The Sunshine Coast Labour Council invites you to the International Women’s Day celebration at Roberts Creek Hall this Friday, March 8.

There will be music from Definitely Diva, the Knotty Dotters, and others, three interesting speakers and a potluck dinner. Doors open at 5 p.m. All are invited. Please bring something to share.

More Women’s Day

Linwood House in Roberts Creek is hosting an event for International Women’s Day with music, wine and an auction as a fundraiser for the group’s continuing work in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. That’s also this Friday, March 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call Janice at 778-462-2227 for more details.   

Music weekend

There are two musical events to dance to this weekend: Mardi Gras Costume Ball in Pender Harbour Hall (www.penderharbourbluesfestival.com) and Highway 101 music showcase at the Roberts Creek Hall (www.hwy101musicfest.com).

Show at GPAG

Local band Robotic Horse Mechanical Sun will be playing at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery on Saturday, March 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. in a special show they have created. They are looking forward to playing their brand of alt-country/folk-revival amongst all that art. Admission is $10 with children under 12 admitted free.

Children’s show

The Gibsons Public Art Gallery will be hosting the annual Children’s Art Show March 14 to April 15. All interested artists are invited to submit two pieces of work for the show by March 10 and to meet at the gallery on March 11 to work with four mentor/artist/ curators to set up the show. The opening reception is March 15 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will receive a gift certificate for art supplies from Woods Showcase. Check out the website: www.gibsonspublicartgallery.ca for submission forms and guidelines.

Machado concert

The Showcase of the Performing Arts that usually runs in July as a fundraiser for the Heritage Playhouse will be hosting concerts throughout the year.

Celso Machado will be the first performer for SOPA on Friday, March 15, at 8 p.m. The virtuoso Brazilian guitarist, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist and composer transports his audiences through the richness and diversity of Brazilian music and beyond. For 40 years Machado has been performing on concert stages throughout the world.

Considered one of the most versatile and exciting musician composers of Brazilian music today, his guitar technique is one of his passions, as is his gift for making music with a collection of instruments as well as everything around us.

Tickets are $20, available at Gaia’s Fair Trade and Laedeli in Gibsons and Sechelt Visitor Centre.

Beware PK

Pecha Kucha Night returns to the Arts Building (464 S. Fletcher, Gibsons) on the Ides of March, the 15th. You’ll see 20 images for 20 seconds each from these brave presenters: Donna Shugar, Junco Jan, Sarama, Lowry Olafson, Paul Clancy, Branwyn Holroyd, Eleonora Molnar and Sandy Buck — or it could be you if you dare to improvise. Doors open at 7:30 for an 8 p.m. show on Friday, March 15. Tickets are $10 at the door. The past three shows have sold out; it’s that much fun. Go to www.artsbuilding.org for more details.

Artists create

Create + Combine is the title of an exhibition at the Swallow’s Nest in Gibsons, opening March 15 and running to April 14 with a reception on Friday, March 15, from 4 to 7 p.m.

It will feature works by artists Patty Fon-taine, Marlene Lowden, Sheryl McDougald, Barbara Moustafa and Ginny Vail with acrylic on canvas, photography, large scale acrylic, mixed media and oils. The store is at 1061 Gibsons Way. Phone 604-886-7060 or email: the_nest@telus.net.

Art show

The Tom and Sean Talarico show, artists and wooden instrument makers, opens at the Copper Sky Gallery and Café in Madeira Park on March 15 with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m.

Celtic time

Registration is now open for the 13th annual Sunshine Coast School of Celtic Music.

Classes run July 8 to 12 at Roberts Creek Elem-entary School for fiddle, guitar, piano, cello, folk choir and trad Band. The Gala Concert showcasing the wonderful teachers from across Canada and Scotland will be on Friday, July 12, at Rockwood Pavilion in Sechelt. For more information check out www.coast
celticmusic.com.

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.