The Carnival Band

This Saturday, September 27th, the Carnival Band will be performing in two gigs. At 1 pm, there is a “No Truckin’ Freeways” Rally at Robin Park in Surrey, sponsored in part by the Wilderness Committee. The rally is in support of alternatives to the Gateway Project (which would widen Highway 1 to at least 8 lanes, develop a South Fraser Perimeter Road through Burns Bog, and much more). Have a look at www.gatewaytowhat.org for more info.

Then at 8pm on the same day the band will be performing at an Out in Schools fundraiser at the WISE hall (Victoria and Adanac). The organization works to bash stereotypes by bringing queer film to local high schools and facilitating dialogue about bullying and homophobia. Come down and join the fun. Sorry, no minors.

After nearly a year of operation, the Open Air Orchestra Society held it’s first annual general meeting earlier this month. Along with good food and conversation, speeches were delivered by society president Brandon Walker and musical directors Ross Barrett and Tim Sars.

A visioning session was also held to set goals for the upcoming year, with charitable work, artistic collaborations, a bigger community presence, and greater audience involvement topping the list of ideas. Perhaps most exciting of all, the board of directors grew from five to eight, drawing on the fresh talent of newer Carnival Band members. This new surge of logistical and organizational power promises to propel the society into a year of solid growth and lots of fun.

Tuesday, August 19th, the Carnival Band will be performing at the Decent Exposure Theatre Company fundraiser at Backstage Lounge. Led by long-time Carnival Band trumpeter Nathan Detroit Barrett, Decent Exposure is responsible for such great features as the YouTube sensation “Melt Face“.

This variety show will feature live music, comedy and dance. Sharing the stage will be Vancouver’s own Blackberry Wood, gearing up for their forthcoming tour to London. Doors at 9pm with a $10 suggested donation.

On Saturday, Aug. 16th, 10-11 am, the Carnival Band will be performing at the Annual UBC Farm Blackberry Festival Market. The market celebrates the season and demonstrates our great potential for local, urban food production. The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm is Vancouver’s last working farm, and one of only a handful of urban farms in Canada. Over 150 varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers from the farm will be available for sale, as well as eggs from their free-range chickens.

The farm is under threat from UBC to be turned into condos, and demonstrations at the market are part of the ongoing fight. The band will be attired as fruits and vegetables for the show (naturally).

On Friday, August 8th, the Open Air Orchestra Society will be throwing a party like no other at the Fairview Pub, 898 West Broadway. The Carnival Band is headlining the night, with special guests Hemingway’s Gun and PIM: two bands that have grown in part out of the skill and performance ethic learned through the Carnival Band.

A pittance of a cover ($10) will be charged, with all proceeds towards bringing more music to your city! Doors at 9pm, music at 10.

To the great festivals of coastal British Columbia

The Carnival Band has been invited to perform at Artopia in Sointula, and Seafest in Alert Bay during the weekend of July 25th-27th. Both events mark the height of the summer season for these northern island communities, where music, dance, and wonderful fresh food provide ample cause for celebration.

The Open Air Orchestra Society is proud to share the colour and vibrancy of the Carnival Band throughout this particularly beautiful corner of Canada. During the voyage, band members hope to perform with the Comox and Port McNeill farmer’s markets, as well as local neighborhoods on Malcolm Island.

The Carnival Band is thrilled to be leading Vancouver’s biggest Canada Day parade on Granville Island this year. The Parade will begin at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, July 1st, near Ocean Cement.

Festivities will be taking place on Granville Island all day, from 7am to 7pm. Join us in this family friendly and fun event, with free jazz performances courtesy of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, roving performers, face painting, tattoos, and tons of activities for visitors of all ages. International events and performers will add to the vibrant and diverse culture that makes our country worth celebrating!

The Work Less Party is at it again – this time with a Carnivale themed party, complete with kissing booth, spanking booth, and body art competition. It all happens Saturday, June 28th at their latest favorite venue: the Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street. Join the Carnival Band and many other performance artists at the city’s most outrageous Party. Festivities begin around 9pm.