Tribute to Etta James

The music world lost a legend last week. Etta James could sing the blues like nobody’s business, and inspired so many younger artists. Here’s our tribute to her – our quartet arrangement of James’ signature tune “At Last”.

104 Underground – an operascape

UPDATE: 104 Underground was lots of fun and gave some unsuspecting LRT travelers a bit of evening entertainment (which, of course, adds to the fun). Check out the Edmonton Journal’s take on the event, and Alberta Primetime’s as well.

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Imagine sitting in an LRT station, waiting for the next train, when you suddenly become a witness to… opera?

That is exactly what Mercury Opera will be doing on the evening of Friday November 25th, at ETS‘s Enterprise Square/Bay Station, and Vif is excited to be taking part. “104 Underground – an operascape” is a unique installation combining some of opera’s greatest hits specially arranged and sung by a quartet of sopranos accompanied by Vif, with costumes by extraordinary local fashion designer Natasha Lazarovic of Temna Fialka.

From 6-8pm, before the LRT station becomes alive with the sound of music, you can sample local fare at host pods along Downtown’s 104th Street Promenade where audience members are offered a selection of beverages, wines  beer and appetizers sponsored by local businesses. Tickets to this portion are $25.

Around 8:00, begin descending into the depths of the underground via the 104th Street entrance into Enterprise Square/Bay Station. The performance begins on the platform when the 8:15pm train pulls into the station. The only ticket you’ll need for this is a single ETS fare – $2.85.

Click here for more event information. We hope to see you then!

A Truly ‘Thrilling’ Wedding

Recently, our quartet played at a wedding ceremony… with a twist. When the bride let me know she wanted us to play Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” during the bridal party’s entrance, and Guns n Roses “Sweet Child of Mine” during her entrance, I got the feeling this would be a wedding to remember. On the big day, after we finished up the prelude music (Beatles, Van Morrision, and other popular tunes, as requested), I’ll admit I was a little nervous to begin “Thriller”. What would the guests think? Would it seem awkward? Nevertheless, we went for it and started the first chords. After a few measures, I saw the groom and groomsmen out of the corner of my eye… walking in like zombies! Once they were in place, the bridesmaids were next. Sure enough, they danced their way down the aisle in excellent Michael Jackson style. I thought it was fantastic, and much to my relief, so did the guests – they were cheering the whole time. Let’s just say that the bride put her personal stamp on the classic bride processional with “Sweet Child of Mine”, and that it was a wonderful wedding that I will never forget. To the newlyweds – congrats and kudos for celebrating in your own way!

Wedding Essentials 101

Well, we’re in the middle of wedding season, and I’m being reminded once again of the importance of coming armed & prepared! Here’s my list of essentials to bring to weddings (along with my instrument, of course!).

1. Heavy duty music stand. To withstand potential wind and not blow away during outdoor ceremonies.

2. Clothes pegs/ paper clips. To keep music in place in the event of afore-mentioned wind)

3. Pencil. To mark any last-minute changes or new cues to watch for from the officiant.

4. Dress in layers. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor venue, you never know how much or little the sun and/or air conditioning will or will not be giving full power.

5. Flexibility and sense of humour. Even the most well-organized wedding can have a hiccup or two, so keeping an eye out to perhaps notice if the pen to sign of the register is missing, or if the unity candles are taking an extra minute to light, and continuing to serenely play music to keep the flow is, to me, a wedding essential.

Adventurous Venues and Tunes

Summer is just around the corner (at least, that’s what I keep telling myself!), and Vif is looking forward to playing at a bunch of fabulous weddings in the next few months.  It’s great to see couples becoming more and more creative as they personalize their weddings.

This summer, you may be able to spot us at churches across the city, the pyramids at Muttart Conservatory, Devonian Botanical Gardens, the historical Magrath Mansion, Union Bank inn, and a Regency-era themed ceremony at Fort Edmonton Park (think Pride & Prejudice).

Couples are also branching out with their music choices. In addition to the beloved wedding classics, some are opting for new arrangements of ‘their special song’ to make their ceremony that much more meaningful.  Think oldies-but-goldies Sheriff and Tom Petty, swingin’ jazz crooners Dean Martin and Bobby Darin, and even a tune by the indie electropop band Passion Pit.  With this mix, I’m sure there will never be a dull moment!

Beatles!

March has arrived, but we’re still hoping for a glimpse of spring here in Edmonton.  Regardless of the cold weather, love is in the air, and so are some fun new arrangements for Vif.  Aaron (our beloved quartet arranger) has been hard at work lately.  So far, he has completed Michael Jackson’s Thriller and a bunch of Beatles songs:  Penny Lane, Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, and Let it Be.  He’s also planning on adding A Hard Day’s Night, All You Need is Love, and When I’m Sixty-Four (and maybe one or two others).  What other Beatles tune would you like to hear in a unique string quartet version? Send us a message and let us know – you may just hear it at our next performance.

Also a reminder that our summer schedule is filling up – contact us soon to secure your date!

New Videos & Summer Dates

We just posted videos from our performance at Bridal Fantasy, including a wonderful new arrangement of Taylor Swift’s Love Story, created by our resident second violinist and arranger, Aaron Hryciw. Feel free to have a listen!

Our summer schedule is filling up, but we do have some dates still available. Contact us to find out if your date is still open, or if you have any other questions for us.

Bridal Fantasy Adventures

Well, yesterday was the big day – Bridal Fantasy! For those who don’t know, Bridal Fantasy is a huge bridal fair here in Edmonton that we had the opportunity to play at this year.  It was a great chance to share what we do, and play some of our favourite pieces from Bach to great new arrangements of Taylor Swift’s Love Story and At Last by Etta James, made by our resident arranger and second violinist. Excellent work, Aaron! We also met some brides-to-be and look forward to playing at some weddings in the upcoming months. Thanks also to Jeremy for bring our spokesman and giving information to guests while we were busy playing. We’ll be posting a video from the event in the next day or two on our Media page, so stay posted.

Bridal Fantasy – January 23rd!

We are very excited to be taking part in this year’s Bridal Fantasy bridal fair! It will be the first time our quartet has played at this event, and we’re looking forward to getting caught up in the excitement of the day, playing some tunes, and meeting brides-to-be. Weddings are always a lot of fun to play at, so this should be a great time. Look for us in the lobby – we’ll be playing for guests as they line up and make their way into the fair. Hope to see you then!

Sunday January 23rd, 9:30 – 5:00 at the Edmonton Expo Centre