Kelowna City Band cancels Christmas Benefit Concert due to Loss of Funding

Recent funding cuts to the arts by the BC Government are now having an impact on more than just arts groups in Kelowna.

Recently, the Kelowna City Band lost its annual grant with only days notice. The Direct Access grant, paid from gaming funds, represented about half of the band’s annual budget – $8,000.  As a result programs, and the band itself, face an uncertain future.

The first casualty is an annual Christmas benefit concert in support of local charities. Due to the loss of funding the band has cancelled its December 16 Christmas concert at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

President of the Kelowna City Band Society, Tim Watson, it would have been the third annual free Christmas Concert the band has performed. “The first two concerts were free to the public. We invited the audience to make a donation at each of the concerts, with representatives of the Kelowna Community Food Bank on hand to accept donations in 2007 and representatives of the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal on hand to accept donations in 2008. We regret that we won’t be able to present a free Christmas concert to the public and assist a deserving community group this year.”

Future of Kelowna City Band in Jeopardy after 115 Years

Watson says he understands the government’s need to reduce expenses in these difficult fiscal times.  “We were certainly prepared for a reduction in the amount of the Direct Access grant but not for the grant to be completely wiped out.” He added, “We hope to return to the Mary Irwin Theatre at the Rotary Centre in the future as it is a perfect venue for our concert presentations. We won’t be making a future commitment, however, until our funding and finances have stabilized. We are determined to ensure the viability of Kelowna City Band for the years to come.”

The band also raises funds through a City of Kelowna grant, membership dues and donations, and has been proactive in attempting to lower expenses and raise funds to make up for the budget shortfall. A new fund raising initiative, “Club 100”, seeks annual $100 donations from individuals and companies willing to support the operations of the band. Kelowna City Band is a registered Society under the BC Society Act.

Club 100 information can be found at http://www.kelownacityband.org/club-100

A Lasting Legacy

Outlasting more than three generations of an average person’s lifespan, the Kelowna City Band has persevered, surviving through World War I and II.  Keeping the legacy of the KCB alive, the Band performs numerous free concerts each year including Canada Day, Remembrance Day ceremonies and Christmas celebrations. 

Dedicated to serving the community and ensuring that amateur musicians have a place to practice and improve their art, the Kelowna City Band is a non-profit society whose members are made up of volunteers. It currently has a 50-member base between the ages of 14 and 80. Under the baton of Music Director Heather Davis, the band performs an eclectic genre of music from pop, traditional, classic big band tunes and swing; and welcomes new members.

Contact the Kelowna City Band for more information.

Direct Access grants to arts and other community groups come from lottery and other gaming revenue in the province. The grant, in the amount of $8,000, represents nearly half of the band’s annual budget. The band also generates funds from membership dues and donations.

While the band hopes gaming funds will be made available again in the future, the group has begun efforts for alternate fund raising. New programs include the Club 100 annual donation plan. One-time donations are also welcome.

December 9, 2009 – 7:30 PM
Hawthorn Park, 867 KLO Road Kelowna

December 16, 2009 – 7:30 PM
Fernbrae Manor, 295 Gerstmar Road Kelowna

Special Guest: Jason Netherton as Elvis, performing Blue Christmas and other Elvis songs.