Running a charitable non-profit arts organization is no little feat. Running a charitable non-profit arts organization in a small town that is only busy for less then a third of the year is next to impossible, but the Harrison Festival Society has managed to do so for almost 40 years. We would not be able to do it without the support of the community, our family membership campaign and the many fundraising events we hold throughout the year. With every passing year though, this event is becoming more and more important for us to keep bringing top artists from across Canada and around the world to our little community. Expenses continue to rise and so has our need to increase our earned revenue. This year we are having a party and want to make sure we get as many people out as possible. The event will be held on Friday, May 26th in the Agassiz Agricultural Hall and will feature desserts, a 50/50 draw, door prizes, a silent auction and one incredible band from Vancouver, The R&B Allstars, to keep everyone dancing the whole time!!!The Allstars are a dynamic eleven-piece rhythm and blues band from Vancouver. The band was formed in 1980 and gained popularity at venues like The Town Pump, Commodore, Richards on Richards and 86th Street. After a decade of recuperation from groove fatigue, the Allstars reformed in 2013.

The group now includes seven original members and five new additions. The powerful vocals of Dave Steele have been added to those of original members Joani Bye, Al Lynch and Russell Marsland. Billy Mendoza has brought not only his great voice to the band, but his funky bass has infused the original rhythm section of Rick Hill (drums), Russell Marsland (guitar) and Al Davidson (keys) with a new, driving energy. The addition of the smoking talents of Tom Keenlyside (alto sax), Steve Hilliam (tenor sax) and Peter Juric (trumpet) to the original horn section of Colin Weinmaster (trombone), John Pearson (baritone sax), and Al Lynch (trumpet) has given new meaning to the phrase “brass kicking ass”! We are enjoying not only reconnecting with all the people who apparently missed us, but finding new fans along the way.

The evening begins at 7:30pm with doors opening at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $45 and will be available online through the link above, by phone at 604.796.3664, or in person at the Ranger Station Art Gallery. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more videos and promo contests.