The Winter’s Heart, a concert presented by Coast Phoenix Singers directed by Michael Grice and accompanied by Kelly Smit, takes place at 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 15. Pianist Smit will be playing on the recently-acquired grand piano that is the legacy to Gibsons United Church of the late Betty Paterson. She was a member of Coast Phoenix Singers, as well as the Gibsons United Church choir, and she died just over one year ago.

Guests include the Baroque and Blue instrumental ensemble: Kelly Smit, piano; Sara Harding, flute; Gerry Millar, bass; Tim Enns, percussion. The concert is at Gibsons United Church. Tickets are adults $15, children under 12 $5, available at Laedeli, Sunnycrest Mall and Sechelt Visitor Centre.

Mardi artist

Artist Mardi Ahmed will show her work at the Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery next to the Listel Hotel (Robson Street) in Vancouver with an opening night tonight (Friday).

Carol ships

To make the season brighter, the annual carol ships will circle Gibsons Harbour this Friday night, Dec. 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Opera

The Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt presents the Met Opera by satellite of Verdi’s Aida on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Call the theatre at 604-885-4597 to reserve tickets.

Carol Fest

To make Gibsons Landing a fun and festive place during dark December, the Landing Business Group will host its inaugural Carol Fest this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16 from noon to 5 p.m. at the new Gibsons Public Art Gallery.

Jim Taylor, Verna Chan, Chelsea Sleep, Leanne Frewin, Marilyn Carr, Nostalgia, Bonar Harris, Ashley Hautala and Richard Austin will entertain, along with a special appearance by four of the Nutcracker dancers on Saturday. Weather permitting, carollers will serenade street-side.

Seaside Santa and Mrs. Klaus expect to make an appearance on Sunday and Christmas bazaar tables will be set up both days. Admission is free, as are the hot chocolate and cookies (while quantities last); however, a donation to the Elves Club would be appreciated.

Dance night

The East Van Yacht Club, (the band, that is, not the boats) returns to the Gibsons Legion at 8 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 15.

Anagram

The quartet Anagram will perform at the Patricia Hotel on Hastings Street in Vancouver on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. That’s Graham Ord on sax and flutes, Anna Lumiere on piano, Kerry Galloway on basses and Bernie Arai on drums. This group has mostly played on the Coast, so the Vancouver gig is a rare occurrence, especially with the recent addition of Galloway. Originals and covers by John Zorn, Interactivo, Monk and more.

Christmas concerts

This weekend at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, the Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra Association presents Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child — both at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall. Tickets (adults $10, children $5) are at Laedeli in Sunnycrest Mall, Strait Music in Sechelt and Bluewaters Books in Madeira Park, or see www.musicsuncoast.com.

Authors at Woods

Actor Jackson Davies, better known as Constable Constable from The Beach-combers, will be showing and signing his new book, Bruno and the Beach, this Saturday, Dec. 15, at Woods Showcase in Sunnycrest Mall from 1 to 3 p.m.

Author Gillian Kydd will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with her book, Secrets of Roberts Creek, and from 1 to 3 p.m., author A.S. Penne will be showing and signing her two books, Reckoning and Old Stones.

Awards

The Sunshine Coast Arts Council invites the community to the 2013 street banner and the 2012 Young Artists Awards presentation, this Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt.

The banner presentation is at 1 p.m. and will recognize the young artists whose work has been chosen to be transferred to the large banners that will grace downtown Sechelt.

The Young Artist Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m. to those whose works of art have been created outside the school classroom. Come, meet the young artists and help celebrate the creative talents of our local youth.

Beethoven?

The Pender Harbour Music Society wants your feedback. They’re thinking about organizing a weekend of Beethoven sonatas at the Pender Harbour School of Music in the winter of 2014.

At last summer’s Cham-ber Music Festival, the audience heard Catherine Ordronneau (piano) and Kai Gleusteen (violin) render an unforgettable version of Beethoven’s Kreutzer sonata. Imagine if the two were to play ten sonatas over three concerts in one weekend. Ticket price would be $25 each or a special package of $60. Before they go ahead they need to know if you share the enthusiasm.

Contact Liz Wood by email as soon as possible at beethoven10sonatas@gmail.com if you support the idea.

Tuesday deadline

Let me know about your arts event by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s paper. Email jandegrass@dccnet.com or phone 604-886-4692. Keep it brief, please.