First published on Facebook [Phil Dwyer] When I was a youngster, my parents attended many local dances, and I heard repeatedly about how great a dance band Bill Cave and "The Cavemen" was. When I was in grade 7, Bill took over the music program at what was then Qualicum Middle School. From day one,... Continue Reading →
What is it about a painting? One image in two dimensions, a snapshot in this age of streamers – how can it compete for our attention? One answer could be the simple fact of genius compressed into a frame. The quote above, from a newsletter from The Observer, has me thinking about the photographic task,... Continue Reading →
"The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band embodies defiant beauty." - San Francisco Classical Voice "Julia Keefe came on with her big band and completely blew the roof off of the venue…" - Aisha Ahmad-Post, Newman Center for the Performing Arts Band Statement: Indigenous jazz musicians, ensembles, and big bands have their place in the contemporary... Continue Reading →
Once again, another Jazz Vespers service looms large. Information is on the poster, but allow me to add: Justin Glibbery on pianoStefan Bienz on bassLoni Moger on guitarEric Manuel on drums The announced theme is Joyspring, (I don't expect this to be played as we don't have a trumpeter on this gig), but you never... Continue Reading →
Hundreds out for opening of rebuilt baseball field in Summerland Casey Richardson - Apr 18, 2026 / 3:40 pm | Story and photos / Castanet Summerland Click here to view gallery Hundreds of people came out to Summerland's Living Memorial Park on Saturday to celebrate the opening of a special baseball field, more than a... Continue Reading →
Reposted from The Independent Sunday 19 April 2026 NPR (National Public Radio/US) received its largest-ever donation from a living donor this week when billionaire philanthropist Connie Ballmer gave $80 million to the media organization. Ballmer — a former member of the NPR Foundation's board — told the Wall Street Journal that she poured money into... Continue Reading →
Ken Gray, with materials from CBC News, Apr 12, 2026 Jenna Benchetrit explores AI implications for writers. “Hi; my name is Ken.” “Hi Ken.” “I occasionally use AI.” “Wow; did you make that up yourself Ken? Or did AI help? And if it did, how did AI help you?” “No I did not use AI... Continue Reading →
Thirty years is a long time. In a culture that values immediacy over and above consistency and longevity, the long-haul commitment to art and to community seems increasingly rare. Until you discover Musaic Vocal Ensemble. Thirty years ago as an Anglican priest, I was the Rector of St. Stephen Anglican Church in Summerland. Early in... Continue Reading →
She is so beautiful. I cannot believe my good fortune to have found a partner in love who is not only smart, and tenacious, and principled, and funny — and did I say, gorgeous? Of course healthy relationships must be more than skin deep. But beautiful skin, dark hair, and blue eyes, a fit and... Continue Reading →
Dan Bilicki in the Toronto Sun - Published Mar 30, 2026 From one team leader to another, Steve Kerr provided some timely words of encouragement to John Schneider after the Blue Jays manager suffered World Series heartbreak of the highest order. But while the letter from the Golden State Warriors coach was penned and arrived... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 