A large litter of hedgehogs was sold at the Christmas concerts of the Coast Symphony Orchestra and more will be available at their next concerts this weekend. The concerts are Saturday at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall at 2 p.m. and Sunday at Heritage Playhouse at 2 p.m.
Volunteer knitters - most are members of the Orchestra Association - have knitted these creatures.
The Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra is composed of 11 musicians, aged 12 to 18 years, under the direction of conductor Kathleen Hovey.This is the only group on the Coast that promotes classical and symphonic instruction and performance opportunities, playing orchestral music, chamber music, pop and light classical. They also perform regularly with the West Vancouver Youth Band String Ensemble on the Coast and in West Vancouver.
The Youth Orchestra has been accepted to perform and compete at the Whistler Music Festival, April 26 to 29, that will provide active learning through participation of student and teacher.This opportunity to perform is the first time an organization from the Coast has participated, and they will be able to share music with youth groups from all over the world while interacting and performing with adjudicators, clinicians and guest artists.
The festival will be a large financial undertaking for the youth.So far they have raised funds by performing and making crafts. The little woolly hedgehogs as well as some Valentine's Day craftswill be available at the concerts this weekend. They also take orders. Contact Kathleen Hovey at 604-885-1066 to order your own hedgehog.
This weekend
Bob Marley's Birthday Bash takes place at the Roberts Creek Legion on Saturday starting at 9 p.m. Three DJs - Esperanza, DJ Gregory and Von Blackburn - plus a live band, The Hoolicans, will celebrate the legacy of Rasta and reggae. Admission is $5 for Legion members and $10 for guests.
Also, the New Moon Festival puts on their Lunar New Year celebration this Sunday with Qi Gong, drumming and a potluck in Roberts Creek. E-mail [email protected] for potluck attendance and directions.
Green film
Join several environmental groups and film fans for the next Green Film, Economics of Happiness, on Monday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Playhouse Theatre in Gibsons.This 2011 documentary by producer Helena Norberg-Hodge looks at how we are becoming less happy as the consolidation of corporate power marches hand in hand with globalization. A chorus of voices from six continents tells us we must localize to bring the economy home. A discussion panel is planned following the film. For more information, see greenfilms.ca or scfs.ca.
Literary salon
Multi genre writer Shelley A. Leedahl is holding a literary salon in the Roberts Creek home of Jennifer Eberts and Gerard Geling on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. (2442 Grant Rd.). She will be reading from her latest book of poetry, Wretched Beast. To attend, RSVP to [email protected].
NT Theatre
National Theatre Live from London presents Travelling Light, a play broadcast by satellite to the Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. It's a funny and fascinating tribute to the Eastern European immigrants who became players in Hollywood's golden age of cinema. Call the Raven's Cry at 604-885-4597 for more information.
Bigger Bits of String
Local roots tunesters Kaia Nielsen and Mark Lebbell (Bits of String) have a Valentine's treat in store for Coast "Canadicana" music fans. They have pulled together a band - Bigger Bits of String - featuring Ken Dalgleish, Graham Walker, Ian McLatchie and Michelle Bruce. Their repertoire is made up of quirky cover songs about trains and trucks, crops and leaf blowers, hotels and home and, of course, love lost and found all held together with little bits of string. They play Friday, Feb. 10, at the Roberts Creek Legion at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $12 at the door. Bring a member, or come and join the Little Legion.
Valentine song
Wondering what to get that special someone in your life for Valentine's Day?Look no further.The Arbutus Sounds Chorus is again offering singing Valentine-o-grams on Tuesday,Feb. 14. For $30 they will go anywhere on the Coast surprising your sweeties at home, work or play.They will sing two songs and give a chocolate and a card to your loved one.For further information, contact Carol Illingsworth at 604-886-8573 or see the website www.arbutussoundschorus.org.
Coming soon
Once again Definitely Diva is preparing to wow their audience with aValentine's Show at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club onSaturday, Feb. 11.The Divas, Lynne Dickson, Wendy Hibberd and PatricePollack, are known for their vast repertoire,beautiful harmonies andcheeky nature. These women are a lot of fun. Backing up the Divas will be Warren Allan on bass, Ken Dalgleish on piano,Reg Dickson on guitar and Barry Taylor on drums. The evening includes a buffet dinner and dessert. Tickets are $45and are available at the Seaside Centre, golf course or throughthe Divas.
Tuesday deadline
Send notice of your arts events to [email protected] or phone 604-886-4692 by Tuesday at 5 p.m. for Friday's newspaper. Let me know who, what, where, when, why and ticket info briefly. Because of the volume of submissions, Art beat covers events one day to one week ahead only.
