Please join us at the Rotary Centre for the Arts on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 at 5:00pm to celebrate the launch of the new RCA Spotlight Series presented by Tree Brewing. The final four of the twelve concert series will be announced during this event.

Enjoy complementary samples provided by Tree Brewing and live music in the Atrium from 5:00- 7:00PM by Blu & Kelly Hopkins, who will be opening for Po'Girl at the new Munch 'n' Music pre- show on September 10th, 2008.

Be sure to sign up for the electronic event reminder on www.artscard.ca and receive a chance to win a pair of 4-Pak tickets - valued at $200. The winner will be drawn at the media event, following the new season announcements!

Join us for this exciting event and discover this season's new mix of some of Canada's hottest touring performers. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information on the media launch, please contact the Rotary Centre for the Arts at (250) 717.5304

The beauty and mystery of Po Girl's music springs from the dynamic bond shared by its two principle singers and writers - Allison Russell and Awna Teixeira. Hailing from Montreal and Toronto respectively, the unique interplay between the two stunning performers is truly something to behold. Both Russell and Teixeira are self-taught, unconventional, and fearless in their approach to performing and writing.

Po'Girl's melodies showcase a variety of instruments including washtub bass, clarinet, accordion, banjo, violin, glockenspiel and piano - each played with a proficiency only achieved by dedicated practice and a gifted ear. From jazz to old time blues, alternative rock and soul, Po'Girl features a musical style drawn from many genres. Having received comparisons to artists such as Norah Jones, Elizabeth Cotton and The Band, Po'Girl acquires devout fans wherever they perform.

In 2006 Russell and Teixeira added the impossibly talented tickler/maker of all stringed things, Benny Sidelinger to their number. Since doing so, Po'Girl has been delivering harmonies with a soulful clarity and depth like never before. Performing almost 100 shows last year alone, Po'Girl doesn't have any plans of slowing down as they continue to wow audiences across the globe with their powerful, passionate and spirited live show.

Catch Po'Girl open this year's new RCA Spotlight Series on Wednesday, September 10th in the Mary Irwin Theatre. The free Munch 'n' Mingle pre-show held before the concert will feature Blu & Kelly Hopkins performing in the Atrium from 7:00-7:40pm. Tickets to Po'Girl can be purchased through Ticketmaster, by calling (250) 717.5304 or by visiting the Rotary Centre for the Arts Box Office at 421 Cawston Avenue.

Join internationally celebrated instructors, choreographers and performers Ron and Sanaa Martinez as they heat things up at the Rotary Centre for the Arts this September. Drawn to each other through their passion for dance, this dynamic couple has been teaching and performing Latin dances worldwide for over ten years.

Both fascinated by the sultry rhythms of Salsa, Ron and Sanaa do not shy away from incorporating their own style and flavour to this increasingly popular form of Cuban dancing. Ron and Sanaa will be coming to the Rotary Centre for the Arts on Saturday, September 27th to teach a series of workshops.

Classes will be offered in Salsa and Bachata to beginner and intermediate levels, as well as Street Salsa for young adults (ages 16-25) and Salsa Styling for men and women. An evening dance will follow the workshops. Passes and individual drop-ins will be available for purchase. Please watch the RCA website for more information coming soon!

Fall courses are now available for registration! Learn to make a gorgeous cuff bracelet using semi- precious stones, pearls and Swarovski crystals with resident artist Janice Fingado, unwind and rediscover your inner energy with Yoga Dance, or take some time to learn about the world of wine with instructor Rhys Pender in Wine Education. To view the new selection of fall courses visit the RCA for a browse through our new fall brochure or visit us online for course details.

A fabulous event such as the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival demands a fabulous evening of revelry to follow. Featuring live music, fabulous artwork, fantastic wine, and a funky, vibrant atmosphere, WAM! is the exclusive late night event to attend during this year's Wine Festival.

Experience artists at work, sample locally produced artisan breads and cheeses and enjoy gourmet truffles paired with a delicious variety of fine Okanagan wines while partying the night away!

Voted the 'Best Cultural Attraction' this year by WestJet's Up! In-Flight Magazine, the Rotary Centre for the Arts is the perfect venue for family, friends and out-of-town guests to enjoy wine art and music in a casual, upbeat atmosphere.

Tickets to the event are $50 per guest and can be purchased by calling (250) 717.5304 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca. Ticket holders will also receive fifty WAM! dollars to be used during the event towards the purchase of any art or gift items from participating venues. Join us for this exclusive Saturday evening soiree and finish your Wine Festival experience off with a WAM!

Celebrate the joy of the holiday season by attending the 9th annual Homes for the Holidays fundraiser event. Held from November 7-9th, this year Homes for the Holidays features some of the hottest trends in holiday designs and décor.

All proceeds raised from the event are used in support of Community Programming at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. To contribute to this valuable initiative, join us on a self-guided tour and visit some of the city's most beautiful homes, exclusively decorated by professional designers for the holiday season!

Tickets for Homes for the Holidays are $30 per person and can be purchased through Ticketmaster, by visiting the Rotary Centre for the Arts Box Office or by calling (250) 717.5304. To find out more information on this event please visit www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com.

If you are interested in volunteering at Homes for the Holidays please contact the Rotary Centre for the Arts at (250) 717-5304. The next RCA volunteer meeting will be held on Saturday, October 4th at 11:00am - join us for this excellent opportunity to meet new people and to be a part of this fun and creative event!

Now in its ninth year, Evergreen redefines the art of elegance and giving with a luxurious evening of modern opulence draped in "Champagne and Diamonds." The celebration will commence on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 at 5:30pm with chilled martinis served in ice martini glasses and silver spoonfuls of gourmet caviar. A special feature of the event includes an opportunity to win a precious diamond during the evening gala.

Guests will enjoy a delicious menu and fine Okanagan wines interspersed with an 'experience auction' and the exhilarating live auction presented in the spacious South Atrium. The extravagant evening will round off with an Extreme Art performance in the Mary Irwin Theatre, followed by a grand finale of dancing and divine desserts.

Proceeds from Evergreen are once again committed to funding the annual costs of RCA Youth Arts Education Programming. In addition, a contribution will be made to the Endowment Fund held at the Central Okanagan Foundation. These funds help youth in our community discover and experience the world of art.

We would like to thank our title sponsors, the Thomas Allan Budd Charitable Foundation and Grant Thornton LLP in advance for their tremendous support and the many businesses and individuals who help to create this magical evening.

Tickets for Evergreen are $250 per person and seating is limited to 174 guests. Tickets are now available for purchase at the Rotary Centre for the Arts Box Office or by calling (250) 717.5304. Tickets sell out quickly, so please be sure to purchase early to avoid disappointment.

Showing this month in the Galleria...

Impressions
Date: August 1-31st

September's Galleria exhibition features original art works by a group of professional and emerging artists who have painted together since 2003. Over the past few years Impressions has developed a reputation for strong color and varied composition, often in large scale. Impressionism, realism and abstract styles are worked in all mediums from landscapes and still life to figurative composition.

Impressions was hosted by the Kelowna Art Gallery in 2006 for a two month show titled "Nine Lives", and recently displayed at the Kelowna Chamber Music Society. The group has also held annual shows at the Laurel Building for the past 4 years. Impressions artists displaying in the Galleria include: Marilynn Bury, Ethel Hewson, Debra Martin, Joanne Onrait, Laura Salisbury, Cindy Smith and Liz Woodside.

Other Exhibitions this month at the RCA...
 

Chris Turner will exhibit various copper works in the display cases through September 3rd- 30th. The display cases are available for viewing daily from 8:00am-8:00pm.

Bonnie Anderson will be displaying this month in the upstairs Mezzanine. The exhibition will feature a series of landscapes created using negative painting techniques on black canvas. The exhibition is available for viewing daily from 8:00am-8:00pm.

Julia Trops will have variety of her work on display in the South Atrium throughout September. Come on down to the Centre and have a look at some of the wonderful work on display at the Rotary Centre for the Arts!

And Don't Forget... to join us for the First Thursday Art Crawl on Thursday, September 4th from 4:00-7:00pm. Come down to the Rotary Centre for the Arts and enjoy free entertainment, food and fantastic company while visiting with participating artists in their studios.