Andrew Mercer
For The Morning Star
The Caetani Centre Summer Music Series hosts their final summer music series event Sept. 24, featuring Betty Johnson and The Aaron Loewen Trio, as part of Family Fun Day at the Centre in conjunction with RespectFest 2017.
The Music Series will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., but the many other planned activities kick off at noon on the historic grounds of the Pleasant Valley Road property.
Paint a rock for the Caetani Community Art Project Installation, learn about water purification with Valhalla Pure Outfitters and indigenous plants with Back to Earth, join the Cedar Bridge School for activities or visit Gypsy Jay to get a free henna and let the kids be entertained by Itsy Bitsy Music Together.
At 2 p.m., the entertainment for the music series begins with the original styling of Vernon’s own Betty Johnson.
Johnson is known for her expressive voice and accomplished guitar playing. Her performances are emphasized through acoustic jazz, blues and her own songwriting originals. Audiences also love her ambient exploration and re-styling of beloved familiar tunes.
She regularly performs her songs throughout B.C. and over the years has shared the stage with the likes of Juno-nominate Maria Dunn, the award-winning Mae Moore, blues legend Ken Hamm, Canadian roots artist David Essig and rock and rollers Chilliwack.
Johnson is a veteran participant of the George Ryga Centre, an intensive songwriters retreat, and was greatly encouraged by legends Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes to get her stuff out there and don’t hold back.
There are two words Johnson uses to describe songwriting: agonizing and amazing.
Lately, Johnson has spent summers at Sorrento’s popular B.C. Swing Camp - Jazz Camp for adults where she has honed her craft.
The Aaron Loewen Trio will close out the show through to 4 p.m. Loewen is a gypsy jazz and old-time swing musician from the Okanagan Valley.
His versatile repertoire covers early jazz, swing, and traditional gypsy music in the style of virtuoso acoustic guitarist Django Reinhardt, the influential French gypsy who gave jazz its European identity. Loewen’s music conjures up images of ’30s Paris or New Orleans, gypsy caravans and maybe even a Woody Allen movie or two.
Basket Case Picnics will be offering their fresh local food for purchase onsite, the Caetani refreshments bar will be running and Teassential will be selling their signature tea blends.
Come for family day and stay for the music. Bring your blankets, folding chairs and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of songs and stories presented by the Caetani Centre. The show begins at 2 p.m., rain or shine, and a selection of refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission for the final instalment of the series is free as part of RespectFest 2017 activities. Memberships will be available for purchase at the event. Parking is not available at the Caetani Centre and patrons are asked to park off site in approved parking zones and walk to the centre.