Some of the best music and entertainment in the Fraser Valley will resonate through Mission's Clarke Theatre next Wednesday, as the Christmas at the Clarke benefit concert gets underway.
This is the 14th annual event, which raises funds for the Christmas Bureau and shelter programs operated by the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley.
If you haven't got your tickets yet, some are still available, but selling fast. Sponsored by Prospera Credit Union, Fraser Valley Building Supplies, Black Press, Country 107.1 and Star 98.3, Christmas at the Clarke has become one of Mission's seasonal traditions, providing people with a show filled with wonderfully talented performers that gets them in the Christmas spirit the moment they walk in the door and drop off their non-perishable items for the food bank.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the silent auction for people to do some Christmas shopping, with items donated by individuals and businesses throughout the region. Buy your raffle tickets while enjoying Christmas carols, sung by the Heritage Park Secondary School choir.
When the theatre doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert goers will be greeted by the sounds of Nathan Maw on the grand piano.
Canadian singer and songwriter Kenny Hess is a favourite whenever he performs throughout North America, and will again be headlining the Christmas at the Clarke. His great songs, rich voice and relaxed and friendly rapport with his audience make the evening a highlight of the year. If you have heard him before, you probably already have your tickets. If you haven't heard him, you don't want to miss the chance. His daughter, Kate, will be joining him this year.
After performing at the benefit for the past two years, the eight-piece band Horizon is back again to entertain the audience with the mix of R&B, jazz, gospel, swing and rock and roll that people love every time they play. Their music is fun, crisp, clean and tight, and the vocals and harmonies are fantastic.
The trio Sweeet is coming for the first time to entertain the audience with their eclectic style of music with jazz, blues, soul and Celtic influences.
Also performing there for the first time is 19-year-old Emily Harder, whose wonderful voice and relaxed style has put her well on her way to a successful music career. In short, Christmas at the Clarke has become the event of the season for a lot of people in the community.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $10 for children 12 and under. They are available in Mission at London Drugs, Rex Cox Men’s Wear, English Tarts restaurant, Shoppers Drug Mart, Prospera Credit Union and Fraser Valley Building Supplies, and in Abbotsford at the House of James. For more information or for group tickets call show founder and producer, John Agnew at 604-826-4903 or the Clarke Foundation Theatre at 604-820-3961.