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Centre Point: Cherish the moments

There are some fantastic quality performances coming up in Vernon that’ll definitely make the effort to go out worthwhile.
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The Vernon Performing Arts Centre presents Dufflebag Theatre's Peter Pan as part of its TD Kids Series

I became a dad eight short weeks ago when my son Gerrit came into this world Sept. 9.

I went into this parenthood thing as informed as possible, but hadn’t even begun to grasp how much a tiny human could rock my world.

Now approaching his third month of life, I can barely remember what a good night’s sleep feels like. I’m run off my feet every hour of the day, and I’m completely dependent on coffee. Yet through all the screaming, diapers and chaos, my heart still melts every time I see that little face.

In this new life where the dust never settles, planning to get to events seems nearly impossible. While it’s an epic life achievement for me to get out to a show right now, there are some fantastic quality performances coming up in the next few weeks that’ll definitely make the effort worthwhile.

Start your Remembrance Day long weekend off with an evening out at the Vernon performing Arts Centre with everyone’s favourite detective when Arts Club Theatre Company brings Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery to the stage Thursday, Nov. 10.

This fast-paced farcical comedy is a zany whodunit in which five actors play more than 40 comical characters to fill the stage with suspects, allies and heirs.  Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469) or online at www.ticketseller.ca.

DuffleBag Theatre takes the Performing Arts Centre stage next Sunday, Nov. 13 with its exciting and interactive adaptation of Peter Pan.

The DuffleBag actors start the retelling of classic fairy tales with wit and humour and as audiences are captivated, they quickly find themselves playing parts of the story along with the cast.

This unpredictable performance is a hilarious experience and recommended for ages five-plus. The show starts at 2 p.m. and you can book your tickets at the box office by calling 250-549-SHOW (7469).

Legendary guitarist Jesse Cook is due to stop at VPAC as part of his One World tour Nov. 15.

Cook has amassed a legion of dedicated fans with his incredible concerts and this year brings his signature flamenco style combined with influences from the Middle East to South America, Spain and beyond.

As I write this, there are still a few tickets to be had for this concert that starts at 7:30 p.m. Call the Ticket Seller at 250-549-SHOW (7469) for details.

Gord Bamford is among Canada’s most decorated country musicians and comes to Vernon after recently releasing his seventh studio album, Tin Roof.

With 22 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, multiple Juno nominations, winner of multiple Nashville Country Association awards and many more, Bamford brings his distinctive sound and songwriting ability to the Vernon Performing Arts Centre stage Nov. 17 as one of the best neo-traditional artists.

Call the box office at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.

The Lonely Hearts Foundation is presenting a by-donation concert Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. with the Gumbo Square Band & Friends to benefit the homeless.

Featuring blues, jazz and R&B with a modern touch and eclectic sound, The Gumbo Square Band consists of musicians from around the world who have come together for this very special event.

Enjoy the shows!

Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.