BOUNCE ON OVER TO PLAZA FOR CD RELEASE
Anyone who has seen Sabrina Weeks and her band, Swing Cat Bounce, perform live knows what a treat it is.
The only thing better — well, maybe not better — is having Weeks and her crew playing on your home stereo.
On Saturday, the popular Kamloops jazz and blues singer celebrates the release of her second CD, Got My Eye On You, with a party at the Plaza Heritage Hotel, 405 Victoria St., from 7 p.m. to midnight.
You'll hear the band perform songs off the new album, and a few old favourites. And you'll get a CD to take home.
Tickets are $25 at the door.
MAMA'S STILL LETTING HIM PLAY
He's not quite as young and his hair has thinned considerably, but Jerry Doucette packs as much musical punch as he did when his hit song, Mama Let Him Play, was climbing the charts in 1978.
Want proof? Head over to the Blue Grotto tonight and Saturday at 319 Victoria St. and see the iconic Canadian rocker for yourself.
Doors open at 8 p.m.
Cover charge is $5.
WE RECKON YOU'LL ENJOY THIS FESTIVAL
There's nothing quite like a crowd of cowboys, decked out in their Wrangler jeans, their Western shirts, cowboy boots and all.
Back in the day, they were a common sight in Kamloops. Now, cowboys and cowgirls hang low until the annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival gallops into town, which it does on Thursday.
That's the opening day of the B.C. Cowboy Heritage Society's popular ode to western heritage, running four days at various venues.
About 30 entertainers are lined up, including B.C. Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Bud Webb and Grammy nominee Gary Allegretto.
The schedule is too long and detailed to print here, but you can find it online at bcchs.com.
FILM FEST KICKS OFF ON THURSDAY
Kamoops Film Festival returns to the Paramount Theatre downtown next week for 10 days of cinema glory.
Opening night is Thursday, March 7. The featured film is Nisha Pahuja's documentary The World Before Her, which explores the divergent paths facing girls in India. On one path, young girls want to become Miss India; on the other, they train as fierce Hindu nationalists prepared to kill and die for their beliefs.
The film we're really excited to see is Holy Motors, a drama/fantasy flick set in Paris and starring Denis Lavant. It screens Saturday at 7 p.m.
Find all the details at new.kamloopsfilmfest.ca.
DINNER AND BINGO — TOGETHER, AT LAST
It's dinner-theatre time at Colombo Lodge.
The Can-Ital Ladies Society invites the Kamloops Players into the hall on Saturday, March 9, for a staging of The Queen of BINGO, a play in which the audience plays along.
The audience joins in the fun during a scene called the Middle Bird Special — a real BINGO game in which a lucky audience member wins a free 10-pound frozen turkey.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner and the show start at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Colombo Lodge, 814 Lorne St., 250-374-4914, or Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul St.
BETH'S PICK OF THE WEEK
"Hit the lanes at Bowlertime today (Saturday) from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for a great cause! The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kamloops is having its Bowl for Kids Sakes Crazy Cosmic Bowling fundraiser, which is guaranteed to be a music-filled, colourful kaleidoscope of family friendly fun. Bowling is a great way to get every member of your family active regardless of age, skill level or mobility. Add in music, neon lights and helping out an amazing organization, and you have a great weekend activity in Kamloops."
For more of Beth Quirie's recommendations, visit her website exploringkamloops.com.
ANN'S PICK OF THE WEEK
17th Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival
March 7 to 10 at Calvary Community Church and Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre.
"Check out the Art of the West Show and Sale, Western Trade Show, Rising Star Competition, Western Music, Cowboy Poetry, or the seminars. I attended Cowboy Church last year and loved it! For more information, visit www.tourismkamloops.com or pick up a copy of The Cowboy Times from the Kamloops Visitor Centre."
Ann Eppinger is visitor centre manager at Tourism Kamloops. Follow @tourismkamloops on Twitter for full events listings.
MIZ250's PICK OF THE WEEK
"Karaoke in Kamloops is quite the popular activity! Try it out at the Central Station Pub every Friday or Saturday. Make sure to get there early to get a table and sign up for your song(s). Who knows, we may find the next big superstar!"
For more of Miz250's recommendations, follow her on Twitter @Miz250.
