You don't even need to have a fake German accent to enjoy Oktoberfest. The annual harvest party that overtakes the entire Germanic culture is enjoyed around the world. Anyone whose eyes brighten at the thought of sloshing steins of beer clinking together in revelry, or the aromatic sizzle of schnitzel, or the delectable twist of doughy pretzels will understanding the appeal of Oktoberfest.
When you add in the lighthearted dance beat of traditional German folk music, people across all cultures and creeds wish it were Oktober all year.
Local country-roots band Sound Of The North is donning their dirndl and flaunting their lederhosen for an Oktoberfest fete at the Prince George Seniors' Activity Centre (the Old Library building at 6th Ave & Brunswick Street). They host a concert and dance on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m.
"It's a once-a-year kind of celebration where we can bring happy, cheerful tunes to the audience and light up their lives in a very unique kind of way," said band member Heidi Burtenshaw who comes from the German state of Bavaria, not far from Munich where Oktoberfest is a way of life.
"I have no German in my background, but I have always loved that kind of music. I knew some German songs even before I met Heidi," said Beth Bowman-Bressette, another member of Sound Of The North. "She's been there for the real celebrations, millions of people come to enjoy these massive parties, it goes on for weeks, and this is just a little taste of it in Prince George."
Sound Of The North has been involved in several Oktoberfest concerts around the region in the last couple of years. Joining Bowman-Bressette and Burtenshaw are Terry Receveur on piano and accordion, and Ken Maddox on guitar and banjo. All members of the band share the vocals. The event also promises two-part yodelling which is very rare in these parts.
"We just love bringing that authenticity to Prince George," said Burtenshaw.
"You can spend the money to fly all the way to Munich, or you can get a ticket to our dance," said Bowman-Bressette.
Admission is $20. Tickets are available now at the Seniors' Activity Centre. For more information call 250-565-1025 or go to the www.HeidiMelodicMusic.com website.
