Mark Leiren-Young is a journalist, filmmaker and author of numerous books. His book, Never Shoot a Stampede Queen, won the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, and his latest book about the orca, Moby Doll, The Killer Whale Who Changed the World, published by Greystone Books in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation, was nominated for The BC Hubert Evans Prize for Non-Fiction. An article for The Walrus about Moby Doll was a finalist for the National Magazine Award, and he won the Jack Webster award for his CBC Ideas radio documentary on the whale. If you missed his presentation at the Sunshine Coast Festival of Written Arts, this is your chance. Canada Council for the Arts presents Leiren-Young on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre (corner of Trail and Medusa) at 8 p.m. (Doors open 7:30.) Admission is by donation.
BASS at Mad Park
Local bassist and composer Jay Burnham hosts the Bistro Autumn Showcase Series (BASS) for four Fridays this fall at the Mad Park Bistro (corner of the highway and road to Madeira Park). Enjoy an evening of live music and a selection of local songwriters. Each week will highlight an artist’s original work, followed by a group session. Last week spotlighted fiddler Katie Angermeyer. This Friday, Sept. 22, the Series hosts Mr & Mz Jeevious. Come enjoy original songs performed on guitar, mandolin and horn, followed by a group jam session featuring the Smoking Crowns. Free admission. Dinner is at 5 p.m.; music from 6:30-9 p.m. Donations gratefully accepted.
Playback
It’s what you’ve been waiting for. Next gig for the rock classics band Playback is on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Gibsons Legion from 8p.m. – midnight. As the band says: “C’mon!”
This Weekend
• Office Hours, a comedy play, runs at the Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons, tonight, Sept. 22 and tomorrow, Sept. 23. See share-there.com for tickets.
• Set Sail for Disaster, the dinner and murder mystery theatre fundraiser, is at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre on Saturday only. Tickets in advance -– phone 604-885-3513.
• Life and Limn, a current exhibition of life drawing, hosts their opening reception at the Arts Centre, Sechelt, on Saturday from 2-4. All are welcome.
Dance Open House
5Rhythms Dance is holding an open house on Monday, Sept. 25 at Davis Bay Hall. Come and check it out for free, if it’s your first time. (Regular rates apply to others.) This practice is an authentic movement that invites us to listen to our body and move from that place. Dancing through the rhythms of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness creates a wave of energy which can produce feelings of deep relaxation, release, joy, and connection. It’s on from 7:15 – 9 p.m.
Good Books
A Few Good Books is the title of a four-part reading at the Sechelt Library on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 7 p.m. to 9. The Federation of BC Writers and The Writers’ Union of Canada have selected a great lineup from among local writers: Jane Covernton with her novel The Modern Age, Barbara Higgins and her new collection, Etched in my Memory, Bruno Huber with Folly Bistro and Linda King’s poetry, Ongoing Repairs to Something Significant. Admission is free; call 604-885-3260 to reserve your seat.
Sing Out
Arbutus Sounds Chorus invites all women who love to sing to join them. Learn four-part harmony, a cappella, in barbershop style, and enjoy the camaraderie of other women. The ability to read music is not necessary. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. at Roberts Creek School. Join the chorus for an introductory evening and check them out. For information call Jean at 604-886-3298 or Deb at 604-886-7059, or visit the website www.arbutussounds.org
Moor on Trails
Film Night at The Hangar Climbing Lounge, 5824 Sechelt Inlet Road, offers an Appalachian Trail theme this month. Local author Robert Moor will be giving a talk on his best-selling book, On Trails: An Exploration, followed by the short film, Paul’s Boots. It’s on Friday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. Free admission and free coffee from Ethical Bean. Book sales are by Talewind Books. Seating will be on the mats, so bring a blanket and pillow, if you like.
Ornaments wanted
Pat Bean is the volunteer gift shop manager at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery. She would like to see a display of Christmas tree ornaments hanging in the gift shop and gallery for show and sale as we get closer to the season. If you are handcrafting something to hang on the tree, get in touch with her at 778-462-2071 or at pbean2013@outlook.com
Slow Wrap Up
Slow Sundays in the Creek held their second season of music, market and more with greater attendance than the previous year. Weekly performances included everything from traditional Celtic to jazz to marimba. Twelve-year-old Finn the Magician was the resident magician.
“Our plan for 2018 is to increase the number of featured performers,” said Ed Lands, “and include a Youth Performance each week.” Loose Endings Ukulele Enthusiasts will be the house band. Slow Sundays thanks: Sunshine Coast Regional District, Sunshine Coast Credit Union and the Roberts Creek Community Association with a special mention to One-Stop Contracting. Thanks also to Market coordinators Lesley Roberts & Rob Robson; staging guru Mark Trevis; music facilitator and MC Graham Walker and Ed Lands, chief cook and bottle washer.
Keep me Posted
Please continue to send me your arts announcements but note that they will run in the newspaper one day to one week ahead only. My deadline is Tuesday at noon for next Friday’s paper. Email: jandegrass@dccnet.com or phone 604-886-4692.
