The Write Stuff: The Past as Prologue is presented by the Okanagan Institute at the Bagel Cafe, 524 Bernard Avenue. Hans has kindly consented to open his restaurant to host these on going events. Thursday April 2nd The Write Stuff will begin at 5 pm. Writers John Lent of Vernon, Erika Lambert of Kelowna and Yasmin Joh-Thorpe of Penticton share their experience with writing groups in the Okanagan. For $2 at the door, refreshments are available at a modest cost. Spend an hour getting acquainted with the talent alive in the Valley. John Lent is the founder of the Kalamalka Press based in Vernon. I see by my brochure from Sage Hill Writing Experience that John will be an instructor for the retreat workshop Lumsden Saskatchewan. I was selected to attend as one of the six poetry members from across Canada several years ago and found it to be a invaluable and inspiring experience.

Yasmin John-Thorpe was co-founder of the Penticton Writers and Publishers group. Erika Lambert, a writer herself who helped launch the O’s Own Writers Group based in Osoyoos. Her poetry has been included an Anthology of Canadian Verse by the Poetry Institute of Canada, and in the book Songs on the Wind. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the history and future of writing in the valley.

I want to encourage everyone in the Kelowna area to get out and see Kiss of the Spider Woman by Actor’s Studio which began Thursday, March 26th at 8 pm. Not to be missed, any performance by Tracy Ross where she gets a chance to dance, sing and bring her sexy sizzle to a stage. She is one of the great secrets of Kelowna. Her husband Scott Gamble as a drummer is also a giant talent in our area. If these two moved to New York or Toronto, they would still be outstanding. We should support the fantastic talent we are lucky enough to have in our own Kelowna area.

Jane Eamon will be playing at Ministrel’s Cafe Tuesday, March 31st with oh…someone I know backing her on bass and anyone who doesn’t get it, Jane is on her way up and out. She is working hard as a musician, a writer of songs and keeps driving herself to connect in the greater world with trips to Nashville as well as working closely with other local musicians.

Don’t forget to attend the First Thursday Art Crawl at the Rotary Centre for the Arts which runs from 4 to 7 pm.All of the artist’s galleries are open and there is food and drink as well as music. It is free and a nice evening for the family.

The Mount Boucherie Jazz band will be playing for the third time for the Artists@Work and are fantastic. Their teacher Craig Tomson does a fantastic job of organizing the B.C. Interior Jazz Festival and training his young musicians. Look forward to attending the Jazz Master’s Concert April 17 at the Kelowna Community Theatre. I taught Acting and Drama for over 25 years and I know exactly how much passion it takes to structure opportunities for young people to stretch themselves artistically. It is done out of love. And you will love the results. Get tickets early: They always sell out.

My apologies for anyone that I am overlooking when I write the column. The best way for me to make sure I am giving you or your art the notice you deserve, is to contact me. My goal is to be inclusive and helpful to any artist or group in the Kelowna area. My email is creative@cheriehanson.com. So let me know. I will shout it to the world.