The first film in the Queer Projections series, Happy End?, was a sweetly romantic film about dignity and dying. The next film in the series will have a harder edge. Alex and Ali screens on Wednesday, Oct. 15. This U.S. film, directed by Malachi Leopold, tells the true story of two men: Alex, a former American Peace Corps volunteer, and Ali, an Iranian Muslim. In 1967, while Alex was with the Peace Corps in Iran, the two met, expressed their love, and kept their relationship secret for 10 years. Alex was forced to leave Iran — and Ali — in 1977. But the two remained in touch and this film documents their reunion 35 years later.
Queer Projections aims to bring queer films to the Sunshine Coast to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer (LGBTQ) visibility and encourage communication and connections across our varied communities. This event is produced by Rhizome Up! Media (rhizomeup.ca). Films are shown at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8.50 online. You can reserve seats at outonthecoast.ca until 2 p.m. on the day of the screening.
Coffee House
Tonight, Oct. 10, the School of Music Coffee House in Madeira Park invites you to hear local favourites and emerging musicians presented in a cabaret setting. Coffee, tea and home baking are available. The Oct. 10 line-up includes Penny Lang, Brett Wildeman and Sister Act. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $10 at the door.
Crissinger returns
Former Gibsons resident Mark Crissinger credits the Sunshine Coast for kick-starting his solo career. He performs this Saturday, Oct. 11 at Persephone Brewery (2 to 5 p.m.) and at The Old Boot Eatery (7 to 10 p.m.). The singer, songwriter, guitarist performs over 100 shows a year in pubs and clubs, festivals and fairs throughout Canada. He performs music from his original recordings plus some roots-rock and blues.
Christmas Choir
The Coast Christmas Choir has reformed in preparation for performing the first part of Messiah by Handel. This choir is made up of singers from all over the Coast, many of whom already sing with other choirs. Rehearsals are at St. John’s United Church on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Accompanist Paula Seward once again will be working her magic at the piano.
This year they are considering two performances on the last weekend before Christmas.
People who have never sung Handel’s wonderful music are welcome. Some members have sung the complete work several times and their expertise will assist new singers in polishing their parts. The cost is $85 per singer. Tenors and basses are a perennial shortage in most choirs so they encourage the men to get into the Christmas spirit and lend their voices to this project. Contact Joy McLeod at 604-883-9248 for further information.
Fibreworks show
Under My Feet is the title of a group exhibition at Fibreworks Gallery opening Saturday, Oct. 11 with a Meet the Artists reception from 2 to 4 p.m. What is under my feet? Layers of soil, rocks, roots, earthworms, fallen leaves, new grass, seaweed, tiles, shoes and Lego (as suggested by a new mom). Artists were invited to share their story and their art. The jury committee took on the difficult task of selecting entries. Twenty-six artists, including 12 from the Coast, answered the call and will fill the gallery with texture and colour. Under My Feet continues to Sunday, Nov. 23. Fibreworks Studio & Gallery is at 12887 Sunshine Coast Highway in Madeira Park. See: www.fibreworksgallery.com for more.
High Tea
James and Jamesy’s new acclaimed comedy show High Tea continues at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons on Oct. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinée on Oct. 12 ($18 adults, $10 children/ students). Tickets are at Gaia’s, MELOmania and Strait Music.
Muted Note
Montreal composer and trombonist Scott Thomson and dance artist and vocalist Susanna Hood will perform The Muted Note, a suite of songs and dances based on poems by P.K. Page, at the Gumboot Café, Roberts Creek, on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. Thomson composed the suite, a hybrid of jazz and art song, and Hood subsequently choreographed the songs with three other dancers and live music by Scott’s quintet, The Disguises. Susanna Hood is an award-winning dance artist while Scott Thomson switches freely from accompanying to soloing in a vocal, extroverted style reminiscent of his teacher, American trombonist Roswell Rudd. Patricia Kathleen Page (1916-2010) is one of Canada’s most celebrated literary figures and wrote some of this nation’s finest poems.
Cougar Lady
Author Rosella Leslie will be reading and speaking about her latest book, The Cougar Lady: Legendary Trapper of Sechelt Inlet, at the Gibsons Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. An avid researcher, Leslie will combine her reading with a seminar on writing historical fiction and non-fiction. Admission is free.
Auditions
The fourth annual Christmas Radio Play will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 13. This year it’s a performance of the Christmas program of Father Knows Best, broadcast Dec. 24, 1953. There are nine characters in the play plus the all-important sound effects people. The nice thing is you don’t have to learn any lines — just how to say them for the mike. If you would like to try out for a part (or know someone who might like to), auditions are to be held at St. Mary’s Church Hall in Gibsons, on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Email David Short ([email protected]) to sign up for auditions.
Pick a book
What’s in your library box? At the corner of Shaw and O’Shea roads in Gibsons, the library celebrates its centennial this year with a gift to the neighbourhood. They mounted a crafted wooden hutch of used books, including authors such as Judith Kranz, Gail Anderson-Dargatz and Robert Heinlein. Take one, if you like, and leave one of your own for the next person. It’s all good. But be quick — I didn’t grab the authentic pasta book when I first looked inside the box and now it’s gone. Trade you for a vegan cookbook?
Keep me posted
Send your notice of arts events by Tuesday at 5 p.m. for Friday’s newspaper to [email protected] or phone 604-886-4692.
