The Smithers Art Gallery hosts an evening of entertainment, March 31, 7: 30 p.m. at the Della Herman Theatre.
The concert serves as a benefit for the art gallery, is best defined as eclectic and what else would you expect from the pool of talent in Smithers.
From headliner Mark Perry, the Smithers Secondary School Jazz Band to G-Dad and the Triple-T Notes and everything in between, including modern dance and belly dancing, there’s something for everyone.
For Poppy Dubar, board member with the Smithers Art Gallery and organizer of this year’s concert, lining up talent was a breeze.
“The response has been enthusiastic,” Dubar said.
“The interest was greater than we could accomodate.”
With such interest, Dubar said the difficult part was selecting the lineup, but added their goal was to present the broadest variety of talent, from young and old.
In her first year organizing the event, Dubar said it fit in with the Smithers Art Gallery’s goal to provide service to the community.
Perry, a folksinger-songwriter, is making his first appearance at the Diva and Friends concert, but taking part was an easy decision.
“I think the art gallery is a great cause, I’m fortunate to have artist friends who use the gallery for shows.
“The show should be diverse and hopefully I can help out a bit.”
As for being the headliner for a concert called Diva and Friends, Perry was certain how he fit in.
“I’m pretty sure I fit under the “and friends “category,” he said.
Also hitting the stage is local group Boys of the Bush an a cappella group comprised of foresters and biologists who worked in the same office.
The group, Allen Banner, Will MacKenzie, Bill Borrett and Alex Woods have sung together for eight years and offer a varied repertoire, Banner said, including both traditional and contemporary songs covering everything from bluegrass to jazz.
Quoting from Monty Python, Banner put the Boys of the Bush into perspective, “We just want to sing.”
For Banner, taking to the stage reflects a long-standing commitment to arts in Smithers.
“The community is bursting with music, art and culture,” he said.
“I’m always keen to be involved in some capacity.”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youths aged 17 and under, available at Mountain Eagle Books, SpeeDee Interior Stationary and at the door.