It’s always over too soon but here we are: the last Artesia Coffee House of 2019 happens Friday, May 31, at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt. Opening will be the Coast String Fiddlers 2019, a seniors’ group of musicians, led by Holly Beckmyer. Then John 'Ten Bear' Thompson brings some folk tunes and his unique assortment of instruments. Betty Baxter will read from newly written works, followed by Powell River’s Chris King and Cris Greenwell, with a folky, alt-pop set, tinged with a jazz. Doors at 7 p.m. show at 8. Tickets are $10 at the door. With café treats, small tables and subdued lighting, it’s an intimate nightclub atmosphere. Get it while you can. The next Artesia Coffee House isn’t until Jan. 31, 2020.
Art of Pride
A new exhibit has just opened at the Doris Crowston Gallery at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt as part of the observances and celebrations of Pride Month. It’s the All That We Are: LGBTQ2+ Group Show, an exhibition of the works of six LGBTQ2+ artists who live and work on the Sunshine Coast. It features, “a range of sculpture, installation, painting, drawing, assemblage and ceramic works, each raising questions about freedom, identity and acceptance in our contemporary moment.” The show runs until June 30. There’s an opening reception Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. A meet-the-artists event will be held June 9.
Music
The Pender Harbour Choir is presenting two performances of its spring concert, this year entitled We Are One: A Celebration of Our Connection to All Life on Earth. The first is on Friday May 31, at 7 p.m. at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden on Mason Road in Sechelt. The second will be on Sunday, June 2, at 2 p.m. at the School of Music in Pender Harbour. Tickets are $20 for adults, available from choir members, at Strait Music in Sechelt and EarthFair in Madeira Park. Accompanied children under 12 are free.
At the Roberts Creek Legion on Friday May 31, it’s the sixth annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash, celebrating the iconic Ramones’ singer-songwriter, who died in 2001 at age 49. Music by Teenage Lobotomy and The Daggers starts at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, June 1, Charlotte Wrinch plays her mix of covers and originals at Gibsons Tapworks on Cruice Lane, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. At the Gibsons Public Market atrium, you can see The Remnants, also from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. And on Saturday night, it’s Common Ground bringing their mix of the classic rock, pop and new country to the Gibsons Legion, 8 p.m.
Dance show and party
Billed as the Latin Nights! Dance Party, this fun event also features dance performances and a dance contest, with prizes for the top three couples. Chilean empanadas and other tasty Latin treats will be on offer along with a cash bar. It’s on Saturday, June 1, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Seniors Activity Centre in Sechelt. The dance show is at 8:30 p.m., contest at 9:30. Advance tickets are $25 at the centre, Taster's Oils & Vinegars in Sechelt, and online at Eventbrite.com or $30 at the door. It’s a non-profit event with proceeds going to the seniors’ centre.
Cycling the Silk Road
You can enjoy some unique armchair travel at a slideshow-and-talk presentation, Cycling the Silk Road, at Roberts Creek Hall on Saturday, June 1. Cyclist Brenda Trenholme will show and tell about her five-month, 13,000-km cycling tour across 10 countries in Asia – from Beijing to Istanbul, 7 p.m. Admission is by donation to Kenya Education Endowment Fund.
Triumph
At Gibsons Public Library on Wednesday, June 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., counsellor, author and former Sunshine Coast resident Trish Ashby Rolls, who suffered extended sexual abuse in her youth, will read from the second edition of her book, Triumph: A Journey of Healing from Incest.
Art Crawl heads-up
If you need a display area for the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl in October, the District of Sechelt is inviting artists to apply for some openings it has available in the Rockwood Lodge Community Arts Space. On offer are two separate areas: the lower level space can accommodate one to four working in two dimensions (painting, drawing, printmaking, etc.), and the main-floor space would suit one to three artists working in 3D (jewelry, pottery, small crafts etc.). To learn more and apply, go to www.sechelt.ca and look under What’s New. The application deadline is Friday, June 14.
Submissions
If you have an event you’d like considered for Art Beat, please let us know by 11 a.m. Tuesday at arts@coastreporter.net. Space is limited. Also check Coast Reporter’s Coast Community Calendar for a broader list.
