Some big names and long-time supporters of Bez Arts Hub are coming together at the arts centre tonight (Saturday) for a fundraiser aimed at supporting the local performance space.
It's called a Friends of Bez Pop-Up Fundraiser Concert, and it kicks off at 6 p.m. with a barbecue, then follows from 7 to 10 p.m. with a full night of entertainment, including a performance by Juno award veteran Shari Ulrich.
The concert is in support of the many important and inspiring events and arts activities that take place in this venue, said Bez administrator Kendra Craig.
"Bez has become an indispensable venue for all things arts-focused in this region, featuring a steady stream of award-winning musicians, arts training and theatre performances that keep the lifeblood of this region pumping," she said.
"This is our chance to support the life and health of our local arts scene."
The fundraiser will not only feature Ulrich and jazz spectacle The Wild Blue Herons, but also the mind-blowing bass stylings of social media 91原创enon Colin Sankey.
The house band will also feature some of the most noteworthy musicians of this area: Bill Sample (keys), Miles Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (Drums), Brian Nicholl (pedal steel), Darlene Cooper (vocals), and Alana Zerbe (vocals).
Filling out the sets will be local emerging artists from our very own Bez Community stage (Cocolarosa, Aaron James, Andrew Gordon, Laura Doyle, Matt Pierrot, Matt Kennedy, Megan Gadd, Dave Forster, Wayne Joyce, and Bez co-founder Russ Rosen).
"It鈥檒l be an exceptional evening of splendid sonics," Craig said. "Join us for this unique musical variety show and support live arts, and a key local business, at the same time."
In the meantime, there are still a few other events on the May calendar related 鈥� but not necessarily at the Bez.
Next up is the Bez Gospel Choir spring concert being held at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort 91原创 on Sunday, May 25.
Led by the choir director and arranger Lincoln Tatem, and accompanied by award-winning pianist Diane Lines, this concert blends the rich sounds of black gospel tradition with fresh, original arrangements, said Craig, noting it runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
"From the heartfelt melodies of Paul Simon to the powerful intensity of Hozier 鈥� plus beloved gospel classics 鈥� our choir will lift your spirit and move your soul," she said, confident it will be a joyful, uplifting experience.
On Friday, May 30, back at the hub, Bez is hosting The Paperboys Trio from 8 to 10 p.m. (Doors open at 7).
Award-winning Tom & Kalissa Landa have been touring the world and lighting up stages with what Craig calls their "freewheeling blend of influences from Celtic and bluegrass, to Mexican son jarocho, brass bands, and Canadian roots."
The next night, Saturday, May 31, Very Very Improv is back again.
Every month, the talented cast of lovable improvisers from across the Lower Mainland takes to the stage at The Bez Arts Hub in 91原创 for a very fun evening full of comedy improv games, scenes, and surprises.
鈥淰ery Very Improv is a blast every single time! Each show I鈥檝e attended has been a hoot," said Craig, who noted the doors open at 7:15 p.m., with the comedy show running from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Info and tickets for the shows are available through the Bez Arts Hub website at: .
