February Blues. You can talk about the weather, or tap your feet to the sounds of jazz and the blues at D.W. Poppy Secondary’s annual concert, appropriately named February Blues.
Every year, music students from Grade 8 to 12 spend hours in rehearsals to prepare for the evening of jazz, blues, refreshments and prizes.
While the event offers Langley residents one of the few occasions in the year when they can enjoy an inexpensive night out, it is also an important fundraiser. This year, the proceeds will be put towards buying new choral music.
“It’s a fun evening full of great music provided by the D.W. Poppy Jazz bands, served up with plenty of refreshments,” said Dawn Parker, who is co-chairman the Poppy Music Parent Association.
“This is our primary fundraiser for the year,” she said, adding that in addition to the band performances, there will be a silent auction and balloon prizes.
“This fundraiser benefits the entire music program at Poppy, helping with the cost of such items as sheet music, clinicians, instrument repairs and replacement,” Parker said.
This year’s February Blues concert is on Saturday, Feb. 26. The main doors open at 5:30 p.m., giving concert goers an opportunity to look at the auction items or buy a balloon prize.
The doors of the gym where the concert will take place open at 6 p.m. with the first performers, the Fort Langley Jazz Band, opening the event at 6:30 p.m.
Other performers are the Grade 8 Concert Band, Grade 9 Concert Band, Grass Roots Jazz Band, Jazz Express, Midnight Blue Jazz Band, Poppy Vox, and the Hothouse Jazz Band.
At $10 each, the ticket price makes the event one of the best entertainment bargains in a community where there are few opportunities for a night of jazz, blues and refreshments.
Tickets are available at the school, 23752 – 52 Ave. or by phone at 604 530-2151.