Friday September 22 @ 7:00
PERSONAL PRESENTATION NIGHT
Oliver Ambassadors
Tonight the candidate's stage performances and table presentations are shared displaying many varied interests and passions. After intermission, Ambassadors and Candidates present the Frugal fashion show, modeling their thrifty outfits found at local shops. We welcome visiting ambassadors to our community both tonight and tomorrow. 


TICKETS: $10
Saturday September 23 @ 6:30
AWARDS GALA
Oliver Ambassadors
Starting with a perky opening dance number, we will see the candidate's final impromptu speeches, and ambassadors' retirement speeches and video. Finally, eight awards will be presented, and our new Ambassador team will be named. Come say farewell to the current team and celebrate with our 2023-24 team!


TICKETS: Adults - $20, Students - $10
Tuesday September 26 @ 7:30
BALLET KELOWNA: taqəš and Other Works
Presented by Venables Theatre
The taqəš and Other Works program features a stunning lineup of signature works from Ballet Kelowna’s contemporary ballet repertoire. With Kirsten Wicklund’s exhilarating The Forever Part, Guillaume Côté’s mesmerizing Bolero, and Cameron Fraser-Monroe’s powerful and compelling taqəš [tawKESH], this high-energy program promises to please a wide range of spectators.
 
Kirsten Wicklund’s The Forever Part explores the inherent tension of the permanence of forever – a concept fueled by both yearning and desire as well as anxiety and confinement. This work is set to a compelling and divergent score of some of J.S. Bach’s greatest works (Toccata and Fugue in D minor; Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria da capo) as well as original music by Wicklund.
 
Next, National Ballet of Canada Choreographic Associate Guillaume Côté brings strength and fragility to a fascinating interpretation of the beloved Bolero by Maurice Ravel, one of music’s most famous and identifiable melodies. A “riveting tour de force” (Dance Magazine), Bolero (2012) features breathtaking lifts and virtuosic choreography.
 
Rounding out the program, Cameron Fraser-Monroe brings his classical ballet training, knowledge of traditional Coast Salish, Grass, and Hoop Dance, and experience as a contemporary dancer to taqəš [tawKESH], which means “to return something” in Ayajuthem, the language belonging to the Homalco, Klahoose, K’omoks and Tla’amin Nations. Set to several songs by Polaris Prize-winning composer and singer Jeremy Dutcher, taqəš follows the traditional story “Raven Returns the Water,” centred around ῤoho (raven) and walθ (frog). 

TICKETS: Adult $35, 18 + Under $20
Thursday October 5 @ 7:30
DEREK EDWARDS
In Praise of the Ostrich
Presented by Shantero Productions
With 'In Praise of the Ostrich'  Derek Edwards  moseys back into town on horse-drawn comedy wagon; a searing meander down life's twisting trails, steered effortfully by this 30-year veteran. He returns with a payload of blissfully funny personal stories – a cacophony of shenanigans – set to tickle the ribs and warm the heart. 

With an easy conversational style, Derek reluctantly pulls his head out of the sand and launches into commentary on the influx of pot stores, self-driving cars, gambling tips, the challenge of staying youthful... plus dressing warm. 
From Vegas to St. John’s, this Just For Laughs veteran is universally considered to be among the comic elite.  Certainly his peers think so, as evidenced by the fact that he’s a four-time nominee, and winner of Best Standup Comic - Canadian Comedy Awards, as well as a multiple Gemini nominee for Best Performance in a Comedy.  As Rick Mercer says, “Everyone knows Derek is the funniest man in Canada.”
                                               
Clearly the critics agree: “5 STARS - the funniest man on earth” - Winnipeg Free Press; “4 STARS -  the crowd howled” - Victoria Times Colonist; “still the funniest man in Canada” - Toronto Sun; “Edwards reigns as the King of Canadian comedy” - Charlottetown Guardian; “Derek Edwards is hysterical” - Calgary Sun; “Edwards takes stand-up to next stage” - Georgia Straight; “the epitome of timing & storytelling” - Halifax Chronicle Herald; “the comedian’s comedian” - London Free Press. 
 
'In Praise of the Ostrich'  - Derek Edwards' new 90-minute stand-up comedy show... a richly textured and enthralling 'cut above,' delivered with pace and authority by the consummate Canadian Comedian. Down to earth, lots of laughs, wagons ho.

TICKETS - $60
Saturday October 7 @ 7:30
Lisa Brokop presents
THE PATSY CLINE PROJECT &
HANK LIVES
Featuring Paul Jefferson
TICKETS - $45
Around here, we love our country… we love our country music that is. We get our fair share of artists, but rarely do we get them with the musical pedigree of Lisa Brokop, also featuring Paul Jefferson. In 2016, Lisa Brokop put together a new musical venture, "Lisa Brokop: The Patsy Cline Project."  Lisa pays homage to one of country music's greatest ladies with some of Cline's classic hits like "Sweet Dreams," "Walkin After Midnight," and “Crazy,” as well as some of her own material specifically written for the project. As an added bonus, you get Paul Jefferson, a major country artist and super talented songwriter, (Aaron Tippin, Keith Urban) with and incredibly accurate performance of his hero Hank Williams Senior, (you’ll think he’s back!)
                      
Lisa Brokop began her career as a young girl in Surrey BC and with more than 30 years in the biz. She has 9 albums to her credit and over 30 songs that are top 20 radio charting. At the age of 19, Lisa landed the lead female role in the feature film "Harmony Cats" and shortly after, she was signed to Capitol Records. Lisa released two critically acclaimed albums, the Canadian-certified Gold record "Every Little Girls Dream" and the self-titled "Lisa Brokop," which garnered hits such as "Give Me a Ring Sometime," "Take That,” "Before He Kissed Me," and "She Can't Save Him.” In 1995, the prestigious Academy of Country Music recognized Lisa with an award nomination for Top New Female Vocalist. She has been awarded multiple times by the the Canadian Country Music Awards. Lisa has written for Reba McEntire, Terri Clark and Pam Tillis. This is a must see for Patsy Clines fans everywhere!
 
Paul Jefferson is a singer, songwriter, producer and recording artist who originally hails from the hills of Woodside, CA but has been based in Nashville Tennessee for the past 3 decades. Early in his career, Paul landed the leading role of Hank Williams in the San Jose production of "Lost Highway Paul's latest musical venture goes back to his country roots to honor his hero Hank Williams Sr. with the show "Hank Lives," which pays tribute to the many amazing classics of Hank Williams Sr. along with stories from the life and times of Hank.
Sunday October 8 @ 7:00
ELLIOTT BROOD & SHRED KELLY
Across the Great Divide Tour
TICKETS: $35 Advance, $38 At the Door
For 20 years, Elliott BROOD has journeyed through genres, history, stories and countless kms on the road. They mine old-timey topics and traditions, with a guitar banjo-focused sound that’s earnest and raucous; story-driven roots rock that glistens with warmth and wide-eyed, though slightly world-weary, wonder. The tunes on their most recent album, 2020’s Keeper, were most certainly written before the pandemic started, but are exactly what Elliott BROOD fans need in uneven times, with a spotlight on the intimate and personal that still offer universal observations about family, relationships, yearning and the passage of time. The warm, organic playing, soaring voices, and audible bond between band members Mark Sasso, Casey Laforet, and Stephen Pitkin makes Elliott BROOD feel like a well-worn and comfortable pair of shoes that still has enough traction to tread many more miles on journeys yet to come.

Emerging from the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, SHRED KELLY is a powerhouse band that seamlessly blends elements of alternative, folk, and rock music. With a captivating live act that leaves audiences in awe, they have become a mainstay in the Canadian music scene. But it's not just their energetic performances that set them apart—Shred Kelly's heartfelt songwriting strikes a chord with listeners, connecting deeply as each band member brings their eclectic musical influences to the table, shaping the group's unique musical direction.

With an impressive track record of touring across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the UK, Shred Kelly has made appearances at renowned festivals such as Kaslo Jazz, Ottawa Blues Fest, Winnipeg Folk Fest, SXSW, Reeperbahn and many more. Furthermore, the band has shared stages with esteemed acts such as The Dead South, Elliott Brood, and The Cave Singers, leading to their reputation as a dynamic live act whose show is described as a joyous celebration of life.
Thursday October 12 @ 7:30
TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT
Presented by Mooncoin Productions
TICKETS: $64
Moon Coin Productions (Producers of ABRA Cadabra and The Rocket Man) Presents “Take It To The Limit” The Ultimate Eagle’s Tribute coming to the Frank Venables Theatre for the first time on October 12th, 2023! This show features some of Canada’s finest musicians and vocalists, performing all of your Favourite Eagle’s Hits such as Hotel California, Heartache Tonight, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Take It To The Limit, Desperado, Life In The Fast Lane, Take It Easy, Love Will Keep Us Alive, New Kid In Town, Tequila Sunrise, I Can’t Tell You Why, Lyin’ Eyes and many more! See more info at: www.EaglesTributeShow.com

Testimonials:

One of the best I’ve seen lately …if anyone has the chance to see these guys perform, it’s well worth going. Everything from sound, stage, lighting, vocals.. were perfect. A great show…
  • Angie Tatarniuk - Vancouver
Fantastic show tonight at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey. We had a fantastic time and we didn't want the show to end!! Go see them if you get a chance, we can't wait for them to come back!
  • Cathy Hauen – Surrey
Fantastic concert, perfect sound and worth every penny!
  • Gary Leiper – Surrey
Amazing Eagle’s Tribute! Saturday really was "one of those nights" at Surrey's Bell Performing Arts Centre when Take It To the Limit played the Eagles' many hits in the sold-out theatre (which is amazing for a brand-new production). The band did not disappoint with a note-for-note tribute to the American rock icons. My guests were blown away! Congrats for the amazing success out of the gates!
  • Tom Zillich, entertainment reporter - Surrey Now-Leader
Some performance highlights for Take It To The Limit Include The Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, The Clarke Theatre in Mission, Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver, McPherson Playhouse in Victoria, The Port Theatre in Nanaimo, TCU Place in Saskatoon, The Vic Juba Theatre in Lloydminster, The Red Deer Memorial Centre, The Yates Theatre in Lethbridge and many more! 
Friday October 13 @ 7:30
OKTOPUS
Presented by Venables Theatre
South Okanagan Concert Series
​Part of the 2023/2024 South Okanagan Concert Series
Friday October 13, 2023 - Oktopus
Friday November 10th 2023 - Tunde Jegede & Friends
Friday January 26th 2024 - Sarah Hagen
Friday March 22nd 2024 - The McDades 

​TICKETS
4 Events - $25 each
2-3 Events - $27.50 each
Single Event - $29 each
​Students - $2.50 each
Awarded numerous awards (JUNO, CFMA…), Oktopus is a major presence on the Canadian world music scene, with over 250 performances to its credit at home and abroad. The group is primarily devoted to klezmer distinguished by a novel approach that incorporates various components of the classical and Quebecois repertoire, with some jazz and Balkan accents. The eight virtuoso musicians offer festive, high-energy performances, at once melancholic and profound, sprinkled with humour and spiced with narrative, in which original compositions and finely crafted arrangements combine with improvisation. Its members’ complicity, shared passion, and hard work are what makes each of their performances so memorable—whether on stage, in the street, on a ship, in a hot air balloon or in your living room, Oktopus is simply… spectentacular! 
Sunday October 15 @ 3:00
Venables Theatre presents
HEY VIOLA!
The Soundtrack of a Life
Hey Viola!, is a musical exploration of Canadian Civil Rights hero, Viola Desmond and could not be more relevant in this time of Civil Rights, Black Lives Matter, and Women’s Rights movements.

In Hey Viola!, Vancouver songstress and actor Krystle Dos Santos, with the support of local musicians Chris Davis, Steven Charles and Jen Lewin brings the life of Viola Desmond to the stage using the dynamic and inspirational music that filled the home of this trailblazer of the civil rights movement. Using the musical format enriches the telling of her amazing and powerful story, ultimately an important Canadian story. But who is Viola Desmond...? other than the newest face on Canada’s ten-dollar bill. She is best known for her courage in refusing to leave the whites-only section of Nova Scotia’s Roseland cinema in 1946, a decision that made history, but she was also a feminist and beauty product icon. What was the fire within this successful black Canadian businesswoman that gave her the courage and confidence to stand up to systemic racial injustices in Canada?

Teaming up to create this work are two immense talents: Tracey Power, Co-creator and Director, who created Glory, Chelsea Hotel, The Songs of Leonard Cohen and the musical Miss Shakespeare and Krystle Dos Santos, an extraordinary actor, blues, jazz and soul singer and creator of “BLAK”, exploring Canada’s Black history. “I feel so honoured to be able to continue to share Viola’s story, now more than ever as we continue to make our way through a time when perspective and togetherness is so important,” stated Krystle Dos Santos. “Viola was such an incredibly driven, intelligent and strong woman. Her story is an important message to share and relevant in today’s world. As Canadians, we have to recognize that this is not a unique story in our history, but one that reflects an imperfect culture, past and present, I have seen how audiences really open up to her." 

TICKETS: Adults $30, 18 & under $20
Wednesday October 18 @ 7:00
DISSOLVE
Presented by shameless hussy productions &
​Desert Sun Counselling Centre
Following a college girl on a night out, moving back and forth from bedroom to bar scenes, one actress plays 16 characters, both comic and dramatic. Night turns to morning, and “Anygirl” awakens from her ordeal as a disoriented yet brave survivor. This show is designed to provoke thought and dialogue around date rape and consent, ultimately challenging our thinking and behaviour surrounding alcohol, drugs and sexual assault. Dissolve has toured North America for the past decade. Last fall this show played 42nd Street in New York and now it's here!

“Anygirl’s anger translates into energy and spot-on satire… the characters funny and recognizable… a rewarding show.” The Vancouver Sun

“In all my years as an educator (25 years) I have never seen a more powerful presentation. There is a tremendous need for this type of education in schools today.” Jay Prepchuk - Counseling Department Head, Handsworth Secondary School.

With a mandate of “telling provocative stories about women to inspire the hand that rocks the cradle to rock the world” Vancouver’s shameless hussy productions puts herstory to the forefront. We search for and create work that provokes a deeper understanding of women’s past, present and potential and bring it roaring onto stages across Canada and the U.S. Previous productions mounted for young audiences include our original play about women’s suffrage, Woman Idiot Lunatic Criminal. More at www.shamelesshussy.com

TICKETS: This is a free event with general admission seating.
Friday October 20 @ 6:30
ZANIAC COMEDY SHOW with ALEX ZERBE
Family Showtime Series
With the energy of 1,000 suns, Alex Zerbe moves like a rubber band from one end of the stage to the other. Beatboxing, juggling, dancing, singing, music and magic are just a few of the things that led Piers Morgan of America’s Got Talent to call this physical comedian, “The total package.”

The “Professional Zaniac,” whoʼs been cracking jokes onstage for almost 15 years, zigzags between physical stunts and non-stop comedy. During the show vegetables are sliced in half by flying playing cards, flaming torches and bowling balls are juggled with ease and every audience volunteer leaves the stage in triumph.

Formerly of the award-winning duo Brothers from Different Mothers, Zerbe is a Hacky Sack World Champion, was voted The Pacific Northwest’s Funniest Prop Comic and is a two-time Guinness World Record holder. Heʼs performed everywhere from cruise ships and comedy clubs to prime-time television in three countries, including “Americaʼs Got Talent!” and “Last Comic Standing. Visit TheZaniac.com to see Alex in actiion. 

Part of the Family Showtime Series
Friday October 20 - Zaniac Comedy Show
Tuesday January 16 - Waves, all that Glows Sees
Friday February 16 - iLumiDance
Saturday April 6 - RupLoops

TICKETS: $10
Wednesday October 25 @ 7:30
BEAR GREASE
Presented by Venables Theatre
Bear Grease is a fresh and fun Indigenous take on the classic 1978 musical. The all-Indigenous cast includes Crystle Lightning (2021 Canadian Screen Award Winner for Best Actress, Trickster, and Three Pines) as Sandy and MC RedCloud (Yellowstone) as Danny. Get your tickets early - this smash hit has sold out festivals across Canada and the US!

Cast and Crew:
Crystle Lightning (Enoch Cree Nation) as Sandy
MC RedCloud (Huichol/Wixaritari) as Danny
Teneil Whiskeyjack (Saddle LakeNation) as Marty
Bryce Morin (Enoch Cree Nation) as Roger
Tammy Rae (Whitefish LakeNation) as Rizzo
Skylene Gladue - (Beaver FirstNation) as Jan
Ger Carriere (Cumberland HouseCree) as Frenchie
Rodney McLeod (Frog Lake Nation) as Canuckie
Arik Pipestem (Tsuut'ina Nation) as Hoopy
Josh Languedoc (Saugeen FirstNation) as Sonny
Josh Jackson (Enoch Cree Nation): Showrunner/Stage Manager
Sabrina Pipestem: Choreographer

​TICKETS: Adults - $40, 18 & Under $20
Wednesday November 1 @ 7:30
Jaedyns Tributes presents
A Re-Creation of 
THE JOHNNY CASH TV SHOW
​Join award winning tribute artist Jaedyn Pilon and the Flashback Band as they recreate the magic of the Johnny Cash TV Show. From 1969 to 1971 Johnny Cash hosted a variety show which was a unique platform that showcased the best of country, rock and folk music, featuring performances by the biggest names in the industry. You will experience the rebellious, edgy sound of Waylon Jennings, the soulful vocals of Linda Ronstadt, the sensational guitar playing of Glen Campbell, to name a few and of course the raw sounds of Johnny Cash.

TICKETS: $52
Saturday November 4 @ 7:30
Train Wreck Comedy presents
SHAUN MAJUMDER - The Hardly Dead Tour
TICKETS: $40
Hold onto your funny bones and fasten your seatbelts because Train Wreck Comedy is BACK, baby! We're gracing the Venables Theatre with a comedy spectacle like no other - drumroll, please - "The Hardly Dead Tour" starring none other than the legendary Canadian chuckle guru, Shaun Majumder!

If you snoozed and missed Shaun's "Love Tour" in May 2022, don't you dare shed a tear! We've got your back, and this is your moment to make things right! Consider it a comedy redemption. If you were one of the lucky souls who caught the "Love Tour," get ready to have your sides splitting all over again!

Raised in rural Newfoundland Canada, Shaun Majumder has been a performer his entire life. After leaving his hometown of Burlington (Pop 350) and moving to Mississauga Ontario at the age of thirteen, Shaun acted in his first stage play in the 8th Grade. Immediately he was hooked. He continued theatre throughout high school, winning several awards at festivals for his many performances. But according to the adults around him, there was no future in this acting thing. So, Shaun followed the guidance of his teachers and did what most did; went to university with the hopes of a career finding him.

After one year of partying and taking general arts classes, Shaun quickly realized his true passion was acting, so he abandoned his safety net and went for it. He found early success as a Standup Comedian and host, landing his first gigs with YTV (Canada’s Nickelodeon) as a host/PJ for five years, along with CBC’s Just For Laughs comedy series. He continued to book small roles in Film and TV and in 2003 he joined the cast of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes where he spent seventeen seasons.

For the past twenty-plus years, Shaun has found success on both sides of the border. A few noteworthy performances include his work as Detective Vik Mahajan in ABC’s critically acclaimed crime drama, Detroit 1-8-7. His role as Andrew Palmer on NBC’s The Firm starring alongside Josh Lucas and Juliette Lewis. As Hassan Numair on FOX’s 24. His comedy roles include starring in the Sketch Comedy Series Cedric The Entertainer Presents, The Farrelly Brothers Unhitched, ABC’s Married Not Dead, NBC’s Nevermind Nirvana, and CBC’s Hatching Matching and Dispatching.
​
So get ready for non-stop giggles, snickers, guffaws, and maybe even a few snorts (don't worry, we won't judge!). Shaun Majumder is a comedic maestro, and "The Hardly Dead Tour" is his symphony of hilarity, ready to blow your laughter-loving minds!
Friday November 10 @ 7:30
TUNDE JEGEDE & FRIENDS
Presented by Venables Theatre
South Okanagan Concert Series
​TICKETS
4 Events - $25 each
2-3 Events - $27.50 each
Single Event - $29 each
​Students - $2.50 each
World-renowned composer, producer, cellist and kora virtuoso Tunde Jegede brings a new vision to contemporary African and Western classical music. A renaissance man of the harp-lute with over twenty years experience, his work is a unique synthesis of classical, jazz and traditional music and embodies the legacy of the idiom; African Classical Music.

Tunde Jegede’s work has changed the face of classical and contemporary music in Europe and Africa. He is one of the only composers in the world to be steeped in both Western and African music who is rooted in two cultural musical legacies. Tunde Jegede studied both Western classical music and the Griot Tradition of West Africa from a very early age, attending the Purcell School of Music in London and learning from a Master of the Kora in the Gambia, Amadu Bansang Jobarteh.

Tunde is joined by Jessica McMann. Jessica is an Alberta -based Cree (Cowessess, SK), multi-disciplinary artist. She interweaves land, Indigenous identity, history, and language throughout her dance and music creation/performance practice. A classically trained flutist, she holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Calgary and an MFA in Contemporary Arts from Simon Fraser University.  Her work fuses together traditional language and dance with her own contemporary experiences as an Indigenous woman and Two-Spirit person. 

Also joining Tunde is Daniel Bhattacharya. As a musician, Daniel has performed in most of the major Concert halls of the world, such as Carnegie Hall (New York), Royal Albert Hall ( London), Musikverein(Vienna), Berlin Philharmonic Grand Hall( Berlin), and Queen Elizabeth Hall (London). Recent solo performances have taken him to Spain, Canada, the USA, France and India. He has made broadcasts for BBC radio, Canada and Russian radio and TV. He has directed various ensembles from the violin, performing a wide range of concertos.

​Part of the 2023/2024 South Okanagan Concert Series
Friday October 13, 2023 - Oktopus
Friday November 10th 2023 - Tunde Jegede & Friends
Friday January 26th 2024 - Sarah Hagen
Friday March 22nd 2024 - The McDades 
Saturday November 25 @ 7:30
Invictus Presents
BRETT KISSEL
The Compass Tour
​It all “Started With A Song” ten years ago, and ever since, Brett Kissel has had an extraordinary rise to superstardom in the Canadian country music scene. With three Platinum and ten Gold singles, two Gold-certified albums, and sixteen Top-10 radio hits, he has become one of the country’s most celebrated artists. Having toured with legends such as Garth Brooks and Brad Paisley, and completing record breaking runs across the country, Kissel has firmly planted himself as one of Canada’s most beloved entertainers. He has also become well known for his genre-defying collaborations, which have led to some iconic duets featuring Grammy winners Charley Pride, Dave Mustaine, Nelly, and iconic R&B group, 98 Degrees. 

Earlier this year, Kissel released South Album, the first part of a four-installment multi-album package titled The Compass Project. The second installment,  East album,  is available now, with West and North albums to follow in 2023.

TICKETS: $85
Row M: $64.50 (stackable chairs along the back wall)
Saturday January 13 @ 7:30
​RICK MILLER'S
BOOM
Presented by Venables Theatre
Written, directed and performed by Rick Miller, BOOM  is an explosive solo performance that documents the music, politics, and culture that shaped the Baby Boom generation. BOOM takes us through 25 turbulent years, and gives voice to over a 100 influential politicians, activists and musicians. It's a mind-blowing experience for audiences of all generations and, with over 400 performances already, a hit in Canada, the U.S., France, and Taiwan!

BOOM chronologically documents the period from the first atomic bomb in 1945 all the way to the Apollo 11 landing on the moon in 1969. These two iconic moments span one of the most tumultuous times in modern history, as a generation with incredible influence came of age alongside advances in technology and communication. Rick Miller performs all the characters and 25 moment-defining songs, in a stunningly staged production that blends cutting-edge multimedia, and tour-de-force storytelling. Experience the global events as they unfold: the Cold War, McCarthyism, Beatlemania, JFK, MLK, Vietnam... The various stories spiral into the “The Summer of Love’’, and BOOM ends as it began: with the birth of a new generation. 
TICKETS: Adults $45, Seniors $40, 18 & Under $25
Sunday January 14 @ 7:30
BILL USHER & THE SPACE HEATERS
The Good Getting Older Tour
Presented by Venables Theatre
TICKETS: $25
Multiple Juno award-winner Bill Usher could be one of the most accomplished but, not-so-famous people in the world of Canadian music and arts! Starting in the 1970s, this self-taught drummer has played and recorded with several festival’s worth of well-known artists, from Bruce Cockburn and Ronnie Hawkins to Valdy, Willie P. Bennett and Stan Rogers. He’s produced 60 albums, most notably the first four ground-breaking albums for Sharon, Lois & Bram, but also for Stringband, the Nexus Percussion Ensemble, Big Bird & Oscar the Grouch and many others – and received numerous Gold and Platinum records for his efforts. (And yes, that was Bill who made those Five Little Monkeys jump on the bed!)

During the ’90s, Bill emerged as a songwriter, releasing two albums with his band The Space Heaters. Two notable gigs involved playing Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD festival in Toronto and Festival Rhyme du Monde in Montreal. By the early 2000s while working as the Ontario Arts Councils’ Performing Arts Touring Officer he created a whole album’s worth of songs with the release of Slowdancing in the Ballroom of Life, a deep dive into the challenges and rewards of surviving into middle age – a thoughtful and groove-filled look at, mostly, the good things about getting older. From gospel-tinged hints of redemption to the sort of love songs that can only be written after you’ve been in love for a very long time, Slowdancing had a lot to say and said it very well indeed. “These songs have already sung their way into my life,” wrote Dugg Simpson, longtime artistic director of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. “They’re about things that I have lived and about things that I am living, in a musical language that I can understand.” Bill Usher and thespaceheaters Pursuing a long held dream to leave the city behind, Bill and his wife moved west in 2002 and settled in Golden, BC. “Pete Seeger’s elder advice to me backstage at the Mariposa Folk Festival in 1975, was my ‘north star’ growing older,” says Usher. “Pete told me, ‘You don’t find community. You make community.’ So simple, yet so powerful.”
​
The last word goes to Bill, “Hey don’t forget to tell folks about the groove,” Usher laughs. “I’ve been drumming for over 50 years now, so you know there’s going to be a groove!” 
Tuesday January 16 @ 9:00am & 11:00am
WAVES, all that Glows Sees
A show for toddlers, from 18 months to 4 years old
Family Showtime Series
To begin with, you follow a little pathway of shells and stones that goes around a big tent made of sheets. You can hear someone playing a harmonica. It seems that people may be already inside the tent. They want you to come and see, so you go in. You walk through the opening. When you’re inside the tent it’s very pleasant. It’s warm, but there’s a tiny breeze. A little melody makes your heart beat more calmly. The light is gentle, like that of the setting sun.
​
Inside, a tall man is dreaming of the sea. He makes sand appear, then turtles, seagulls and fish, and then dune grass, the sky, boats and time that passes.
The man doesn’t know how to wait, so he plays at hiding in the depth of the water. He becomes a treasure that waits. And waits. And waits for you.
Beside him, another tall man makes music and lets his voice float out over the ocean. To wait is to hope, and this happens often. It happens all the time. To little kids and to grown-ups too.

A charming “postcard,” offering images, music, words and silence, like a poem for someone you love... or a holiday on an invented beach.

​Part of the Family Showtime Series
Friday October 20 - Zaniac Comedy Show
Tuesday January 16 - Waves, all that Glows Sees
Friday February 16 - iLumiDance
Saturday April 6 - RupLoops

TICKETS: $10
Thursday January 25 @ 7:30
JIM BYRNES with SIMON KENDALL
Sponsored by Castanet
Jim Byrnes lives and breathes music. For nearly fifty years he’s crooned, drawled, belted, hollered and sweet talked more songs into a microphone than most people ever get to hear in a single lifetime. His evocative, smoky vocals are found in a truth that doesn’t come overnight. The sheer joy you can hear in the music he creates is a reason to celebrate Jim Byrnes as a living musical treasure.

By age thirteen, Jim was singing and playing blues guitar. His first professional gig was in 1964. Over the years, he has had the great good fortune to appear with a virtual who’s who of the blues. From Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker to Taj Mahal and Robert Cray, Jim has been on the blues highway his whole career.

St. Louis bred, Byrnes moved to Vancouver, BC in the mid-70s after years of drifting, working odd jobs and playing music. He’s been a mainstay on both the music and screen scenes ever since. Jim was recently awarded the Order of Canada, acknowledging the impact he has had on the Canadian arts scene as well as for his philanthropic work.

His fame as an actor equals his legendary music status. From his numerous TV and movie roles, highlights include the Wiseguy and Highlander series, and his national variety show, The Jim Byrnes Show.

With many award winning albums to his credit (Maple Blues Awards, WCMAs, Junos, Canadian Folk Music Awards), Jim Byrnes is that artist who will light up the stage with songs and stories, tried and true.

Jim will be joined for this show by Simon Kendall (Doug & The Slugs) on keys and Eric Reed on guitars and mandolin.

TICKETS: $39
Friday January 26 @ 7:30
SARAH HAGEN - Wonder Women
Presented by Venables Theatre
South Okanagan Concert Series
​Part of the 2023/2024 South Okanagan Concert Series
Friday October 13, 2023 - Oktopus
Friday November 10th 2023 - Tunde Jegede & Friends
Friday January 26th 2024 - Sarah Hagen
Friday March 22nd 2024 - The McDades 

​TICKETS
4 Events - $25 each
2-3 Events - $27.50 each
Single Event - $29 each
​Students - $2.50 each
In “Wonder Women!”, pianist Sarah Hagen delves into the remarkable stories and piano music of forgotten female composers from the classical repertoire. This recital will highlight piano works by 18th and 19th century composers, including Clara Schumann, Cécile Chaminade, Delphine von Schauroth, and others. Included will be stunningly gorgeous music by Marianna Martines, who lived in the same circles as Haydn and Mozart, and often joined Mozart in piano duets at the musical soirées she and her sister held in their Viennese home.

A note from the performer: I began performing this programme after purchasing a disappointingly thin volume of music by female composers about 20 years ago. After reading through the music, I remember shutting the book and thinking to myself, There must be more music than this, and certainly more music of a better quality!.  I simply didn’t feel the collection fairly represented the music that had been created by women during the 18th and 19th centuries. So I set off on a musical treasure hunt, searching online, through old collections of music, and in libraries. I have found that good music is getting easier to find as scholars take more of an interest in researching these remarkable women. So, I am constantly refreshing the programme!  
I am also continually fascinated by the stories of the strong women behind the music. These are the women who fought for equal pay as their male colleagues, who insisted that they could also have a life and a career outside of the kitchen, who chose to shockingly forgo marriage to be able to fully focus on their art. These are the trailblazers who are an invaluable part of our journey to gender equality.  
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I have especially found that high school students are particularly interested in hearing these stores. Somehow hearing the music makes the stories of female strength and resilience come to life for the students in an inspiring way. 
Sunday February 11 @ 7:00
THE HIGH BAR GANG
Sponsored by Castanet
Since the band was formed in the summer of 2010, the High Bar Gang has been bringing its unique take on old time bluegrass to the people of Western Canada.
 
Vocal harmony is key to the band’s sound, and the blend of Shari Ulrich, Wendy Bird and Kirby Barber along with guitarist Barney Bentall and banjo player Dave Barber is simply stunning. Supported by Rob Becker on bass, and Colin Nairne on guitar and mandolin, the band’s repertoire stays mostly rooted in the golden age of bluegrass music with songs by the likes of Bill
Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and Del McCoury.
 
Highlights for the High Bar Gang include opening for Canadian music icons Blue Rodeo at Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl, and the many sold out shows they have played throughout Western Canada, including the prestigious Cedar Creek Winery Concert series and the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt. From the Brackendale Art Gallery and Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens to
Vancouver’s International Jazz Festival and San Francisco’s legendary Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, the band has built a solid reputation for their wonderfully upbeat brand of old time bluegrass and stories.
 
In 2013 the band signed a record deal with True North Records resulting in the release of their debut recording “Lost and Undone: A Gospel Bluegrass Companion”. Along with extensive airplay in Europe as well as in North America, the album garnered several award nominations in 2014 including a Juno Award nomination in the ‘Contemporary Christian/Gospel’ category as well as a Western Canadian Music Award nod in the ‘Spiritual’ category. The High Bar Gang went on to be nominated for three Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2014 and won that year for Best Vocal Group.

TICKETS: $44
Friday February 16 @ 6:30
iLumiDance
Family Showtime Series
Dancing light! In this interactive performance, audience members get to see three dances featuring electronic costumes, props and puppets. The light wire technology not only enchants students with professional dance, it gets them excited about the “technology” component of STEM learning.

The dance artists reveal how they use the STEM engineering design process to create innovative new technologies in dance art, such as wearable electronic costumes and electronic puppets.
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Audience members participate in demonstrations of how engineering design and coding are used to create dances, and selected students are invited up to create their own “ilumidance” with a five-foot-tall light wire puppet.

​​Part of the Family Showtime Series
Friday October 20 - Zaniac Comedy Show
Tuesday January 16 - Waves, all that Glows Sees
Friday February 16 - iLumiDance
Saturday April 6 - RupLoops

TICKETS: $10
Sunday March 10 @ 7:30
Venables Theatre presents 
JULIE KIM LIVE
With opening guest ​Kate Belton 
Julie Kim is a stand-up comedian and writer. She has been featured on national television and radio multiple times, and her comedy credits are among the best in Canada. She headlines across Canada, the United States, and beyond. Julie toured across North America with Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Crazy Rich Asians) in 2021/2022 for his Hope You Get Rich Tour.

Julie Kim is one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians. Julie recently toured across North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah). Over the past decade, Julie has performed at all the major Canadian comedy festivals including Just for Laughs Montreal, Just for Laughs Vancouver, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival (with multiple televised performances). She tours internationally and will be making her debut at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. She has also been regularly featured on CBC’s The Debaters. Julie’s online videos have amassed nearly 50 million views. Julie is also a writer and producer. Julie received three nominations for writing and producing by the Canadian Academy in 2023.

Julie has contributed to the writing rooms of Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs, and Still Standing. Julie has been part of the writing and creative consulting team at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival for the past three years. She was also a writer for Just for Laughs Montreal in 2022. Julie was a producer and writer for Simu Liu (Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as he hosted the 2022 Juno Awards. She ideated Liu’s now well-known ‘I am Canadian’ monologue, which has gone viral on the Internet and social media. Julie will return in this capacity as Simu hosts the 2023 Juno Awards.

Also in 2023, Julie was included on VIBE’s list of POWER 60: Inspiring Asian-Canadians of Influence. Other notable honorees included Lilly Singh, Andrew Phung, and Russell Peters.
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Julie's mission is to spread happiness, lighten hearts, and unite through laughter.

TICKETS: $30
Friday March 22 @ 7:30
THE MCDADES
Presented by Venables Theatre
South Okanagan Concert Series
Punching through the walls of tradition, The McDades’ Celtic-rooted music fuses the spontaneity of jazz improvisation and infectious global rhythms. The Juno Award winners’ cutting edge sound is the perfect complement to their fiery performances.

At the heart of the group are siblings Shannon, Solon & Jeremiah who grew up playing Canadian folk music alongside their parents and among artists from around the world; a unique upbringing that led to a love and respect for all music.  Their ground-breaking compositions and innovative arrangements are characterized by stunning virtuosity and a near-telepathic interaction on stage. 
 
With vocal harmonies that can only come from a family, and an obvious love for each other and their music, The McDades’ sound is immersed in the spirit of improvisation.  Combining original tunes and unique interpretations of traditional songs, their performances feature both energetic instrumentals and moving vocals performed in English and French.  This compelling and dynamic group “finds their groove somewhere between a down-home kitchen party, a jazzy after hours club, and a folk festival.” (London Free Press)
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The McDades are winners of the Juno Award for Best Roots Album (group) and two Canadian folk music awards (World Group of the year and Instrumental album of the year).  Their new album “The Empress” continues to highlight the group’s one-of-a-kind sound and irresistible groove.  “This Kicks!” (fRoots)

​​Part of the 2023/2024 South Okanagan Concert Series
Friday October 13, 2023 - Oktopus
Friday November 10th 2023 - Tunde Jegede & Friends
Friday January 26th 2024 - Sarah Hagen
Friday March 22nd 2024 - The McDades 

​TICKETS
4 Events - $25 each
2-3 Events - $27.50 each
Single Event - $29 each
​Students - $2.50 each
Saturday April 6 @ 11:00am
RupLoops - Magnetic North
Family Showtime Series
Magnetic North is an interactive, live looping, high-energy performance that will bring you to your feet. Using sound samples of endangered environments and animals in BC, RupLoops will take you on a journey through sonic ecosystems. RupLoops brings the sounds of BC’s environment to life through music in a performance that also explores deeper themes about climate change, endangered animals, justice and environmentalism. With music, visual art, lyrics and interactive games, RupLoops’ latest show encourages us to take action in the world to create a better future. Kids will be inspired in more ways than one. 

Rup Sidhu aka RupLoops (roop-loops) is a performer, producer and composer of many genres, drawing from folk and classical forms from around the globe. Rup is also a community arts facilitator, teaching percussion and hip-hop for the past 17 years at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (a free music school for inner city youth) and has founded his own initiative, Metaphor, which brings hip-hop performances and empowerment workshops into youth detention centers, schools and rural communities.

Part of the Family Showtime Series
Friday October 20 - Zaniac Comedy Show
Tuesday January 16 - Waves, all that Glows Sees
Friday February 16 - iLumiDance
Saturday April 6 - RupLoops

TICKETS: $10
What's On Stage
Rent the Theatre or Lobby
Tech Specs
Oliver Community Theatre Society
Contact
Venables Theatre is wheelchair accessible, features a T-Coil Hearing Loop for the hearing impaired and allows service dogs in specified seating. Click here for more information.
Venables Theatre
6100 Gala Street
Oliver BC  V0H 1T0
250-498-1626
manager@venablestheatre.ca