If autumn has arrived in Osoyoos – and it most certainly has – then it must be time for music fans to get excited about the Osoyoos Concert Series.
For almost 20 years, music fans have been treated to a series of concerts that showcase the talent of Canadian artists here in Osoyoos.
Tickets for the 2014-15 concert series are now on sale and will hopefully continue to sell well, said Pat Philpott, promotions co-ordinator for the Osoyoos Concert Series.
“You get four nights of excellent musical entertainment for a very reasonable price,” she said.
This year’s kickoff concert will feature The Bills, an acclaimed B.C.-based quintet renowned amongst their fans of all ages for their instrumental virtuosity, lush vocal arrangements, exuberant live performances, great songwriting and refreshing sounds that transcends musical boundaries, said Philpott.
That concert will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23.
The second concert, set for December 4, will feature The Foothill Brass. The third concert, set for February 12, will feature the dynamic duo of acclaimed singer-songwriter Darelle London and cellist Kevin Fox.
The concert series will wrap up with the return of Dock Side Drive, the talented swing band that wowed audiences in Osoyoos with an exceptional performance three years ago.
All of the concerts will take place in the community theatre at Osoyoos Secondary School.
Variety is the spice of life and what the concert series hopes to bring to Osoyoos and area music fans, said Philpott.
“We’ve tried everything from jazz to swing and even considered some country music, although we haven’t done that yet,” she said. “The focus is on melodic music that is easy to listen to and we don’t want anything that is too loud or too weird.
“We’re trying to bring in acts that have mass appeal and sound good and I think we do a good job of that.”
One of last year’s shows was sold out and the other three had very good attendance figures, which was much appreciated after crowds had started to dwindle for many of the shows over the previous couple of years, said Philpott.
“We need people to come out and support the concert series,” she said.
The price is most certainly right as a season package for all four concerts costs $80, she said. Tickets for each individual concert are $23 in advance and $25 at the door.
A special student rate is being introduced this year to try and attract a younger audience, she said.
Tickets can be purchased at Imperial Office Pro on Main Street in Osoyoos and Sundance Video in Oliver.
If you need a ride from Osoyoos, call Alix at 250-495-5250.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
