chen Yu Tai Chi, Zumba with Ros, Masimba Marimba, and The Hardware Girls.
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Saskatchewan-based musician/author Del Suelo is launching a new book and record called The Musician’s Compass in Duncan on Sept. 12 at the Duncan Showroom. Kellen Saip joins the event as an opening act.
Del Suelo is the project of Erik Mehlsen, who won a Juno this year working with the Dead South, and a WCMA working with the Andino Suns in 2017.
The novella and alt-pop album offers a drama-comedy about a young folk-punk band on their way from one show to the next through hangovers, heartbreak, and bad gas station food. It’s a provocative look at life on the road, commenting on addiction, love, and mental illness in the music industry.
Tickets are $15 each, showtime is 8 p.m.
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The 40th Day of July was held in City Square on Sunday, Sept. 2 this year, officially ending the summer of free concerts in Duncan.
Music lovers gathered to say hello to September and enjoy tunes by a variety of performers, from the nimble-fingered Harry Hull right up to Cheko & The Lion Rockers, and last year’s fave: El Grupo Cubano – Brisas del Palmar.
It’s been a long haul for Longevity John, his sidekick, Ted Cadillac, and all the other volunteers, but their efforts are obviously much appreciated by the thousands of people who have flocked to the downtown core for events both at City Square and Charles Hoey Park.
Congratulations on another great year!
