Mamma Mia it’s the 20th Anniversary of the Qualicum Beach Rotary Chamber Gala and Auction and to celebrate this years event guests will be entertained with a live performance by ABRA Cadabra, an ABBA tribute band.
For fans of the Swedish superstars who were at the top of the charts back in the 1970’s and 80’s it will be the next best thing to a concert by members of the original ABBA who recently turned down a billion dollars for a 26 date tour.
While it seems likely that ABBA won’t be returning to the world stage anytime soon, ABRA Cadabra is keeping the music alive and will be performing the timeless and uplifting music at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre Sat., Nov. 12.
Kylee Epp is one of the talented musicians in the ensemble and ifher name sounds familiar that is because Epp grew up in Qualicum Beach. She now lives in Vancouver where she is pursuing a musical career that has taken her all over the world.
Epp graduated in 2003 and although she had been performing since age six, she credits her school years for starting her on her musical path.
She said when she was at Qualicum Beach Middle School they needed a soloist for a production which was going to be recorded for a school fundraiser.
“I was chosen and when I went into the studio for the first time it planted the seed and I have pursued music ever since,” she said.
Epp began writing songs, taught herself how to play guitar, and recorded her first demo CD at age 13. This would remain the pattern for the next few years, as she continued to write, record, and hone her craft. She put her first band together at age 15 and began to play the bar circuit.
Her musical journey landed her second place for her vocal performance in the YTV Achievement Awards.
Epp has also traveled the world with the Canadian Dance team and took home a silver medal at the 2001 World Dance Championships in Berlin. She also received the prestigious award for best stage performance at The Canadian National Dance Championships.
Epp’s background in dance has served her well with ABRA Cadabra and the high-energy and captivating stage show complete with a themed-wardrobe has impressed ABBA fans around the world.
Epp said even in Asia, where they toured last year, the fans would sing along to all of the songs.
“ABBA’s music crosses all language barriers.”
She said it is an honour and a privilege to be able to bring the amazing music of ABBA to life especially in her home town of Qualicum Beach where the tribute band performed for the chamber gala back in 2006.
When she isn’t performing with ABRA Cadabra, Epp is busy with her other musical projects.
She is currently recording a new original album, due to be released next spring. The country pop project includes songs that she has written.
“I’ve always loved the performance aspect of being a musician. Every time I get on stage I feel lucky that this is what I do for a living. There is nothing else in the world I would rather be doing.”
You can dance; you can jive, having the time of your life on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by a sumptuous dinner.
Throughout the evening there are silent auctions, balloons, games and finally the live auction where the winner takes it all. Dance the night away and receive a complimentary ride home.
Tickets for the gala are $100 each and can be purchased by calling the chamber office at 250-752-0960.