A new event will be hitting the beachfront of Powell River this summer. A Celebration of the Senses is a free, family-friendly opportunity for all to indulge their senses in a variety of ways.
The idea for such an event came from Arthur Arnold, music director and conductor of the Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA), the organization presenting the event. “He wanted to showcase all of Powell River’s genres to Powell River by having a venue for exposing art, culture and music to new people,” said Tara Adams, the volunteer organizing the event. “Arthur really wanted to give back to the community who put on this orchestra summer camp.”
PRISMA was established in 2012 to continue the work that the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific (SOAP) did for the world of fine music. The goal of the program is to provide learning opportunities with professional musicians for students in order to prepare them for a potential career in an orchestra.
While PRISMA attracts fine music lovers, A Celebration of the Senses will provide an expanse of artistic and cultural experiences in order to attract people from other interests and hobbies. “If you’re going to an orchestra performance, you’re already that type of a person who enjoys that kind of thing,” said Adams, “whereas with this event, you can try and catch new attention.”
With only a couple months of planning, Adams has been working hard to raise funds, awareness and talent for the event. “It’s been a little frantic,” she said. “I hope and pray that this event does well enough that we can do it again next year.”
The musical talent for the evening will attract many listeners through a variety of genres. The local jazz ensemble, SLAM, will be performing, as well as a sousaphone player, a pipe band, Jim Baron and Celtic group Cluinn. For fine music lovers, the PRISMA orchestra will be performing as a combination of students and faculty members for the first time.
In addition to the music there will be a variety of food vendors. Ayu Sushi to Go, Little Hut Curry, Mexican Food, Tiny Lil’ Donuts and more will be at the event to appeal to almost any taste buds.
While tasting new foods and listening to new music, event goers can browse the booths for a chance to see some new art and culture. “There will be painting on site,” said Adams. “Some of the art will be up for auction throughout PRISMA.” The Vintage Car Club and Powell River Twisters cheerleaders will be at the event as well.
The event is also an opportunity for all to see, feel and smell the scenic view from Willingdon Beach as they enjoy the food and music of the evening. “It’s nice to be able to have an outlet for all the different groups,” said Adams, “whether it be the artists or the food vendors.”
What won’t be seen, however, is waste. “We’re hoping to make it a zero-waste event,” said Adams. Let’s Talk Trash will be at the event and there will be on-site dishwashing available to encourage all to bring their own dinnerware.
The event will take place at 5 pm on Thursday, June 20 at Willingdon Beach, with music throughout the evening beginning at 5:30 pm. For more information, readers can contact Tara Adams at 604.485.4299 or [email protected].
