Crowds are arriving early and giving generously for the LRCA Sunday night concert series at Transfer Beach Amphitheatre.
Beatlemania stole the show on July 17 and Doctors of Rock n Roll on July 24 inspired dancing patrons, offering a fun Twist contest. Donations for both shows were record-breakers after the event was on a two-year hiatus.
Not only children, but adults are enthusiastically dancing at the two-hour shows.
Volunteer coordinator Janis Beecroft engaged her team for the halftime donation collection, and the response was overwhelming. “The generosity was amazing," said Rick Rake, LRCA manager of communications and events.
Next up at the amphitheatre is Chris Noel and Burning House (blues and jazz) on Aug. 14. The band takes its inspiration from prohibition era blues. Come listen to Noel on bass and vocals, David Lieffertz on piano, Brian Gauci on guitar and Adam Drake on drums.
The final show of the LRCA series is Aug. 21 which starts with a demonstration of dance steps with Harbour City Swing 45 minutes before showtime. Then the Tasha Adams Quartet performs with VIU jazz alumna Adams on vocals, Jesse Marshall on guitar, Kosma Busheik on double bass and Graham Vilette on drums ... all puting their twist on classic jazz standards.
Show series sponsors are:
Gold ($1,000): Ladysmith & District Credit Union; Branch 171 Ladysmith Royal Canadian Legion.
Silver ($500): FMI Installations; Little Valley Collision and Glass.
Bronze ($250): Bouma Meats, Evergreen Crematorium, Brian Childs Construction and Big O Tires and The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ladysmith 2101, Ladysmith Pharmasave.
Media sponsors: Ladysmith Chemainus Chronicle and Take 5 Magazine.
As the LRCA Affordable Housing Project rises at the corner of Third Avenue and Buller Street in Ladysmith, focus is turning to fundraising opportunities to equip the building's first-floor community kitchen and multipurpose hall which should be complete by the fall of this year.
The LRCA is already engaged in the campaign, seeking grants and other special funds, and will soon be connecting with Ladysmith's philanthropic businesses, organizations and individuals in the weeks to come. The LRCA is gearing up to announce its public fundraising target to equip the space with commercial-grade appliances.
Donations can already be posted with the click of a mouse at the LRCA donation button at https://www.lrca.ca/donate/ under the category choice of Community Kitchen/Multipurpose Hall. Cheques are also being accepted by the LRCA front office at its Second Avenue location. Receipts for these charitable donations will be provided.
The kitchen and hall will be a venue to gather, to connect and to belong. This is where the community's seniors, parents and children, youth and persons with developmental disabilities will gather.
It will also be a community hub for new and existing programming. Activities will potentially include literary programs, life and social skill programs, and providing food, meals, and space for everything from social celebrations and corporate workshops.
The LRCA envisions the 471-square-foot community kitchen and 889-square-foot multi-purpose hall as a vibrant space of good food, delicious smells, sharing, learning and friendship. It is open to sunlight through large windows and glass doors with entry three sides. The hall will facilitate up to 60 people.
The building will feature 36 units for seniors, families and persons with disabilities.
See coverage in the Ladysmith Chronicle HERE.
