Devin Cuddy at the Packing House
Devin Cuddy has always made music his way, and some might argue, the hard way. As the son of one of Canada’s most beloved singer/songwriters, Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy, country rock has been the soundtrack to Devin’s entire life - he was born the same week Blue Rodeo began recording its 1987 debut album, Outskirts. But from the moment Devin was drawn to playing music, he was determined to get as close as possible to the sources of all the sounds he loved, whether they were made by rock and roll’s founding fathers, the Grand Ole Opry’s honky tonk heroes, or Jelly Roll Morton and the kings of jazz.
Watch and hear Devin Cuddy at the Packing House restaurant in Spences Bridge on Jan. 24. Reserve your table now at 250-458-2256.
New Drum Circle Night at UniTea Jan 28
The Community is invited to a new event at UniTea (100-210 Railway Ave. - beside Peoples) - Drum Circle Night on Thursday, Nov. 28 at 7pm.
Bring your favourite drum or percussion. No experience necessary - some extra drums will be on hand to lend out so everyone can join in on the fun. Drummers of all ages and experience welcomed.
UniTea offers new Movie Night
Enjoy a Movie Night at UniTea Tea Room on Feb. 4 from 7-10:30pm, with a late night (optional) showing of The Band in ‘The Last Waltz’.
This month’s Movie is Ruby Strangelove Young Witch. When a young witch discovers her long lost mother was abducted by evil forces, she sets out to use all her magical powers to get her back.
There will be popcorn!! food from our menu. For more info (250) 453 9345.
Mandala workshop at UniTea Feb 7
Join us on Feb. 7 at UniTea Tea Room from 11:30am to 3:30 pm for the “All You Need Is Love” Heart Healing & Opening mandala workshop. Heart healthy lunch included. All art materials provided. No art experience needed.
Tickets at UniTea or reserve via phone. Contact UniTea Tea Room to confirm your day workshop of Mandala Heart Opening at 250 453-9345. Deposits or pre payment accepted.
Community Charades Feb 11
UniTea will be hosting another fun and hilarious night of charades at our Family Fun Games Night on Feb. 11 from 7-9:30pm.
Other games available are Dominos, Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Cards, Crib and lots of fun and simple games for kids of all ages! Bring down the whole family, challenge your neighbours to some fun! Lots of toys as well. A free event at UniTea Tea Room. (250) 453 9345 for more information.
Bluegrass Quartet Mar 4 in Ashcroft
UniTea Tea Room presents a toe tapping evening of great bluegrass music on Friday, March 4 with The Tishomingo String Band. Doors open at 7pm - Concert starts at 7:30pm. Tickets at the door or reserve via phone 250 453-9345.
Combining upright bass, guitar, mandolin and banjo, the Tishomingo String Band from Vancouver keeps things lively and unpredictable. These guys are equipped with all the right gear to perform original and traditional material that runs the gamut from tender ballads to barn-burning instrumentals.
Featuring Colin Cowan (Dan Mangan/ Analog Bell Service) on upright bass, Chris Russell on guitar, Jacob Russell on mandolin and Devon Wells (Clumsy Lovers) on banjo.
Beatbox Poetry and R&B acoustic soul in Mar 23
UniTea Tea Room presents a mind blowing evening of soulful music and beat box poetry on March 23 with a double bill from C.R. Avery and Lexie Marie.
Avery’s genius lies in many genres - blues, hip-hop, spoken word and rock & roll, while Marie’s music combines the essence of folk and soul, with a hip-hop sensibility. Doors open at 7pm - Concert starts at 7:30pm. Tickets at the door or reserve via phone (250) 453-9345.
Avery doesn’t just bend genres, he twists them into funny balloon animals. His recent album “The Great Canadian Album” blasts ahead with an electrified bluesy vibe, with songs such as the Lou Reed-esque “Folk Singer,” the rap-overdub-meets-bluegrass “Town to Town” and the meditative and bitter “For Gangsters of the Highway”. Mind, for this show, Avery will likely focus on his poetry, but with an artist this unpredictable, you never know what will happen.
Lexi Marie is a prolific poet and vocalist currently based out of Lillooet, who combines the essence of soul and folk with an R&B kiss. She will be performing at Verses Festival Of Words, in Vancouver this Spring.
Crimson Rich Duo featuring Caroline McKay March 26
Winding Rivers Arts and performance Society presents Crimson Rich Duo featuring Caroline McKay featuring Harp/Vocalist extraordinaire Caroline MacKay on March 26 at the Crossroads Pentecostal Church in Cache Creek. Tickets on sale at Natures Gifts, The Jade Shop and UniTea Tea Room - look for posters around town soon. For more info call (250) 453-2053.
Easter concert with Celtic harpist
Celebrate the Easter weekend with the beautiful and transcendent music of extraordinary Celtic Harpist and Vocalist Caroline McKay.
This Kelowna musician creates a space where the mystery of harp and the magic of voice become one. Tender Celtic ballads, soul-stirring Spirituals, lively Latin rhythms, original works and classical arrangements are all part of her diverse repertoire.
For 20 years, Caroline has played a multitude of venues from great Concert Halls, Cathedrals and Festivals to intimate House Concerts, Galleries and Chapels. Her tours have taken her through Canada, the US, England, Switzerland and New Zealand. Currently, directing the 10-member Okanagan Harp Orchestra and playing in a Harp & Cello duo are her inspiration for arranging new music.
Artists celebrate 5th Annual Plein Air paint-out
Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society will be busy making plans over the next few months for the 5th Annual Ashcroft Plein Air Paint Out; scheduled for May 27, 28 and 29.
Ashcroft and the surrounding area, will once again see a number of painters creating works of art from various vantage points around our community. The event saw more than 30 artists vist our community last year and more are expected this year.
The Society looks forward to welcoming those from near and far to celebrate the beauty of what is often described as a “stunning and unique landscape” where inspiring views and vistas abound. Artists of all levels of experience are welcome. Once again, the focus will be on gathering like minds to enjoy the sheer pleasure of painting. There will be plenty of opportunities to paint as well as gatherings for meals and conversation.
Award winning artist John H. Burrow commented, “While the scenery was beautiful and inspiring, the thing I will always remember about that weekend was the warm welcoming reception from the people of Ashcroft.”
Whether you’re a seasoned painting pro, a beginning artist, or a creative individual looking for a new challenge, come and have fun. In true plein air style, the challenge will happen rain or shine.
To register or for more info please visit www.windingriversarts.ca or email or to register email ashcroftpleinair@gmail.com
Nadine Davenport