Ashcroft Music in the Park
The Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society presents a Music in the Park outdoor concert on Wed., July 29 with The Jessica Stuart Few. Bring your favourite lawn chair or blanket to the Heritage Park Gazebo, and come early for a great seat. The music starts at 6:30 pm with the Andean sounds of Brian Benner (guitar) and Denise Tapia (flutes). Their music combines many Spanish music elements with folklore melodies from Ecuador and Peru.
The Jessica Stuart Few not only make distinctive-sounding music, they’re also innovators. When it comes to this group, the concept of genre need not apply. Their music is influenced by folk, soul, rock, and jazz; think of them as a “folk-jazz power trio”.
Jessica’s unprecedented take on the Japanese koto (a 13-stringed harp), her exceptional guitar work, and signature songwriting are innovative and refreshing, earning The Few mainstage performances at festivals worldwide. Stuart exhibits a pitch-perfect vocal sensibility reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, with stunning three-part harmonies.
Admission is free, but pass-the-hat donations are encouraged.
Lillooet Apricot Festival
Lillooet’s Annual Apricot Tsaqwem Festival is the weekend of July 24‑26. Events include the Lillooet Farmers’ Market Friday and Saturday, the Lillooet Golf Tournament, a street dance, live bands, a beer garden, dinner at the Legion on Saturday, a “Baking with apricots and Saskatoon berries” contest, and much more.
Romi Mayes in Spences Bridge
The Packing House presents the return of good friend Romi Mayes on Thurs., July 23. If you haven’t heard Romi’s music yet, it’s time you did. Mayes is one of the hardest-working independent musicians touring the globe. Devil On Both Shoulders, her sixth release, is another testament to why her past albums have numerous awards and nominations.
Mayes is known for her powerful lyrical ability that gives life to the words she sings. Her insightful, sweet, and edgy vocals paint pictures of heart on her sleeve sincerity and a road well travelled. The talented players who surround her show how she draws the best of the best toward her authentic brand of roots music. Dinner is from 5:30 pm, with music starting at 7:15. Tickets are available for dinner and the show or for the show only, and can be reserved or purchased at The Packing House in Spences Bridge (250-458-2256).
Desert Daze Music Festival
The music schedule for the sixth annual Desert Daze Music Festival in Spences Bridge has been confirmed; and what a line-up it is! Mark your calendars now for August 7‑8, two days of the best things in life: blues, folk, country, and rock music, along with food and fun in the desert sun and a magnificent setting. The event is held at the old school grounds, and will feature an eclectic mix of fantastic local and “imported” musicians and bands, playing music you can move to, groove to, and clap, sing, and dance along with. There’s sure to be something to please everyone in the family; no matter what kind of music you like, you’ll find lots of it at the 2015 Desert Daze Festival! Visit www.desertdaze.ca for a complete line-up and more information.
Ashcroft Moonlight Movie
Interior Savings Credit Union presents an Ashcroft Moonlight Outdoor Movie event on Wednesday August 26 featuring the animated film Big Hero 6. The event starts at 7:00 pm at the pool park with a concession and activities, with the movie starting at dusk (approximately 8:30 pm). Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to the Desert Hills Tri Club.
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra dinner concert in Ashcroft
The Grand Central Station will co-host a dinner concert featuring the fabulous six-piece gypsy folk band Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra on Thurs., August 27. The event will be held at Ashcroft’s newest eatery, with doors opening at 5:30 pm and the music starting at 7:30. Tickets are available for the dinner and show or just for the show, and are available for advance purchase at the UniTea Tea Room and the Grand Central.
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra has wandered from the underground of Bohemian Victoria to a new, refined sound crafted by years of constant performing and touring together. Drawing on flamenco flourishes learned in Spain, on African percussion, on bluegrass, and on other roots music from across the Americas, TMO has cycled through far-flung influences and youthful forays into sounds from all over, finding new vistas of creativity that bring them closer to their own beginnings and the people and places that have shaped them. Friends and family, ancestors, and wild characters are all honoured in their music and entertaining live shows. Discover Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra for yourself; you won’t be disappointed. To reserve tickets call (250) 453-9345, or drop into UniTea or the Grand Central.
Kids Arts Camp returns
The Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society is pleased to announce that this year’s Arts Camp will be bigger and better than ever. It’s designed for students entering Kindergarten through to Grade 12, with elementary students singing with Sabrina Weeks and Mike Hilliard, painting with Jo Petty, playing music with David Dumont, and acting with Mavourneen Varcoe-Ryan. New this year is a class for high school students, who will have the opportunity to work on a special week-long project with Gareth Smart!
The camp will be held at CrossRoads Pentecostal Church in Cache Creek from Aug. 17‑21; classes run from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, with a lunch break at 11:30. Students are required to bring a bagged lunch; snacks will be provided. The cost is $50 for the first child in a family and $30 for each additional sibling. Register by phone (250-453-0036), email (windingriversarts@gmail.com), or online (windingriversarts.ca) by Aug. 7.
Nadine Davenport