It was the strangest of venues. And it was the most unlikely cast of characters. But, when it all ended, in a rousing piano display that reached so many crescendos you ran out of hairs to stand up on the back of your neck, it was like climbing a mountain of raw yet stirring music, one mountain after another, until finally, joyfully, you reached the peak.
Next week in Regina, Thursday I think it is; there will be a concert performed at the Centre of the Arts that will be quite like nothing this city has ever experienced before. It's called "An Evening with Family and Friends" and will be in honour of long time Regina patrons of the arts the gracious Doris Knight and the incomparable Jacqui Shumiatcher.
What is tantalizing about it is the mix of performers. There will be a renowned pianist from Cuba, a celebrated guitarist from Regina and a heart-throb singer from Regina who celebrates the life and times and songs of Elvis Presley. Yeah, Rory Allen, but you will see him performing in a light you will never have seen him perform in before.
Rory will be teaming up with Cuban pianist Frank Fernandez and Regina's surreal Jack Semple in what will be an evening to remember.
We got a brief preview of what to expect the other night at Nicky and John Makris' restaurant, the Diplomat. With a full house of diners, the Diplomat became a mini concert hall. And what a show these three guys put on, bringing the restaurant patrons to their feet at least three times in a 40-minute set that was simply thrilling.
Have you ever seen Rory Allen croon his way through "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes? Or, Jack Semple belt out "Somewhere over the Rainbow?" No. Well, the crowd at the Diplomat did.
But, baby, you ain't seen nuthin' until you've seen Frank Fernandez making love to the keyboard. He is one of a kind. His rendition of Ave Maria was almost to weep over. But his finale was one that transcended the evening, his fingers dancing and darting, charging and caressing, electrifying as they took the audience from one level of exhilaration to another.
It was an inspiring preview to what will be coming, in much bigger form, on Thursday, September 9th, at the Centre of the Arts.
Mashing With Mona
There's little doubt that EXIT Realty Fusion has established itself, in just three short years, as a force in Saskatchewan real estate. But, if there is one thing that owners Bob and Loretta Hughes have insisted on is that EXIT Realty Fusion must be seriously involved in the community and community events.
It is one thing to participate in various charitable fund-raisers, which is always good. Business people should play in the many golf tournaments that adorn the charity calendar.
But at EXIT Realty Fusion, we go a step further. Our people have happily taken on the task of organizing new fund-raising golf tournaments that benefit some of the great charities.
The first was the George Reed Golf Tournament for Special Olympics Saskatchewan. Bob Hughes was the Tournament Director and Loretta was on the committee which included outstanding Regina business and community leaders. The tournament was organized in about three months, yet the field was filled at 144 golfers who enjoyed their day at the Wascana Golf and Country Club. The evening saw entertainment provided by Rory Allen and Jack Semple and a lineup of Special Olympians. As well, four soldiers who had recently returned from Afghanistan were honoured at the banquet and received three standing ovations.
Now, here comes EXIT Realty Fusion agent Mona Crandell with a tournament of her own. Mona, of course, is the wife of former Rider quarterback and current offensive coach Marcus Crandell. But at the rate this lady is going, soon people will be saying Marcus is the husband of Mona Crandell.
Mona's mother has MS, and Mona wants to do something about this dreadful disease. So, she is spear-heading a group that is putting together the first annual tournament in aid of MS. It will be held at the Tor Hill Golf Course on Thursday, September 16th. It's going to be a blast. You don't want to miss what will not only be one of the last charity tournaments of the year, but one of the best.
You can get information on entering by contacting Mona at mona@exitrealtyfusion.com you won't be sorry if you do, and you'll be supporting a wonderful cause.
If you want to be a part of the EXIT Realty Fusion team - talk to Sarah Kemmere today at 306.352.3948 ext.5 or contact her at sarah@exitrealtyfusion.com
