I moved last summer to a house with eight times more yard than my previous home; and ever since the snow melted, I’ve been wandering lost and confused through the outdoor-power-tool sections of every major hardware store in town.
I love selection just as much as the next guy; but weighing pros and cons of at least 50 different string trimmers is beyond overwhelming.
Similarly, Vernon’s thriving arts scene offers incredible selection, especially during the busy spring performance season.
To keep things simple, here’s your quick reference guide to what’s coming up in the next two weeks:
The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is on stage at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre today for their performance of The Four Seasons. Audience favourite violinist and fiddler David Greenburg joins the symphony for this celebratory program which highlights Vivaldi’s Le Quattro Staggioni, op. 8 no 1-4 (The Four Seasons). There is a pre-concert talk at 6 p.m. in the Marie Fleming Hall; the music starts at 7 p.m. in the main auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door after 6 p.m. or at www.ticketseller.ca.
On April 17, the Performing Arts Centre is your destination for family friendly entertainment when the WonderHeads take the stage for their new adventure, The Middle of Everywhere. Performed in full-face mask, this magical performance will delight the child in you – whether you’re eight or 80. Last year, the WonderHeads enchanted audiences with their production of Grim & Fischer. This time around, their adventure stars two strangers at one bus stop, heading off to infinite destinations. Showtime is 2 p.m. April 17 and you can purchase tickets through the box office at 250-549-SHOW.
For a night of Celtic and folk classics, catch beloved Canadian Celtic crooner John McDermott at the Performing Arts Centre April 21 as part of his Traditionally Yours tour. With more than 25 albums and countless performances to reflect on, this former member of The Irish Tenors continues touring throughout the world and supporting various veterans’ charities and causes. The music starts at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are available through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW.
Beatles fans throughout the Okanagan will enjoy a night of nostalgia when Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles comes to Vernon April 22. Rain is a live concert that takes you back in time as they deliver a note-for-note performance, complete with fantastic costumes and sets, mastered nuances and gestures, and multi-media to make the experience as authentic as possible.
From early hits to later classics, the set list includes I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hey Jude, and many more. The music starts at 8 p.m. April 22. Call the Box Office at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.
Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.