Uzume Taiko: Japanese Drum Spirits
Nov 30, 2009 Music
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2009
Following their recent tours to Germany and Atlantic Canada, Vancouver’s own Uzume Taiko is returning to Whistler, showcasing Japanese Drum Spirits for one night only on December 10, 2009 at Maurice Young Millennium Place at 8pm.
Uzume Taiko has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most dynamic performing ensembles. Drawing inspiration from the festival drumming of pre-industrial Japan, the group has developed a unique performing style that combines heart-stopping choreography, thunderous rhythms of the huge O-Daiko, rhythmic sensitivity of a bamboo flute ensemble and effective staging, with a dose of humour thrown in for good measure. Joining them on stage will be guest artist Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos with the delicate sounds of bamboo shakuhachi and shinobue flutes.
Taiko, Japanese for ‘big drum,’ is a centuries-old Japanese art and also an integral part of Japanese culture. In the early 1500’s, Japanese war-fighters used Taiko in the battlefield to intimidate the enemy. Over time, Taiko became integrated into religious and ceremonial rituals. It was not until the 1960’s that the modern ensembles of today began to emerge.
Japanese Drum Spirits will showcase the powerful vibrations of the taiko drums and the clear sounds of the bamboo flutes. Energetic, spirited choreographed drumming, melodic flute playing and textural layering of Japanese percussion and wind-blown instruments fuel this show. Pairing taiko drums with shakuhachi flute offers a traditional instrumentation for taiko performance. By returning to Uzume Taiko’s classical Japanese roots, audiences will have the opportunity to truly experience what taiko is capable of when planted firmly in the Japanese culture. Audiences will be enthralled with the sounds of Uzume Taiko as they are taken on a musical nd visual journey that reveals the power of music and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
a
Japanese Drum Spirits will feature Sunshine Coast guest artist Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos, as well as, West Coast drummers Bonnie Soon, Jason Overy, Naomi Kajiwara and Eien Hunter-Ishikawa. This show builds on a long relationship between Uzume Taiko and Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos and will deliver the wondrous sounds of Japanese drums and bamboo.
Uzume Taiko is Canada’s premiere professional taiko drumming group. Performing nationally and internationally since 1988, the group has experience performing their unique brand of taiko drumming to different audiences, creating shows to perform at festivals, concert halls, schools, corporate and VIP events. Collectively, the members of Uzume Taiko have over forty years experience teaching and performing taiko, and
teach this ancient Japanese art of drumming at community workshops and classes throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. For more information, visit www.uzume.com
“….this is music you feel in the involuntary flutter of your eyelids, in the sympathetic rumble of your diaphragm.” – Michael Scott, The Vancouver Sun
“…one of the most remarkable percussion ensembles ever…hugely inventive, ingenious and dangerously mesmerizing. – Press and Journal, Scotland
Tickets available at Millennium Place, 604-935-8410 or www.ticketmaster.ca
$22 for Adults | $19 for Students & Seniors | $16 for WAC Members
Performance Series
As part of the Whistler Arts Council’s mandate to offer a variety of arts experiences to Whistler residents, WAC has been a presenter of an annual Performance Series since 1987. The Performance Series brings to the stage an eclectic program of theatre, music, dance and comedy by professional Canadian and international touring artists at an affordable price. The Performance Series acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia, Canadian Heritage and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Whistler Arts Council
The Whistler Arts Council is a registered charity established in 1982 with a mandate to build and integrate the arts into the fabric of Whistler. Annual events and programs include: Whistler Winter Arts Festival, Out of Bounds: Tales from the Backcountry, ArtWalk, Whistler Children’s Art Festival, Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake, ARTrageous, Bizarre Bazaar, Whistler Street Entertainment and an annual Performance Series. WAC also provides annual student art awards and bursaries, member group grants, resources, and information to artists, the community and outside organizations. WAC acts as a referral service, information network and co-programmer incorporating local arts and culture in numerous other events and programs in the community.
Tom Jackson is Singing for Supper
For Immediate Release
Tom Jackson is Singing for Supper
November 25, 2009 – Kelowna, BC – Tom Jackson is a man of many hats – an actor, a singer and philanthropist. He is bringing all three of those attributes to Kelowna to appear with his Singing for Supper tour, a national Christmas concert series now in its 6th year. The Kelowna performance takes place on Sunday, December 6 at 7pm at Evangel Church, to benefit the Kelowna Community Food Bank.
Singing for Supper is a two-hour concert opening with Shannon Gaye followed by Pear. These artists have played with Tom for a number of years and so it was only natural that they take the stage to perform. The second hour features Tom delivering classic and contemporary Christmas selections.
Jackson’s musical advocacy for Canada’s less fortunate has resonated for 22 years as he has generated over $10M for food banks, family service agencies and disaster relief. In 2008, $402,000 was raised and 13,417 pounds of food collected from the tour.
According to Vonnie Lavers, Executive Director, Kelowna Community Food Bank, “This is the second year that Jackson has appeared in Kelowna as part of his 18-city, cross Canada tour. We are thrilled to have him return, Jackson’s concert raises much needed funds for the Food Bank and raises awareness about of the issue of hunger.”
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life are the presenting sponsors of Singing for Supper. National sponsors include Suncor Energy Inc., Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Theatre Calgary, Long & McQuade and Echohill Web Sites. Local Sponsors include Select Your Tickets, Kelly O’Bryans and the Kelowna Ramada Hotel.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.selectyourtickets.com or by calling 250.763.7161. Food donations will be accepted at the event and CDs will be sold with $15 from each sale benefiting the Kelowna Food bank.
Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation….Under Our Skin..short list for 82nd Academy Awards Oscar presentations in 2010.
Nov 30, 2009 Culture
Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Date: Nov. 24th, 2009
Contact Jim Wilson 250-768-0978 jimwilson@telus.net
The Acadamy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced last week that the highly acclaimed Lyme disease documentary, Under Our Skin has made the short list in the category of Best Documentary for the 82nd Academy Awards Oscar presentations in 2010.
Okanagan movie goers were ahead of the curve. Under Our Skin took top honours at the Okanagan International Film Festival in 2009 where it won Best International Documentary and the People’s Choice awards. It was also an award winner at the Shuswap Film Festival.
This is a timely announcement in that the Okanagan International Film Festival organizers who had the foresight to present Under Our Skin have teamed up with the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation to co-sponsor the first OIFF/CanLyme Celebrity Christmas Party to be held December 10th, 2009 at the Delta Grand Hotel in Kelowna, BC.
Confirmed celebrity guests include Keith Emerson, of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, a very successful band with hits such as “Tarkus”,”Karn Evil”, “Fanfare for the common man”,“Lucky Man”, and who garnered six platinum albums in the 1970’s. Also attending will be Danny McBride, the lead guitarist for Chris De Burgh for 11 years in the 80’s and 90’s with their most famous hit song being, “Lady in Red”. Canada’s very own Terry David Mulligan will be in attendance, as will John Lee Saunders, the reggae artist Mystic Bowie Latest release “Nevar Kiss & Tell” is currently the top single air play in Jamaca, and others. See details at http://www.canlyme.com/xmas_09.html
Renowned artists have provided over $30,000 in art for the silent auction well viewing and bidding commence from 5pm and announced after 3 course Christmas dinner. As well as artwork there will be a unique opportunity to bid on a personally signed statuette of Keith Emerson with his Moog synthesizer and chat with him plus Hollywood & Wine Winery Summerland BC organically grown Wine presentation many more surprise items. Keep checking www.okanaganfilmfestival.com for latest up-dates. Including latest dinner only plus live entertainment ticket offer.
For tickets contact David Woodford at 250-868-1003 or Jim Wilson at 250-768-0978
Jim M. Wilson
President
CANADIAN LYME DISEASE FOUNDATION
A Federally-registered Charitable Organization
www.canlyme.com
Salmon Arm Roots and Blue Tickets On Sale!!
Nov 27, 2009 Music
Press Release: 18th Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival
August 13-15, Salmon Arm Fair Grounds
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and this Christmas, his sleigh will be filled with Member Earlybird Passes to the 18th Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. Santa knows summer in the Shuswap is the most wonderful time of the year when music lovers from far and wide flock to Salmon Arm to attend this highly anticipated multicultural music event. Right now, he’s saving big with member prices – just $90 for an adult weekend pass, $55 for youth and $68 for seniors. The Festival takes place August 13th-15th at the Salmon Arm Fair Grounds, presenting 50 acts on 6 outdoor stages on an eighteen acre site filled with good times, music and cultural discovery and loads of family fun.
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, be sure to treat yourself and those on your Christmas list to the hottest ticket in town and make your holidays ring with joy. Member Earlybird passes are on sale December 1st and with only 1,000 available, are limited to four per member with a $10 membership. Memberships and passes as well as camping passes are available online at www.rootsandblues.ca or by calling 250-833-4096.
Ashleigh Somerville CD Release – “Peace, Love, Joy”
Nov 25, 2009 Music
Peace, Love and Joy to you and yours this blessed season.”
November 25, 2009 – Kelowna, BC, Canada
Ashleigh Somerville is thrilled to announce the release of her first full?length CD project, “Peace, Love, Joy”!
It’s a joyfully eclectic mix that includes fun, fresh renditions of beloved classics and a handful of sparkling
originals, like ‘Joe the Snowman’, as heard on Silk FM and hailed as a Canadian classic?in?the?making!
New holiday music:
“Joe The Snowman”
”This Time Last Year”
“Light A Candle”New holiday music:
“Joe The Snowman”
”This Time Last Year”
“Light A Candle”
Christmas favourites:
“Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire”
“Little Drummer Boy”
“Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me”
Fill up on some fierce holiday spirit at one of Ashleigh’s three concerts this December:
December 9: The Minstrel Café on Pandosy
8 – 10pm. $5 entertainment charge
December 11: The Greenroom Restaurant by the main Kelowna Public Library
7 – 10pm. No cover
December 17: Jazz Café in the Blackbox Theatre behind KCT
8 – 11pm. Ticket prices TBA
Thank you for your interest in promoting local musician Ashleigh Somerville. Please contact
us today for more information.
Ashleigh Somerville: 250?878?4315
Email: smashlee@shaw.ca
Website: www.smashlee.com
“Peace Love Joy” is available for sale locally at Chapters Kelowna and online at: iTunes.ca,
HMV.ca, CDBaby.com
Producers: Brian Wiebe, www.solarnestarts.com, Ashleigh Somerville
Arrangements: Brian Wiebe, Ashleigh Somerville, Neville Bowman, Garth Stevenson
Musicians: Somerville, Wiebe, Bowman, Stevenson, Ziv Ravitz, Graham Ord, Al Hildebrand,
Scott Gamble, Bernie Addington, Michael Garding, Steven Gilmore
MACULA LAUNCHING SECOND ALBUM OF 2009!
Nov 25, 2009 Music
MACULA LAUNCHING SECOND ALBUM OF 2009!
“Macula first entered my musical radar at the start of 2008 … and have consistently impressed me with their tenacity, hard work and catchy rock songs. These guys pack rooms in Vancouver and I’d bet money they will be making an impact across Canada in the years to come.”
-Todd Hancock- Afternoons / Rock Report Host 99.3 The Fox, Vancouver BC
VANCOUVER, November 5 2009 – MACULA’s highly anticipated second album of the year Pride and Panic will be launched November 27th, 2009 at The Bourbon (50 Cordova Street, Gastown, Vancouver).
The band’s first EP Coup D’état was released in January 2009, followed by a successful tour of western Canada. It might be hard to believe that the band is already releasing a second one! Though being written and recorded in such a short time, the two albums carry very different qualities.
Recorded and mixed at Earart Studios with Clayton Creed, the 10 new tracks on this album show a great progression from the first. As Tom explains “Coup D’état is very crisp and intentional and Pride and Panic takes on a wilder and more uninhibited feel. The evolution from one disk to the next displays a clear desire to move forward in style and flavour.”
The Vancouver based band was formed in 2006 by an eclectic group of dedicated artists. Since then, MACULA has been pushing the boundaries of hard rock, funk, metal and groove. Their music is a unique, fresh blend of soft melodic grooves and pumping metal that leaves crowds wondering what just hit them. Intense riff driven guitar (Greg), powerful yet funky bass lines (Jordan), hard hitting groove based beats (Clay), and tongue twister vocals (Tom) that stretch from pure melodic to guttural, all come together to create a sound that is sure to move you.
More information on MACULA is available at www.myspace.com/maculaband.
Local Swim Club Kelowna AquaJets win big!
Nov 23, 2009 Culture
KAJ Fall Invitational Swim Meet Nov 21-22.
Kelowna AquaJets take 1st place in overall point’s trophy!
What a huge success for the Kelowna AquaJets!
www.kelownaaquajets.com
The Kelowna AquaJets co hosted their first event with Westsides, Liquid Lightening Swim Club for the inaugural Fall Invitational Swim Meet. There were 300 competitors striving to win the top spots, beat their old times or just have fun. Check out all the success below from the Kelowna AquaJets as they take 1st place of the meet in the overall point’s trophy. Please contact Head Coach Steven VandMuler or Brad Krauza (communications/Sponsorship) for more information.
Jamboree Swimmers:
10 new swimmers who made their ‘Regional’ cut:
Isaac Smit 3:28.45
Benjamin Main 3:45.09
Nathan Cridland 3:47.88
Tavisha Dirksen 3:47.95
Eden Lamb 3:50.31
Samuel Gagnon 3:52.04
Cassandra Sawatzky 3:53.81
Jade Cuddihy 3:54.18
Justin Fowler 3:56.56
Zachary Torres 3:59.88
84 Jamboree swimmers from KAJ participated.
36 first time ever competitors.
290 best times from the meet.
Isaac Smit made an ‘A’ time in 50 free 33.68 for 13 year old boys.
Regional Level Meet: 36 swimmers participated. 213 best times. 4 club records.
KAJ were the winners of the meet in the overall point’s trophy with 823 points.
Top Aggregate trophy winners were:
Clarisse Obedkoff 1st place for 10 under girls
Tia Itterman 1st place 12 under girls
Kristina Kennedy 1st place 14 under girls.
Monique Kennedy 4th place 14 under girls.
Chantel Bayliss 1st place 15 over girls.
Sally Wallick 4th place 15 over girls.
Josh Zakala 1st place 12 under boys
Julien Roberts 3rd place 12 undre boys
Korey Macdonald 3rd place 14 under boys
Ian Dixon 4th place 14 under boys
Christian Desjarlais Tied 2nd 15 over boys
Jos de Graaf Tied 2nd 15 over boys
Club Records in:
Girls 12 under 4×50 Medley Relay (2:36.10) -.17 seconds.
Katie Dunlop, Ashley Roemer, Tia Itterman, Clarisse Obedkoff
Boys 12 under 4×50 Medley Relay (2:40.55) -13.20 seconds.
Josh Zakala, Sam Macdonald, Julien Roberts, Brodie Forrest.
Boys Senior 4×50 Free Relay (1:42.18) -5.42 seconds.
Nick Menezes, Christian Desjarlais, Kosta Prodanovic, Jos de Graaf.
Boys Senior 4×50 Medley Relay (1:56.01) -7.82 seconds.
Jos de Graaf, Kosta Prodanovic, Christian Desjarlais, Nick Menezes
New QT’s.
Chantel Bayliss made a new Western Canadian Champs time in 100 back 1:09.00
Katie Dunlop made her AAA time in 50 free 32.29 by dropping 1 second off her pb.
Julien Roberts made his AAA time in 100 fly 1:19.48 by dropping 20.8 sec of his pb.
Korey Macdonald improved his 15 and over AA qt time in 200 free at 2:17.13.
Alex Blumenschein made his AA qt 14 boys in 50fr – 29.60, 1st race.
Joshua Burns made his AA qt 13 boys qt in 50 free – 31.20 by dropping 1 second.
Bradyn Krauza made his AA qt 13 boys in 50 free – 30.73 by dropping 5.3 seconds.
Big Drops in time came from:
Josh Burns
Christian Desjarlais
Elaine Desjarlais
Ben Duncan
Katie Dunlop
Tia Itterman
Monique Kennedy
Bradyn Krauza
Martina Krauza
Alanna Larter
Korey Macdonald
Sam McDonald
Mackenzie Pesl
Julien Roberts
Ashely Roemer
Emily Sherwood
Olivia Wallis
Josh Zakala
SPONSOR A CHILD SPORTS CAMPAIGN
The Kelowna AquaJets were very proud to introduced their first sponsored child to the inaugural swim meet at the new H2O Fitness Center from the Sponsor a Child Sports Campaign where local business are getting involved in the club by sponsoring them through our the club. “It’s a win/win for all involved” says Brad Krauza, Communications and Sponsorship for the Kelowna AquaJets. “Our club wants to be very much involved our great community and children by involving business to see hands on how they can make a difference and the difference we can make for families going through rough times.” “We feel that our children still need to be active and positive for their future so we have found a way to help those in need.” Thank you to our 1st four sponsors in the Sponsor a Child Sports Campaign; Manteo Resort, Jugo Juice, The Ok Corral, one anonymous donation and in-kind sponsors, Wentworth Music and The Brick! We still have room for a few more sponsors to get involved at the Rutland YM-YWCA. Please Contact Brad Krauza for more information on who to get involved or apply for assistance in the campaign. 250-450-9769 or e-mail brad@gonzomagazine.ca.
MUCHMUSIC, EZ ROCK & SUN FM presents HEDLEY, FABER DRIVE, STEREOS and FEFE DOBSON
Nov 19, 2009 Music
HEDLEY
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
FABER DRIVE, STEREOS & FEFE DOBSON
TICKETS GO ON SALE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST AT 10:00 A.M.
Penticton BC: MUCHMUSIC, EZ ROCK & SUN FM presents HEDLEY with special guests FABER DRIVE, STEREOS and FEFE DOBSON at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $37.50* and go on sale Saturday, November 21st at 10:00 a.m. exclusively through www.ValleyFirstTIX.com , , the SOEC Box Office, the Wine Country Visitors Centre or charge by phone at 1-877-763-2849. (*additional service charges apply).
Hedley, Vancouver’s multi-platinum power pop-rockers have announced today that they are heading out on a cross-Canada tour kicking off in Penticton, BC on March 22nd and ending up in St. John’s, NL on April 19th. Special guests Fefe Dobson and Stereos will join them on the road for all dates and US chart-toppers Faber Drive will be on the bill from Penticton on March 22nd to Dawson Creek on March 26th.
There’s been no free ride in Hedley’s steady climb to the top. Over four years, the band has earned two multi-platinum albums and won acclaim and a devoted fan base through a constant regimen of hard work and relentless touring. Nor is there an ounce of phoniness in the group, led by irrepressible frontman Jacob Hoggard, a former Canadian Idol contestant himself. In fact, much of Hedley’s huge appeal lies in the band members’ refusal to take themselves too seriously.
“We’re not rocket scientists—or rocket surgeons,” chuckles Hoggard. “We’re the same jerks we’ve always been; four buddies who like to have fun and make music. But our show is no longer about flashing lights and us running around pulling our pants down. We’ve really grown as writers, musicians and performers, so now it’s the full entertainment package.” That refreshing mix of lighthearted candor and emotional honesty lies at the heart of The Show Must Go, Hedley’s much-anticipated third album. On this album the band has pushed its robust sound forward without sacrificing any of its distinctive edge.
They may not be “rocket surgeons,” saving lives or saving the world, but Hedley is clearly making a contribution to the music scene. From the fizzy pop-punk of its debut to the sophisticated pop-rock of The Show Must Go, Hedley continues to prove that mixing frivolity with thoughtfulness and showmanship with songcraft is the best formula for success.
Hedley is offering their fans the opportunity to purchase special VIP packages starting November 17th. The “Amazing” VIP Experience includes great seats, a meet and greet with the band, exclusive merchandise items including a custom cell phone skin, and access to a series of special video messages from the band. For full details and other package options, visit www.hedleyvip.com.
Tickets to ALL events at the South Okanagan Events Centre are available at SOEC Box Office, the Penticton and Wine Country Visitors Centre, online at www.valleyfirstTIX.com or charge by phone at 1-877-763-2849.
Ballet Kelowna will raise the barre for their signature fundraiser – Pirouette 2010
Nov 17, 2009 Culture, Film, Music
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, November 16, 2009. Ballet Kelowna will raise the barre for their signature fundraiser – Pirouette 2010 – with the addition of many new elements to the event.
Honourary Chairs for the February event are Jamie Maw and fiancée Yvonne Drinovz. Maw is well known to culinary and travel enthusiasts as the nationally acclaimed Food + Travel Editor for Vancouver Magazine for the last 14 years. He has appeared as a judge on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and has received over 25 awards for his culinary and travel writing.
Maw has played an integral role in raising the culinary profile of the event, “Yvonne and I are delighted to be Honourary Chairs for Pirouette. We have assembled a brigade of high-profile master chefs who will create a menu that – like Ballet Kelowna itself – exemplifies the very best of where we live. The dinner component called “Local Heroes” – which recognizes both our outstanding Okanagan produce and our local chefs – will see our chefs develop an exclusive, multi-course menu and will include wines from Quail’s Gate, Laughing Stock, Aces Okanagan Estate Winery, Le Vieux Pin and Mission Hill. The all-star chefs are currently being confirmed, and we’ll announce the complete slate and the menu shortly.” states Maw.
Third year title sponsor Canaccord Capital sees Pirouette as a very important event to Kelowna’s culture scene. “Supporting the arts in a thriving community is a corporate responsibility that is both a pleasure and privilege in which to participate. We see this as an unforgettable evening that benefits a strong contributor to performing arts in Kelowna” states VP and Branch Manager Bruce Dickson.
The event commences with an opening reception, followed by a brief performance by Ballet Kelowna, the Local Heroes Dinner, and highly sought-after silent and live auction items up for bid. Development and Events Coordinator Debbie MacMillan believes Pirouette 2010 will create a new standard for the event in years to come. “Our volunteer committee is making this night one not to miss in 2010, the food, wine, entertainment and auction make up an incredible package” says MacMillan.
Pirouette is Ballet Kelowna’s major fundraising initiative, raising over $115,000.00 each year for the company. No one knows more about that need than Artistic Director David LaHay. “As one example, our dancers go through two pairs of dance shoes a week, which alone adds up to over $19,000 a year just to keep them on their toes.” Other funding goes towards defraying touring and staging costs.
Ballet Kelowna is breathtakingly beautiful and elegantly bold. This proudly ‘Made in Kelowna’ professional dance company is now in its 7th Season of presenting its signature ‘inno-classical’ style featuring both classical and innovative, modern ballets. Named ‘BC Touring Artist of the Year in 2008’, Ballet Kelowna will be touring to 40 communities in the 09/10 Performance Season.
“Pirouette – A Turning Pointe”, takes place Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at the Delta Grand Okanagan with 250 seats available. Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://www.balletkelowna.ca for $250.00 until November 30th, and $275.00 thereafter.
RESCHEDULED DATES- Three Days Grace
Nov 17, 2009 Music
RESCHEDULED SHOW DATES ANNOUNCEMENT
THREE DAYS GRACE
DUE TO A FAMILY EMERGENCY WITHIN THE BAND, FIVE THREE DAYS GRACE SHOWS WILL BE MOVING TO 2010. PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED TICKETS WILL BE HONOURED AT THE DOOR.
DUE TO LIMITED VENUE AVAILABILITY OVER THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS, RESCHEDULED DATE IN VANCOUVER IS TO BE DETERMINED.
NEW DATES
KAMLOOPS – JANUARY 6TH, 2010
KELOWNA – JANUARY 7TH, 2010
PRINCE GEORGE – JANUARY 8TH, 2010
DAWSON CREEK – JANUARY 9TH, 2010
VANCOUVER– TBA