AMAN Gill will be the guest opening performer for Sapperton OA Pensioners and New West Lions Club’s “Seniors Have Talent!” at Sapperton Pensioners’ Hall at 318 Keary Street, New Westminster on Sunday, October 19 beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Aman, a third year Kwantlen University student, is blind. She sang both last year and this year for Blind Beginnings Has Talent. Although petite, she has a great voice that can easily fill any room with warmth and strength. She was one of the performers who inspired us to present our inaugural “Seniors Have Talent!” last October, Vic Leach, co-coordinator, Seniors Have Talent! and Director, SOAPA, told The VOICE this week.
He said this year, they have three superb judges – Dolores Kirkwood (OBC), Belle Puri of CBC Radio / TV and Rick Carswell, President of the Arts Council of New Westminster, with a great cast and MC Cal Donnelly. Members of the cast include Evelyn Benson, who will be reading from her award-winning book; David Slater, author, poet and former president of the mining firm Hillsborough Resources, who will be reciting his poetry; Sue Sparlin, a great singer and last year’s winner; Jim Britt, retired veteran and blazing banjo player; magician Dennis Hewson, a retired blacksmith engineer; and Dan Minor, dancer and singer who came in second nationally with Chartwell’s Senior Stars.
Contestants come from all over the Lower Mainland to the centrally located city.
Tickets in advance are only $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (55+) / students and children 5 and under free. All tickets at the door are $20. If you come by public transit, in a taxi or ride a bicycle, you’ll receive $2 back when you arrive. Tickets available from NW Lions or Sapperton Pensioners and will also be available on site at the Seniors Festival on Saturday, October 18 at the new Anvil Centre in downtown New West. Tickets are limited for you to see this phenomenal cast and patrons can vote – once or many times — for the Audience Choice. For more information call 604-522-0280.
Sapperton O.A. Pensioners and New Westminster Lions Club cast a wide net trolling for quality acts with entertainers coming from much of the Lower Mainland. The performers range in age from 58 to 82 years, each with intriguing and varied backgrounds. There are dancers from China and Mexico and a lady who has taking dancing with her dog to a very high level. Musicians on banjo and piano will get your feet tapping and fingers drumming.
Sapperton Pensioners’ Hall is a five-minute walk from Sapperton SkyTrain Station, a five-minute drive from either the north end of the Pattullo Bridge or Highway 1 at Brunette exit. It’s easy to find as it is only a 1/4 block from Royal Columbian Hospital. Performers for this event come from Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Surrey, White Rock Delta and Port Moody as well as Burnaby and New Westminster, all finding it easy to locate.