Special guests: BarberEllas
“Songwriters write about the things that interest them most, so it should come as no surprise that there are so many songs about food!” observes OVC’s Artistic Director, Jane Perry. “Our audience will recognize tunes such as Java Jive and The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. There will also be traditional carols with new lyrics created as odes to favourite pies. We have a cornucopia of pieces by the zany Eric Lane Barnes, a Seattle composer. The Caffeine Overload Polka is sure to be an audience favourite. And then there are the choristers’ emerging favourites, like Chili Con Carne, an Anders Edenroth creation that gives an entire recipe for meat chili set to a Latin beat!”
Joining OVC for this concert will be guest musical ensemble the BarberEllas, a barbershop group for queer gals and pals. They will bring their own unique take on food with laugh-out-loud songs such as When Banana Skins Are Falling.
In Gratitude
On a more serious note, the concert will also feature composer Brian Tate’s Overflowing, a song about gratitude, to acknowledge the good fortune it is to have enough to eat. In recognition that not everyone is so fortunate, OVC will use the evening to introduce its audience to local community groups whose focus is providing food to those in need. The concert program will list the names and websites of these groups in the hope that those of us who are able, will help others to share in the holiday banquet.
Sparkling Reception!
Audience members will have the chance to partake in some feasting after the concert at a sparkling post-concert reception catered by Janey Bevan of Chef at your Shoulder. The goodies served, inspired by lyrics from the concert program, will include:
miniature sausage rolls with honey mustard dip,
beetroot cured salmon,
and chocolate brownie Christmas puddings!
It will be a feast for both the eye and the appetite and a wonderful start to the holiday season.