The Alcan String Quartet is coming back to Gibsons for the second year in a row, on Wednesday, July 29 to the Heritage Playhouse theatre at 8 p.m. Their show was sold out last year. Mark Simons plays clarinet with the world-renowned quartet, and this year you’ll get to hear another dimension to his playing. He will be playing the Concerto for Chalumeau in B-flat major by Johann Fasch.
While an Internet translation might turn “chalumeau” into “blowpipe,” it’s not. The chalumeau is the grandmother of the clarinet, and Simons has become one of North America’s masters of the instrument. Other pieces featured include Haydn’s String Quartet, the Beethoven String Quartet in F major and two pieces for clarinet and quartet by Ichmouratov and D’Rivera. Tickets can be purchased at the Sechelt Visitor Centre, Gaia’s Fair Trade Gifts, or you can reserve them by emailing cellonick@yahoo.com
Cool dance
Jim Taylor makes music again at the Sechelt Activity Centre this Saturday, July 25. It’s the cool place to be – literally, as it’s air-conditioned. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Dance the night away – tickets available at the door or at the centre between 10 and 2.
Sea Cavalcade
Gibsons will be bustling this weekend, July 25 and 26, with activities, music, a parade, salmon barbecue, running, swimming and fireworks. See www.seacavalcade.ca for a schedule of events and check out the several new, fun things to do.
Summer music
Brothers in Farms perform at the Garden Stage at the Sechelt Library on Saturday, July 25 at noon, as part of the Sechelt Summer Music series. This eclectic group of men are committed to spreading their infectious and danceable music widely – performing at a variety of festivals, farmers’ markets, clubs and private parties.
Mandala
The base undercoat has been prepared and painting is underway on this year’s Roberts Creek mandala. Check it out for yourself – when walking from the heart of the Creek, head towards the ocean and be open to whatever images are appearing there this year from many members of the painting public.
Dance with Two Bears
Two Bears North, the musical group that features the Coast’s own Sophie Heppell, is coming to the Roberts Creek Hall for a dance on Saturday, Aug. 1. The music is described as “punchy pop-rock with melodic hooks and intricate rhythms.” (They will also be playing the main stage at Vancouver Pride on Sunday). In January and February they recorded a new 10-track album to be released later this year. In May, following a three city tour of Montreal, London and Ottawa with another band that originated on the Coast – the Marwills (James Law, Graeme McGillivray, Jesse Morrissey and Brett Bonvie) – Two Bears North showcased at Canada Music Week in Toronto. After that, they flew to Germany for two weeks for the European release of Comeocean, their CD, for DevilDuck Records. Doors open at 8; band plays at 8:30. Tickets are $20 at Laedeli, Strait Music, Gaia’s Fair Trade and MELOmania. No minors for this one.
Sandcastles
Hope you’re practising already to make an interesting sand sculpture. Aug. 1 is the date for the annual Davis Bay Sandcastle Competition. Bring your pails and tools to make something interesting with lots of detail. Your spot of 10 feet by 10 feet of wet sand will hold your sculpture – it’s best to try your idea ahead of time. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and music by Zonolite will keep everyone energized. You have three hours from 11:30 to 2:30 and then winners are announced.
Pauline reprised
The opera Pauline, by Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes, that was performed in Vancouver last year, will be given in concert performance for an international audience at Quebec City on October 16, City Opera president Janet Lea announced.
The original cast features Rose-Ellen Nichols of the Sunshine Coast who performed her lead role to great critical acclaim last year. “At the invitation of Festival Quebec en toutes lettres/Festival litteraire, we have been asked to present the original cast, with orchestra, as part of their Festival this year. We are proud to do so,” Lea said. This Festival is one of the largest in the world.
Keep me posted
Send your notice of arts events by Tuesday at 5 p.m. for Friday’s newspaper to jandegrass@dccnet.com or phone 604-886-4692. Art Beat covers events one day to one week ahead.
