Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

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On December 22nd, enjoy six  intimate concerts in the salons of Commercial Drive. Solstice is celebrated by many cultures around the world. In the House and The Secret Lantern Society are coming together to bring you a multicultural array of music and storytelling to celebrate solstice and the coming of longer days.

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Friday, December 22nd, 2006

All shows are at 6 pm and then again at 7:15 pm. This gives you the opportunity to go explore the neighborhood and attend two concerts in two different houses.

Performers:

www.orchidensemble.com	Orchid Ensemble : The Orchid Ensemble blends ancient musical instruments and traditions from China and beyond, creating a beautiful new sound that is both creative and distinct. The ensemble has embraced a variety of musical styles to its repertoire, ranging from the traditional and contemporary music of China, World Music, New Music to Jazz and Creative Improvisation. The energetic yet endearing performance style of the ensemble consistently intrigues and delights its audiences, consistently receiving standing ovations. Acclaimed as 'One of the brightest blossoms on the world music scene' (Georgia Straight), the Orchid Ensemble has been tirelessly developing an innovative musical genre based on the cultural exchange between Western and Asian musicians.
www.alexalegria.com	El Mariachi Romántico: El Mariachi Romántico was founded to maintain and promote the beauty of Mexico through traditional and uplifting music. El Mariachi Romántico International is a multicultural band which delivers the passion, love and respect we feel for Mexico.
Photo credit: Stacy Bracken-Horrocks www.francoishoule.ca	Nihavend: This trio composed of François Houle on clarinet, Gordon Grdina on oud, Neelanjit Dhillon on tabla, will be playing music based on Persian, Turkish, and middle-east themes.
	The Adama Trio: The music of The Adama Trio  explores the boundaries of classical, contemporary jazz and world music. Adama creates exciting and original material, rich with Middle-Eastern and Flamenco sounds, unusual melodies and complex rhythms.
	Oak Bones : Diana Halter on harp, bodhran, and vocals and Steve Quattrocchi on mandolin. This duo performs traditional and contemporary Celtic music.
	Mary Gavan: Grandparents in both [Scotland and Ireland] taught me the old legends and the long ballads as they regarded storytelling as a way of life rather than a festival event. I also learnt much from my parents who were skilled raconteurs. At first, I told the old stories, especially those of working with animals. On coming to Canada, I began to expand on the stories to explain Celtic ways and to include my own experiences. Now, I write my own stories combining the wisdom of the past legends with the understanding of my present experiences.
	Pauline Wenn: Growing up in a typical Scottish working-class home, with typical Scottish storytelling, Pauline was never bored. Having left that home at the age of 18, she made a  new life in Canada. She brings to her stories rich experiences and memories from both sides of the Atlantic.

More on The Secret Lantern Society:The secret mission of the Secret Lantern Society is to transform spectators into participants through celebration. But please don't tell anyone. Our main event is the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. We have created and participated in numerous community festivals as well as provided five years of artistic direction for the Stanley Park Ghost Train.

On December 22nd come celebrate the return of the sun with a glowing constellation of lanterns shining in six Vancouver neighbourhoods. Honouring many cultural traditions, the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the longest night of the year with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, live music, dancing - and skating!

For more information on the celebrations, please visit www.lanternsociety.org