Ken Lavigne is coming home for B.C. Day.
Following recent performances in South Korea and San Francisco, the Canadian tenor and former Colwood resident returns to the West Shore to launch the B.C. Day Celebration Performing Arts Festival, not far from the neighbourhood where he grew up.
B次元官网网址淚 couldnB次元官网网址檛 have planned it better B次元官网网址� ItB次元官网网址檚 my old stomping grounds so I am always welcoming opportunities to go back and revisit those locations and perform here,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淕enerally, the summer festivals are not part of my regular touring year. IB次元官网网址檓 usually on the other end in the audience watching the other performances, but I have to admit I get a little jealous. I wanted to be a part of it too and I am honoured to be invited.B次元官网网址�
The former Sangster elementary student performs his first concert here since 2012, anchoring the Church of the Advent concert Aug. 2 in Colwood, supported by special guests the Cool Beans Trio.
The free portion of the festival happens B.C. Day (Aug. 4) with live performances at Westhills Stadium throughout the day.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just a super opportunity to have a small venue to enjoy KenB次元官网网址檚 music and learn about new emerging artists in our community with respect to B.C. Day,B次元官网网址� said Laura Davis, a board member on the West Shore Arts Council. B次元官网网址淭here is just so many different types of music as well as dance and theatre. ItB次元官网网址檚 an opportunity to experience many different facets of the performing arts.B次元官网网址�
A partnership between the West Shore Arts Council and Westhills, the free portion of the festival includes performances by the Four Seasons Musical Theatre Company, trumpet player Miguelito Valdes, musician Karly Summers, Po-Co the clown and Maureen Washington & Band. Eighteen different performers take the stage between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. alongside vendors, artisans, childrenB次元官网网址檚 events and community group kiosks.
In recent months, Davis said, local municipalities have acknowledged the need for a regional performance arts centre. The holiday festival shows the West Shore has the artists to embrace such a project, she added. B次元官网网址淢ost of the artists are from the West Shore and we try to design (events) around our residents.B次元官网网址�
Lavigne, whose parents still live in Colwood, looks forward to performing and is already planning a special treat for audience members who take in the show.
B次元官网网址淚 am naturally honoured to be a part of this event and I always enjoy planning a little surprise B次元官网网址� something unexpected within the concert B次元官网网址� and enjoy seeing the look of surprise,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 am looking forward to offering something new to my audience that come out to the show.B次元官网网址�
The concert starts at 7 p.m. at Church of the Advent, 510 Mount View Ave. Tickets are $25, available in advance at the church, Tom Lee Music, Westside Instaprint and Coast Collective.
alim@vicnews.com
