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It’s a lovebeat at Daponte’s Valentine’s Day show

Heavy snow outside blurs the lines of exactly what occasion was being celebrated
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Vocalist Edie Daponte performs love songs at the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton for Valentime’s Day. (Photo by Don Bodger)

“Merry Christmas!”

That was Edie Daponte’s tongue-in-cheek introduction to her special Valentine’s Day show Thursday night at the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton, as snow swirled around outside.

Despite the conditions, all but a few people who bought advance tickets made it out to see and hear Daponte perform her trademark love songs designed to lift the spirits without the heartbreak.

“It was quite impressive everybody was able to attend on such a blustery day,” she said later.

“It’s always a pleasure to sing there.”

Daponte and her quartet of Karel Roessingh (keyboards), Joey Smith (bass and guitar) and Damian Graham travelled from the Victoria area before the worst of the snow arrived. They were offered a chance to stay over and appreciated the generosity of hosts Tony van de Mortel and Patricia Berry, but decided to venture home over the Malahat afterwards.

“We had two cars,” Daponte said. “It was fine. I have all-wheel drive. It just took a little longer.”

Daponte performed a great selection of familiar and original songs to suit the occasion that’s become a tradition.

“I almost always have a show on Valentine’s, I think,” she said. “My husband has been alone for many Valentine’s.”

They still managed to celebrate ahead of her appearance in Crofton.

With the weather situation, Daponte’s quartet cut their performance a bit short so people could return home before the snow piled up too much.

Before they left, Daponte managed to spend some time with members of the audience.

“I met every single person in the room,” she indicated. “I was able to hear their stories. That was so much fun.”

Daponte was impressed how everyone looked after each other, including one woman who was looking for a ride to Duncan and found a willing volunteer. “Everyone came together to help each other in the storm,” she praised.

It’s a busy time for Daponte. The official launch for her CD Alegria is coming up on March 1 in Victoria.

Daponte’s Under Paris Skies show brings the music of Edith Piaf to life and the first show this year is in Victoria May 10, with a series of performances in mid- to late-September.

“It’s a special story of a life and she left such a legacy,” Daponte enthused.

And what about coming back to Crofton?

“I would love to,” she said. “I don’t have a date yet, but you can count on it.”

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Edie Daponte, with Joey Smith among the backing group on bass. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Edie Daponte extends her love to the audience for Valentine’s Day. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Damian Graham on the drums for the Edie Daponte Quartet at Crofton’s Osborne Bay Pub Thursday night. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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