By Wendy Webb
Special to the Driftwood
If you were to walk by Beaver Point Hall on Good Friday afternoon you would have heard 75 voices raised in song interlaced with laughter and applause.
Michelle Footz, music instructor at Gulf Islands Secondary School, (a.k.a. Shelder the Electric Clamfish) stepped out on a limb a few years ago and organized the first unusual annual music event at Beaver Point Hall Good Friday and it has grown in popularity since.
Footz came up with the idea of a Jesus Christ Superstar participatory sing-a-long using a screen with words as in karaoke in a unique way of expression. It is a bringing together of community “in many different ways,” whether in the spirit of the day or a tribute to the incredible 1971 rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and music by Tim Rice. The venue being casual and relaxed is perfect. Footz definitely has the presence, voice and musicianship to pull it off. She encourages being in character and a few people were. About mid-show a surprise appearance of well- known Vancouver accordionist Pavel Rhyzlovsky was a special treat and surprise to everyone, including Footz! He slipped in and joined in easily.
My final thoughts? Many attending still own the sound track album or passed it along when CDs made the scene. I’m looking forward to next year. Think I’ll dress as the temple money lender.
You can meet Michelle and company at Beaver Point Hall on July 4 when three bands rock it: Local band Zelk, Bu Von Blume from Cumberland and Balkan Shmalkan from Vancouver. Tickets are on sale now.
The writer is a South Ender and lover of Beaver Point Hall.