Remind me to keep away from sharp pointy tools of construction as they have a way of becoming instruments of destruction.
That’s a catchy segue of sorts to let readers and music fans know that my good friend and superb singer/songwriter Barry Mathers, of The Cruzeros, will not be playing at this Saturday evening’s eighth annual Night of the Arts concert.
Mr. Mathers put his left index finger into a table saw a couple days ago and the table saw won.
Fortunately for Barry, he will keep the finger and it appears that no tendons were severed, but the nasty wound through the nail and clear to the bone has eliminated his playing any guitar or mandolin for several weeks.
As much as losing the headline act for Saturday is a pain for music fans and concert organizers like moi, it’s nothing compared to the hurt the slice inflicted on ‘goldenthroat’ himself.
Despite this setback, however, the Night of the Arts concert and fundraiser at the Kelowna Community Theatre is still a full steam ahead evening of top quality music and entertainment.
The other band members of The Cruzeros plan on performing as the band Cowboy Bob—and rumour has it they will have a surprise performer take part in a song or two as well.
Curtis Tulman, harmonica, guitar, and saxophone star of The Cruzeros, promises me that Cowboy Bob is geared up and ready to go for the special night of music.
I am also very excited to hear the performances by the other amazing musical acts donating their time for the concert.
That would include the amazing vocals of Deb Stone, the rocking high energy original tunes of Ten2Nine, the latest musical masterpieces by Corey Doak, and the new sounds of Joyful Door.
Doak is releasing his brand new CD on Friday night so Saturday’s performance will truly be a showcase of his brand new material.
Singer/songwriter Justin Dueck will perform in the lobby as well, while hilarious comedian Maureen Postnikoff will also take a turn on stage during the action packed evening.
In keeping with the spirit of the night, Kelowna artist Lynda Lovisa will be painting on stage throughout the concert while the musicians play.
Meanwhile, benefactors of this year’s concert, Metro Community (a local organization that in addition to many other community programs assists the homeless and those who are at risk in our community), have put together a small but very impressive selection of silent auction items including the chance for folks to bid on trip for two Alaskan Cruise. (I have always dreamed of such a trip. Heck, I have always dreamed of a cruise anywhere.)
Other silent auction items include art work by Marion Krahn, Dave Stratten and others, a night for two getaway, a virtual tour of businesses by Virtual B.C.Tours, and other goodies.
Plan for a wonderful night of music and fellowship.
For the past seven years the Night of the Arts annually brings the Okanagan’s best bands together in concert to raise awareness and funds towards assisting those in serious need.
Over that time the Night of the Arts has raised thousands of dollars to assist the homeless, recovering drug addicts, and youth and families at risk in our community.
•••
Before you head off to the Night of the Arts on Saturday, you may wish to check out Winter Wineland earlier in the day, from noon to 4 p.m., at five different wineries in the East Kelowna area.
Presented by the Kelowna FavFive group, the afternoon of wine tasting and fun takes place at Vibrant Vines, Camelot Winery, House of Rose Winery, The View, and the Spierhead Winery.
•••
Meanwhile, later this month live theatre fans are in for a real treat as the Theater Kelowna Society presents The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White.
This top-notch musical play, set for Kelowna Community Theatre, is based on the popular book by Barbara Lemon with original music composed by Bill Francoeur.
Theatre Kelowna’s version will have a nice local twist, however, as it includes some original songs written specifically by musical director Gary Cable.
Directed by Jeff Samin, the popular fairytale is designed to please both adults and children and is a perfect event leading up to the Christmas season.
The fun, family style event will see numerous performances between Nov. 23 and Dec. 2 including evening shows and matinees.
Check out the schedule at www.theatrekelowna.org for complete listings of the dates and times.
charliehodge333@gmail.com
