Music is something that unites us.
Friday night at the Media Centre inside Chinook High School, the power of that statement will be on full display during the performance of L.A. City Limits VIII, Nov. 6.
About 15 musical acts will be performing, including a number of solo performers, duets and student bands, along with the Chinook Jazz Band and the Chinook Guitar Ensemble.
The eclectic mix of music being offered means there will be something for everyone, which is part of the purpose of the event, according to Chinook High School teacher and L.A. City Limits producer Reid Seibert.
“The underlying philosophy is to make the students become a part of the southern Alberta music community. We’re trying to build a music community in the school, and join that with the music community in southern Alberta.”
Seibert is also hoping to build an audience for the L.A. City Limit performances, which features a professional sound man to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. The eighth version of the show will be held Friday, and hopes are more students, and more members of the community in general, will attend and gain an appreciation for the dying art that is live music.
“We just don’t see it in the city enough,” said Seibert about live performances.
“A lot of people now relate to music through technology and the internet. I think our philosophy here is we want the kids to love it and enjoy music.”
But it’s not only the kids that will be learning about performing live, as a staff band, which includes Chinook teacher Scott Davidson, called Lifeswitch Common, will also be taking to the stage.
“That gives the kids a taste of something more polished and more professional,” said Seibert, who added country-music performer Mark Maxwell will also be part of Friday’s show.
L.A. City Limits VIII will include about two hours of music, and while it will provide the audience with an entertaining mix of music, it also provides students an opportunity to perform and introduce themselves to the music community in general.
“The idea is to eventually get these bands connected to and possibly opening for popular community artists,” said Davidson, who added three bands comprised of Chinook students will be part of the show.
“Our vision this year was to get students to take ownership of the concert, as part of being a musician is having the students getting out and advertising themselves.”
It’s also about getting the rest of the school up to date about what goes on in the music department at Chinook, and the kind of talent being produced at the school.
“We have a wonderful community here in the music wing, but not everyone knows about it,” said Davidson. “It’s really a cool thing that we’re doing here, and we’re hoping this concert can build community here at the school.”
And for those looking for an evening of entertainment, the price is certainly right, as tickets are $5 online, via the Chinook High School website, or $10 at the door.
“For five dollars, you’re not going to find better entertainment,” said Seibert.
“It’s a really good two hours of music. I think people will be surprised by the quality and the good variety.”
