If you are looking for music and good food over the festive season you should see what is new at The Old Dutch Inn in Qualicum Beach. Under new ownership the restaurant and hotel has been expanding its entertainment line up with live music Thursday through Sunday.
General manager Kevin Ward said it is not the Old Dutch Inn of the past.
Not only has the menu changed, he said they are now offering something different, with a variety of live music four days a week.
“We want people to have great food and entertainment. We are mixing it up and we have a different feel,” he stated.
He said a major renovation is planned for next summer that includes a brand new restaurant, kitchen and lounge. Ward said the exciting plans include a cocktail lounge and tapas lounge that will provide a great entertainment venue.
“It’s a huge re-fit. Every inch is being changed inside and out.”
He said the new food and entertainment now being offered is just a little taste of what is to come down the road.
The Legendary Aristocrats just wrapped up a six week engagement at the restaurant providing jazz and swing tunes on Friday and Saturday nights and Ward said he will be having them back in the new year.
Ron Hadley and some musical guests will be rounding out the musical lineup over the next few weeks.
While the music programs at The Old School House (TOSH) break for Christmas, the accomplished pianist will be tinkling the ivory over the holidays every Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Qualicum Beach restaurant.
When the Music On Sunday winter series begins on January 15 people who attended that day’s concert at TOSH will get a 20 per cent discount on dinner when they show their Music On Sunday ticket stub.
On Thursdays Hadley will be joined by special guest musicians from 6 to 9 p.m.
The upcoming special guest performer on Dec. 22 is Barcelona-based Spanish/Jazz vocalist Nancy Ruth singing in both Spanish and English for an unforgettable evening of fiery Latin inspired music.
A musical gypsy with roots in both Spain and Canada, Ruth has spent her life singing her way around the world. She has graced stages worldwide offering her unique musical blend of jazz, Latin and flamenco.
The Kris Kringle dinner Friday Dec. 23 promises to be a night that will take patrons back to the glory days in Las Vegas with the fabulous Honeycrooners and their Rat Pack tribute.
Capturing the smooth sounds and cool vibes of the Crooners that made the “strip” the place to be and to be seen, Tom Watson and the Honeycrooners perform the hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole and many more.
Watson is backed by some of the best musicians on the west coast and their performance will have guests returning to an era when the cocktail was king and lady luck was queen.
Ward said it will be a great musical evening where people can eat and enjoy the nostalgic music for a few hours.
“The Honeycrooners are from Victoria and they are the best tribute band I have ever seen,” said Ward.
The six course cabaret dinner is $45 with seating from 6 to 7, and the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance as there are only 60 bookings being taken for the Kris Kringle dinner.
On Dec. 29 Qualicum Beach clarinetist Liam Hockley who is now working on his master’s degree in clarinet performance at UBC will be joining Hadley.
There will be a special New Year’s Eve duo on Dec. 31. Hadley accompanied by exquisite Victoria vocalist Miranda Sage will join guests in ringing in the New Year.
On January 5 Hadley performs solo. There is a special trio weekend January 6 and 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. where dynamic Victoria vocalist Maria Manna will join Hadley and Joey Smith on bass. Manna, who sings in Italian and English, will perform jazz and pop standards and well-known Italian favorites.
On January 12 soulful Victoria blues/jazz vocalist Maureen Washington is in the house. On January 19 Victoria crooner Aaron Scoones will be at Hadley’s side and on January 26 Victoria jazz vocalist Gergana Velinova will join Hadley on stage.
For reservations call 250-752-6914 or visit www.olddutchiin.com.