From: Sylvia Murray

 

When my husband and I first bought a house in the Okanagan just over 11 years ago, many of our neighbours and friends wondered why people of our age (early 40’s) would want to reside in Oliver, as it was considered more of a retirement community. There weren’t very many “going ons”, we had one supermarket (eventually two with Buy-Low Foods opening up in 2010), the Oliver Theatre had great movie fees and the restaurants were more “diner” style and closed their doors quite early, etc.

In the last few years I’ve noticed a change in the atmosphere in Oliver with younger families living here thanks to economic growth in the Okanagan. We still have sleepy restaurants that are closed by 8pm, we still have two supermarkets and the theatre still has great movie rates, but I noticed that we now have establishments that welcome local bands/singers to entertain with live music (most with no cover charge). We also have a lot more wineries & breweries with great offerings (restaurants, entertainment, events etc.) and I think the Frank Venables Theatre is an awesome venue for live entertainment. There are two great shows coming in October and my fear is that they will be cancelled due to lack of interest.

I grew in the Big City (Vancouver) and saw Neil Diamond in concert almost 20 years ago at GM Place (paid $100.00 per ticket). When I first saw “Nearly Neil” 17 years ago, I was in awe of how much he reminded me of the “real thing”.  He put on such a fantastic show, that I have seen him live at a few other events (not a groupie, but a fan of the music). I could try to get to see the real Neil Diamond again, but that will be impossible with his recent medical condition, which is devastating to the music world.

When I heard “Nearly Neil” was coming to the Venables Theatre, I was very excited to have the opportunity to see him again (especially in the Okanagan). Please come join us all for a great night of entertainment. Whether you are young or older, I have no doubt that this show will bring back nostalgia and memories of all the great hits that Neil Diamond wrote and sang. Nearly Neil is just like the real thing, you will not be disappointed and you will definitely be singing and clapping along.