Morrison Cafe in Ocean Park will host a regular monthly dinner/concert series, starting in April.
Billed as Morrison Music Nights, the series will begin Saturday, April 9 with music by well-known singer-songwriter Jason Mitchell – who has a long history on the Semiahmoo Peninsula – and series coordinator Randy Schultz, coupled with a three-course fine dining experience in the licensed venue.
Schultz said the series fits in with his long-standing objective of developing local venues capable of providing viable showcases for chronically under-valued professional musicians, rather than simply offering the more usual 'open mic' opportunities.
"Although of some value to developing musicians, these are not appropriate for established players who have years of hard work and practice behind their performances," Schultz said, noting that low compensation in Metro Vancouver is driving local bands and musicians out on the road, returning home only as part of a tour.
"Morrison Cafe had been wanting to offer entertainment for a while to add to their dinner experience – in conversation with them, they realized that what I was suggesting was the way that their objective could be achieved," Schultz said.
Dinner is served from 5 p.m., followed by the concert, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets ($35) are available at the cafe, at 12855-16th Ave.
For more information, call 604-531-3636 or 604-721-0872.