Although Kokopelli is known around the area for its vocal support of African rhythms, during this Yuletide season it shifts direction towards the Celtic catalogue of songs.
Today at McDougall United Church, Kokopelli’s four choirs plan to take the chill out of the air with Wintersong, a concert that harkens back to their 1998 Celtic Wintersong.
“That was just our third season, believe it or not,” says artistic director Scott Leithead. “But people still talk about it.”
This concert, like its predecessor, makes you think of a warm fireplace, the importance of companionship and maybe a mug or two of ale or rum punch, adds Leithead.
In addition to Kokopelli (14 to 24 years) and Oran (young adults), Wintersong marks the first major concert by Kikimasu (eight to 12) and Shumayela (12 to 16). Several new arrangements have been written and the concert concludes with a lush finale of 200 voices singing on stage.
Concert times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. McDougall United is at 10025-101 St. Tickets range from $13 to $16 and are available at the door, by calling 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.
Thousands of lights decorate the tranquil paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Gardens at the Devonian Gardens tonight and tomorrow from 5 to 9 p.m.
To ward off the cold, Devonian organizers are passing out hot apple cider and are building big bonfires to keep everyone toasty warm while roving a cappella singers sing cheerful carols. Visitors are also invited to light a candle in memory of someone special.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/friends of the garden, $5 for children six to 12 and free for children under five. The gardens are located five kilometres north of Devon on Highway 60.
This coming Tuesday, Mark Ammar is packing the open stage with non-stop blues. And special guests are his son Zeek, Kyle Mosiuk and Neil Van Dijk.
The younger Ammar has recorded with Bad Example and has put in festival appearances with Longwaydown and garage band Regal Renslip.
The proud papa says his son grew up with an eclectic range of music from different eras and was able to develop a good ear and stage dynamics. “He’s been influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin,” says the elder Ammar.
Mosiuk, who was featured last month, is back for a return visit. A 2008 MacEwan graduate, he is gigging in the area with various blues, rock, soul and R&B acts. “The guitar licks flow out of this kid naturally. He has a true Stevie Ray style and his sound is so far ahead of his age in playing style.”
And finally Van Dijk, who hails from Amsterdam, keeps the backbeat going with his main instrument — a bass guitar. ”This will be a very interesting mix of blues, heavier blues and jammin’ rocky blues.”
