Huge kudos to the cast and crew of Miracle on 34th Street. Apparently they made history with that show, outselling everything else ever produced by Kelowna Actors Studio. More than 4,200 people came through the doors to get infused with Christmas spirit, watch snow fall from the sky and learn that the spirit of Santa is alive and well.
When you think about the fact that all those stagehands, kids and actors have regular day jobs or are in school, it makes the show even more impressive.
Well done!
Next up for Kelowna Actors Studio is the final production of a music stand concert. While the actors love doing these shows, the attendance just isn't enough to continue supporting them, so this will be your final chance to catch what they lovingly refer to as "Theatre Olympics," where thinking on your feet is mandatory as well as the ability to improvise when you lose your place in the script.
There are usually some pretty funny moments as the cast members wind their way through the book, acting and singing out the story.
This time around, it's Guys and Dolls. The show will run Jan.
17-20. Tickets are at the KAS box office, on their website at kelownaactorsstudio.com or call 250-862-2867.
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How are you going to celebrate the end of the Mayan calendar and the Winter Solstice tomorrow? I got all excited when I saw an End of Days Festival listed on Facebook, posted by the Kelowna Community Theatre's Randy Zahara, but then discovered it wasn't an actual event. Too bad.
I think it would have been great.
So with that option dashed, other places you might want celebrate, albeit unofficially, could include the Blue Gator, where you'll find the Young'uns playing. Music starts around 9 p.m. and there's a $5 cover at the door.
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Another venue not celebrating the end of the world is the Minstrel Cafe. One of my favourite venues, it's a nice place to go sit by the fire, eat a fabulous meal and catch some great live music five to six nights a week. Blue City Trio is playing there tonight, Friday and Saturday. There will be a $5 entertainment charge added to your bill. Music starts at 8 p.m.
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Saturday evening at the Kelowna Community Theatre, you'll find the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra performing its Christmas concert. Special guests include narrator and baritone Alan Corbishley and the Okanagan Symphony Youth Chorus. Corbishley will give readings from Dickens, Dylan Thomas and more. Tickets are $41 for adults, $33 for seniors and $19 for youth, available at the Kelowna Actors Studio box office or at the door. Showtime is early, starting at 7 p.m.
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Also on Saturday night, you'll find the hot Kelowna band that's turning heads everywhere, Fields of Green, playing an acoustic performance at Habitat. The event is called Jon and Roy's Holiday Special and also features Vince Vaccaro. Tickets are available in advance at Leo's Video or Mosaic books for $15 or you can buy them online at thehabitat.ca. Doors open at 8 p.m.
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Looking for something new to try this week? Mi Salsa is happening Saturday night (presuming the world hasn't ended) at The Lounge at Sapphire. Starting at 9:30 p.m., there will be Salsa lessons, followed by games and a dance competition at 10:30 p.m., and prizes at midnight. For the price of $10 you can come and dance the night away, from 9 p.m. right through to 1:30 a.m.. Located at 238 Leon Ave., check the Mi Salsa Kelowna Facebook page for more information.
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I received another reminder notice that the Okanagan Arts Awards, is accepting nominations from now until Jan. 11. Awards will be handed out at a special presentation on March 2 in the categories of music, theatre, dance, literary arts, visual arts, design, media arts, graphic arts, arts educator, supporter of the arts and a special Central Okanagan Foundation Community Arts Association Award for the best arts organization. There is also a Lifetime Achievement award, but they do not accept nominations for this. I'm not sure why or how it is the arts council thinks itself to be so well connected to know all the possible people that are deserving of such an honour, but so be it.
As for the rest of the awards, they've been woefully short of nominations over the past few years. Thankfully, the nominations they've received have, for the most part, been of a high enough calibre that the winners were deserving of recognition, but wouldn't it be nice to see at least three or found people nominated in every category? Or, what the heck, dream big - imagine if five people got nominated in every category!
To nominate someone for an award, you can go online to the artsco.ca website. If you have any questions, call the arts council at 250-861-4123 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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If you're still looking for some last-minute ideas for Christmas gifts for the creative members of your household, both Kelowna Actors Studio and Bumbershoot Theatre are offering acting classes for kids of all ages, and KAS has classes for adults as well. New sessions begin in January - a great idea for something outside the box for your kids.
Also, the Kelowna Art Gallery has a bunch of art classes they'll be offering in various media starting in January as well.
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Here's wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and an eVent-ful and Happy New Year.

- Glenna Turnbull is a freelance writer who has covered the Okanagan arts and entertainment scene for many years. Her column appears each Thursday in eVent. Email her at
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