Wow! I’m still tapping my feet and humming away with new songs in my head.
Teresa and I enjoyed a fabulous evening of music Thursday night at the always hospitable Minstrel Café.
The unique, intimate atmosphere of the Minstrel was the perfect setting for singer-songwriter Ken Byrka’s solo CD release event.
Once again (as has become the norm for Mr. Byrka), he blew the crowd away with his latest musical creations. Byrka simply gets better every show. A gifted singer and songwriter, with a charismatic voice equal to his huge personality—Kenny Byrka is the full package.
Added to the magical mix is his fierce focus and willingness to work full speed non stop in his profession. It’s only a matter of time before Mr. Byrka grabs huge attention on the national and international music scene.
Pretty Holiday is a solid five-song EP (that’s ‘Extended Play’) that stands solidly on its own, yet also acts as a fabulous tease for what else in the way of delicious songs are fermenting in Byrka’s creative cranium.
The title track is a very catchy, boppy, hand clapping tune guaranteed to catch air play, but it pales in musical and lyrical composition compared to the wonderfully well crafted songs Hit and Run Superstars, Danni, and My Lucky Day.
An added bonus to the evening at the Minstrel was that Kenny was joined on stage by his longtime Sleddog band mate Michael Donely and guests.
The foursome played a number of new tunes planned for the next Sleddog CD, due for release in the very near future.
The new CD promises a harder, rockier edge compared to Byrka’s solo CD or the previous three Sleddog records.
Proceeds from Byrka’s event were donated to the Kelowna food bank, which is in desperate shape these days.
Food bank executive director Vonnie Lavers says that 695 new files have been opened at the local food bank since January.
Part of the huge jump in new clients, it seems, may be directly related to the 17-week log jam that now faces residents applying for EI benefits.
“These are harsh times for a lot of people. Not only are there job losses but food costs have gone up 7.3 per cent in Canada this year. So not only can clients not afford food, but those who donate regularly are feeling it as well,” Lavers said. Thankfully the Calgary food bank is willing to share its food with Kelowna.
Lavers says another 18-wheeler filled with products is expected from Calgary soon. It will mark the fifth shipment in the past year donated by the Alberta city.
The 28 to 40 pallets of food are transported for free by East-West Transport of Calgary and then unloaded at this end by Monashee Steel of Kelowna. Way to go folks. Thank you!
