I was once at a concert were the performer said, and I’m paraphrasing here, that this was the time of year that most musicians like to tour in Canada because, when everyone is all snowed in and tired of winter, they’re always looking for something to do.
The good news for Summerlanders is that, while there isn’t a tonne of live music headed to town—although there is some coming up—there is no shortage of events happening in the next few weeks.
The first thing that I’m going to mention isn’t so much of an event, yet, but it will be eventually.
The Summerland Singers and Players are holding auditions for their spring comedy offering, A Bench in the Sun.
Auditions are happening on Jan. 19 and they’re looking for two males and one female performer who are 60 years of age or more. Auditions take place at the Summerland Arts Centre at 7 p.m. and if you’re looking for more information, call 250-493-6539.
Up next is the first art show of 2016 at the Summerland Art Gallery. This time around the gallery will be featuring drawings, paintings and photographs from students from Summerland Secondary School and I have to say, I love this for a variety of reasons.
It’s great seeing the local arts council supporting younger artists like this. It can be hard at any age to feel like you’re doing something right as an artist, but that uncertainty always feels stronger when you’re younger.
I know I certainly went through that and I would have jumped at the chance to get my work in a gallery, had I been a visual artist. As it was, as a writer, I started a zine with a friend to get my work into people’s hands.
The show opens on Jan. 28 at the Summerland Art Gallery and I encourage anyone who’s interested to get out there and see what the next generation of artists are creating.
If you’re loving the constant stream of things that are coming up, then you’re in luck because the action continues with Summerland Speaks on Jan. 30 at the IOOF Hall on Main Street.
This promises to be a night of readings, rants, rhymes and runes from some of Summerland’s literary icons. There will be audience participation, a musical interlude and even cookies.
If you’re a fan of any of those things, I’d recommend getting out there and seeing this event. I’ve been to readings featuring Summerland authors before and there’s always an interesting mix of tales to be told. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Douglas Paton is a Summerland writer and musician. If you know of a local arts and culture event, contact him at dgpaton80@gmail.com.
