In RAVEN, the artists explore the complex theme of motherhood. Based on their own experiences as artists and mothers, the performers intelligently and strikingly shed light on the stigma of the German term “Rabenmutter” (raven mother) meaning "selfish mother." Click on event for ticket link and more details.

Over the past two decades, Steve Maddock has been steadily establishing himself as one of Canada’s most versatile vocal talents. Whether sharing a concert stage with a 65-piece symphony orchestra, performing with a 10-piece show band, or fronting a jazz trio in a local club, he’s able to change gears effortlessly and present the music in a way that’s honest and fresh. He’s been a soloist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, the Dal Richards Jazz Orchestra, as well as being featured artist on a variety of CBC Radio shows such as Hot Ari, Tonic, Choral Concert, Disc Drive and Sounds Like Canada.

This quartet’s contemplative, thrilling explorations in modern, original repertoire is led by a fast-rising start jazz pianist Nick Maclean. Formed in 2016, Maclean’s foursome delivers jazz between the two poles of thoughtful introspection and powerhouse conveyance, taking influences from Herbie Hancock’s primordial 1960’s Blue Note era recordings, while paying tribute to some of the greatest improvisers in jazz history.

Repeatedly regarded as a modern take on the ferocious and hard-swinging post-bop era, the group is frequently lauded for the strength of their collective improvisatory vision. Featuring provocative improvising trumpet-playing iconoclast Brownman Ali, standing shoulder to shoulder with Maclean & two of Toronto’s top-tier rhythm section players: Jesse Dietschi on bass and Jacob Wutzke on drums. The synergy of the 4 is always palpable in concert.

Drawing inspiration from their surroundings, Scandinavian and Canadian composers bring a breathless sense of grandeur and space to this program. Ariel Barnes returns to our stages with two concertos written especially for him. Our OSO Chorus joins us to honour Imant Raminsh in his 80th year as we close our season with his uplifting Gloria!

Vernon Critique Club is a high school after school program committed to create a safe and caring environment for students to share their artwork with their peers.

Each third Thursday of the month, students will bring in a piece of art that is in process or complete, and receive a open discussion critique on their work by the group. Each critique session will also have a guest host who works within the art industry to speak about their experiences and offer their own critiques of the students artworks.

Drawing heavily from ’70s instrumental jazz fusion, Vancouver-based Blues Hoodoo is the toe tapping, hip gyrating fix you need to take you into the musical stratosphere. More mojo than magic, the group blends funk, jazz and blues, leaving plenty of space between the notes.

Drummer Ron Wells and guitarist Konrad Breuers have been playing together for more than 20 years; it’s no wonder then that their musical chemistry has matured dramatically since their humble beginnings. Existing somewhere in between lounge lizards and intimate coffee shop gurus, Blues Hoodoo have evolved through different players, formats and recordings into the well-oiled funk-fusion collective you hear today.

Rounding out the band are Shawn Stewart on bass, Stuart Young on keyboards and our newest member, Ian Putz on saxophone. Their unique twist on Wayne Shorter’s “Birdland”  is just one example of how the players work off each other naturally and organically. Supplemented by the band’s original material in these same genres, songs will often take a new direction (or two…or three) during every performance. The level of trust among band members enables them to take risks, creating a tapestry of sound that takes off into adventurous harmonic territory over syncopated infectious grooves.

Join us on the last Friday of every month for a diverse exploration of art-making materials and art processes through age-appropriate art activities. We invite parents and guardians to bring their little ones under the age of 5 to explore art-making with non-toxic materials in this fun and social program that encourages creative self-expression while developing fine and gross motor skills and sensory awareness. Make sure you dress for the mess as all are invited to join in on the fun! Parents must accompany children for the duration of the session and admission is by donation.

Join us on the last Saturday of each month, Family Saturdays take place with an art project suitable for both little kids and big kids. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to participate and create their own works of art. The workshop begins promptly at 1 p.m., and families are welcome to stay for the whole session, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or to depart sooner. All materials required for the workshops are provided. To ensure a space, please pre-register online.

Joyful, silly, and… soaking wet! Sakasaka is a delightful comedy for all ages that will add joy to everyone’s day! Created by Madagascar’s La Compagnie Zolobe, Sakasaka means “thirsty” in Malagasy. Using only a mop, bucket and a few bottles of water, these three clowns take the audience on many hilarious adventures that gently and sincerely explore the preciousness of water.

In the great tradition of slapstick clowns like The Three Stooges, La Compagnie Zolobe’s clown trio use physical comedy and body language to tell the story while staying completely silent. They are accompanied by two live musicians who play energetic tunes on traditional instruments such as the kabosy (a rectangular guitar) and djembe (drum).

The Arts Council of the North Okanagan cordially invites you to a Murder Mystery Fundraiser dinner! Join us for an evening of intrigue, suspense, and delicious food all for a good cause. As our guest, you will be part of a thrilling murder mystery where you'll be tasked with solving a heinous crime. A town full of secrets... People asking too many questions... This can only lead to one thing... MURDER!