Heidi VanLith
Special to The Chief
The Sea to Sky Family Festival (SSFF) executive directors Stacey Harding and Richard Trann have planned an exotic evening at Totem Hall this Saturday (March 25) featuring the warm organ sounds and captivating jazz-lounge music of Vancouver recording artists Mimosa.
The event, 'Spectacular, Spectacular', is the first of monthly music installments intended to whet your appetite for the fall family festivities.
Anna Lumiere leads Mimosa through an energetic and spontaneous musical journey, performing the role of keyboardist while her left hand plays the bass lines. Lumiere is accompanied by theatric vocalist Rebecca Shoichet who has performed with Canadian big-wigs Amanda Marshall and Tom Cochrane.
"We're a mix of French '60s pop, Brazilian music, and jazz," explained Lumiere.
"It's basically about having fun and being sexy - a sort of Moulin Rouge idea."
Lumiere said the band has performed in many burlesque shows over the past eight years and they aptly dress themselves for the occasion.
Karen Graves adds the flute and saxophone, Jamie Havorka the trumpet and additional vocals, and John Raham tops it all off on the drums, making this five-piece bilingual band a big sound on stage.
"It's all about 'le bon vivant' or in English, living the good life," said Lumiere. "The music is fairly rhythmic so hopefully people will be tempted to dance."
Spectacular, Spectacular also features the mystifying steps of Shalimar and her wicked dancers, a surprise musical performance, and tasty treats from Chef Richard Auer and Pepe and Gringo's.
The four-day SSFF, scheduled for September 21 to 24, will feature world-class entertainers and educational experiences for the entire family combining arts, science, education, and local resources.
"Think of the Vancouver Children's Festival running smack into the Merrit Music Festival...this is what we are," explained Harding. "It will be the biggest thing to hit our community since Johnny Cash played here many years ago."
Science World, The Vancouver Aquarium, and a Mighty Machines show are only a few of the major attractions confirmed for the first annual Sea to Sky Family Festival.
Working with folk festival guru Gord Osland, organizer of the Okanagan International Children's Festival, and through the guidance of Molson Indy volunteer coordinator Christine Nicholls the SSFF aims to provide not only a quality production but also specialized training opportunities, Harding said.
"Christine comes with a fifteen member team who will work in a mentorship capacity with individuals in the community that are interested in becoming key volunteer coordinators for the event," said Harding, adding that Nicholls has also coordinated benevolent efforts for both the Grey Cup and the Memorial Cup.
Rocky Mountain Production services are also onboard to ensure a professional sound and lighting experience.
"It's about the rest of the world seeing Squamish the way we do," said Richard Trann. "We're not interested in changing the community, but getting the attention where it needs to be."The festival will occupy the Squamish Loggers Sports complex, the District of Squamish Campgrounds, and both inside and outside of Brennan Park.Tickets for 'Spectacular, Spectacular' are available for $20 in advance at Billie's Bouquet, The Adventure Centre, and Pepe and Gringo's. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25.All proceeds from the event ticket sales will be used to fund coming festival activities and operations through the SSFF Foundation, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the District of Squamish and Canadian Springs. For more information about becoming a corporate sponsor contact Stacey Harding at 604-892-7716 or email [email protected] more information about Mimosa, or to hear their music, visit www.mimosamusic.com.
