CONCERT SOCIETY FACES FUNDING CUTS
The South Okanagan Concert Society executive were dismayed when they recently learned that MusicFest Vancouver has run into significant financial difficulties and with deep regret their Board of Directors has suspended not only their summer festival but the Spectacular Music BC outreach program. Locally, that translates into the loss of a major grant for one of the four concerts presented each year. No money is available to help pay promised presenter fees.
President of the Vancouver Summer Festival Society, Morris Biddle, writes that he is “deeply sorry for the position this puts you in as a presenter.” Fortunately, dedicated local sponsors continue to support the SOCS series and the shortfall this year may be covered by an expanded audience base. Drawn by high calibre concerts and by musicians able to create an appealing personal rapport, people have been attending the concerts in large numbers.
If you love music and want to help, come on Thursday, March 7th at 7:30 pm for the final concert of the series. Woody Holler and his Orchestra will be on stage at the temporary venue of the Oliver Alliance Church. This group loves to explore the crossover between jazz and western to produce “gypsy jazz from the saddle”. All are remarkable musicians. The performance promises to be an evening of musical fun and your presence will help ensure concerts continue in the future. Tickets are at Beyond Bliss and at the door.
Marion Boyd