The last time tenor Ken Lavigne performed in Oliver the roof of the old Venables Auditorium was leaking and water dropped from the ceiling onto his head. Lavigne will return with his band to find himself front and centre in the fabulous, state of the art, Venables Theatre on Friday, Feb. 28.
Rising literally from the ashes of a devastating fire, the exquisite new theatre and this opening act will mark the beginning of a new era of music and performing arts in the South Okanagan. In his latest touring concert, Lavigne and his band (piano, guitar, bass, drums and violin) will take the audience on a riveting and enchanting journey, retelling his personal campaign to sing at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops.
It’s an unbelievable account of a man who, against all odds, found a way to live out his dream of singing on the world’s most prestigious concert stage. The story of Lavigne’s long road to Carnegie Hall is told with spectacular songs and entertaining and hilarious stories.
Lavigne embodies the spirit of the underdog – audacity, tenacity, tragedy and ultimately triumph. His singing ranges from ballads and musical theatre favourites to familiar classics and operatic arias. Lavigne is a singer, composer, communicator and consummate entertainer.
He was recognized at a young age for the outstanding timbre of his lyric tenor voice as well as the ease and agility with which he sings. Lavigne undertook thorough vocal and music training in his native Victoria, B.C. and further study in Wales and in New York.
He is a founding member of the Canadian Tenors and also co-founded the trio, Romanza.
Since his Carnegie Hall debut, Lavigne has regularly performed with multi-Grammy winner David Foster and has had the honour of performing for Prince Charles last fall.
Flex passes of four are being sold for only $60 and are available at Beyond Bliss in Oliver and Imperial Office Pro on Main Street in Osoyoos, or at the door. Single entrance admission is $20. Students 17 and under are admitted free.
Call Maureen at 250-495-7978 to arrange for transportation by van if you are worried about winter driving conditions.
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Osoyoos Times
