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Four great bands on the menu at Thanksgiving party

The Point's All Original Orphans' night is back on Oct. 11
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Giving thanks Poor Dirty Sylvia joins Beth Parsons, Railtown Prophets and Dakota Pearl at the All Original Orphans' Night Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, Oct. 11. Photo submitted

Stephen Vogler laughs when it is pointed out to him that The Point Artists Run Centre, which he operates, seems to plan a party for all the major holidays and invents a few as an excuse to pull food and music together.

This is the second year of its All Original Orphans' Thanksgiving dinner and the menu for the night is as strong as ever.

"Originally, the idea of the Orphans' thing was something for all those people who don't have family in town, but then last year we found that many people coming out do celebrate it with their families," Vogler says.

The event takes place at The Point on Alta Lake on Saturday, Oct. 11.

"I was surprised at how many were keen to have turkey dinner on the Saturday night and then have another one with family on the Sunday or Monday," Vogler says.

"It's nice, because there's that traditional family turkey but this is a big social event, where you're together with all kinds of people. It's a little different spin on Thanksgiving."

There is also a vegetarian option, in case anyone is wondering.

And there will be plenty of everything.

"Last year, they actually ran out of turkey because so many people came out," Vogler says. "When we ran out last year, we had alternate food, but this year there will be lots."

Musically speaking, four Whistler and Pemberton acts will serenade the diners.

Apart from Poor Dirty Sylvia, who is returning this year, all the live acts are new additions. Joining the band is Beth Parsons, Railtown Prophets and Dakota Pearl.

The latter has had a good summer, being selected to perform at the Pemberton Music Festival following a competition of local musicians.

"Almost by accident, we ended up with almost a country theme. Dakota Pearl is quite the country rocker; they call it farmcore. I think they made it up; it's very original. I heard them at a friend's outdoor barn party at the Slow Food Cycle, and there was a big jam I play in. It was the first time I'd heard them and I was really impressed."

Vogler says The Railtown Prophets are an offshoot of Whistler band The Sociables.

"They're a little more rockabilly, it should be more fun for dancing."

Beth Parson is a local performer and pro mountain biker whose songs Vogler describes as quirky.

"There are so many good musicians in this town, it is quite remarkable," Vogler says.

"We're going with an all original theme of music again, because Whistler is full of lots of cover bands and tribute bands. I think it's nice to explore the original side of music here and there is no shortage of that."

And what else are they offering us orphans?

"The other main offering is the Thanksgiving dinner. That's an artwork in itself cooking for that many people. Michelle Bush is the guest chef, just back from running her restaurant on Savary Island," Vogler says.

Advance tickets are $22 with dinner, $12 show only at Armchair Books and www.thepointartists.com. At the door they go up to $25 with dinner, $15 show only.

Dinner and cash bar from 6 p.m., live music from 7 p.m.