The Qualicum Beach Downtown Business Association will present a live band in a ticketed event next month, but attendees should not expect to spend much time sitting and clapping politely between numbers.
The QBDBA presents its fourth annual Dance Party April 2 at Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, with The Timebenders offering dance and music in styles for every generation.
“It is not a concert,” said Sherri Verdec, event organizer. “From the first note after they were introduced last year, the whole place emptied out onto the dance floor. And they didn’t want to leave.”
The QBDBA dance party debuted four years ago with Buddy Holly impersonator Zachary Stevenson, a Kwalikum Secondary grsd. He returned to play again in 2014, and the Timebenders made their debut last spring.
“Basically, we were looking for a fundraiser for us as a business association, to find resources to promote our downtown,” said Lilo Kallai, chair of the QBDBA. “We wanted to provide a fun event for the community, and this was something that wasn’t (happening) in the community five years ago.”
The Timebenders is a six-piece ensemble dance/party/event band that brings high energy and a fast pace to shows across North America, including Las Vegas.
Their show will span five decades of dance hits, including 15 costume changes to put the players in each era. The tunes will include the early rock and roll of the 1950s, the Motown classics of the 1960s, the dance fever of 1970s rock and disco, New Wave music from the 1980s and the divas of the 1990s.
Participants are encouraged to dress in their favourite period costume, and prizes will be awarded to some of the best.
The QBDBA is a non-profit society made up of downtown merchants. Its mandate is to promote and market the business viability of downtown Qualicum Beach and to promote the downtown business district as a destination for both visitors and residents.
Members are involved in many community events, from Fire and Ice to the Halloween extravaganza to Moonlight and Sunshine Madness, but the dance party stands apart.
“This is totally different from everything else they do,” Verdec said. “It has nothing to do with shopping. And once people buy their tickets and go through the doors, there’s no other auction or 50/50 draws or fundraisers.
“They just have to have a good time.”
A light, late dinner of bunwiches and delectables, provided by Qualicum Foods, Gary’s and Lefty’s, is included in the ticket price. A cash bar is also available for those who do choose to bring a little extra money.
Other in-kind support comes from the downtown businesses themselves, Verdec said. Some shopowners provide gift certificates for prizes, and merchants will also provide labour for set-up and take-down.
Verdec warns that the past three dance parties have all sold out quickly, so act early to avoid being left out.
The Dance Party begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 each, and a table for 10 may be reserved for $500.
Advance tickets may be purchased at Fresh N Fabulous Flowers & Gifts, 210 2nd Ave. in Qualicum Beach.
For more info, email Sherri Verdec at sherriverdec@shaw.ca.