Gearing up for their 25th anniversary next year, the Howe Sound Performing Arts Celebration is jumping into fall with an evening of musical performances from Squamish talent celebrating Canada’s diverse and rich musical history.
All Things Canadian takes place Friday (Sept. 29) at St. John the Divine Anglican Church. The concert is inspired by Canada’s 150 anniversary, according to the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association’s Veronica McPhee.
“We thought we would continue the theme with celebrating a lot of Canadian music. Over the last year, the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association has sort of gotten a new burst of energy, mostly from the concerts that feature local performers,” she said.
The concert will include iconic songs by Canadian songwriters, like The Hockey Song by Stompin' Tom Connors and The Log Driver's Waltz by Wade Hemswort.
More contemporary hits by artists like Sarah McLachlan and Avril Lavigne will be performed by local musicians, alongside classics by Gordon Lightfoot. Musical theatre, classical, folk, and original local compositions will also make an appearance. McPhee says there’s plenty of talent right here in Squamish.
“This concert will feature lots of people who play around town and maybe teach around town,” she said.
According to McPhee, it will be a family-friendly evening with lots of opportunity for concertgoers to join in the fun through sing-alongs and Canadian-themed trivia, complete with prizes.
“We’re trying to blur the line a little bit between performers and audience,” she said. “We’re inviting the audience to also join in in a lot of the songs and lead a sing along with some of our Canadian favourites.”
When it comes to Canadian music, McPhee describes is as eclectic, ranging from coast to coast.
“We continue to cultivate our own rich culture,” she said. “We have such a variety. Our country is so large… of course our country goes much longer and deeper than that [150 years], so we draw on that in our concert as well.”
Next year, the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association will celebrate their 25th anniversary. The association is trying to host a concert every six to eight weeks, featuring professionals and semi-professionals. Each concert has a different theme.
“Squamish has changed quite a bit since Howe Sound Performing Arts was founded.
McPhee said slowly, their talent network is growing, ranging from bringing in world-renowned performers, to recently, more of a focus on grassroots artists.
The Association raises money for local youth causes such as a high school scholarship for performing arts students. Having St. John Divine as a venue sponsor, McPhee explained, means that the concert is pay what you can afford at the door.
“We really want to share our music through the community.”
The Celebration gets underway at 7:30 on Friday at St. John the Divine Anglican Church at 1930 Diamond Rd. Tickets by donation at the door.
