Musician Miss Berni G has lived in Manitoba she knows how to put on a good "prairie pastime," as she calls it a variety show that makes you feel like you're sitting in someone's living room and you are a big part of the fun.
Berni G and Frenz will present her House Party April 24 and 25 at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons. Appearing with her will be a group from Nelson called Heavy Shtetl that's right, shtetl.
The four musicians use old-world instrumentation and sweet vocal harmonies to produce a mix of klezmer, Eastern European roots music and New Orleans jazz. Any group that manages to make a mandolin and a tuba work together in the same band should be great to watch. They also use sax, clarinet, accordion and trombone.
Berni G seems to be a magnet for local musicians who want to build a show. Appearing with her are Coast instrumentalists Paul Steenhuis, John Rule, Anton Hendriks and Gary McGuire. Tony Beaumont will sing, as will Ian McLatchie, while Bob Twiss will perform a song from Oliver. Representing the singing, whistling cowboy is Coast newcomer Neil McKenzie.
Zani Zelda will also put in an appearance. Apparently she's back in town after competing at the Foolympics.
"At least she didn't call me collect this time," said Berni G of the comedian who drew laughter at the Showcase of the Performing Arts last summer.
The show should appeal to all ages and runs April 24 in the evening and April 25 in the afternoon. Saturday evening is for adults only. Sunday is family and seniors day. Tickets are $20 for Saturday and $15 for Sunday available at MonkeyChips in Sechelt, and Take Five Video, Hallmark Cards and Gaia's Fair Trade in Gibsons.
