There are two opportunities to experience some of the most popular sections of Handel’s Messiah this weekend at St. John’s United Church in Davis Bay. On Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m., the Coast Messiah Choir presents its annual offering of the Christmas portion of the epic musical work played by a string quartet and harpsichord.
Local bass-baritone Louis Dillon will sing the bass solos from both the Christmas portion and from the rousing “Trumpet shall sound” section – often also performed at Easter – with Vancouver’s Candice Newberry.
Other special musical guests on Friday night include Serena Eades, Michelle Bruce, Gillian Hunter-Gibbs, and Scout Stipec.
Then on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m., there will be a matinée sing-along concert with the Coast Messiah Orchestra and local soloists. Sarah Poon will conduct. Tickets are $25, from Strait Music in Sechelt and EarthFair in Madeira Park.
Beautiful ballet
A shoutout to Coasting Along Theatre Society for its once-again dazzling and highly enjoyable production of The Nutcracker at Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt Dec. 14 to 17. From the budding talents of the young dancers, to the elegant party performers, very impressive and skilled local teens in major roles and first-rate, guest-star performers, the eighth annual presentation was a big success. To have such a complex show so consistently well-mounted in such a relatively small community is something to acknowledge and celebrate.
Blue Christmas
Hank Lionhart brings his Big Hank’s Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas in an afternoon show at High Beam Dreams in Gibsons on Sunday, Dec. 22. Lionhart and his six-piece band, the R&B Kingpins, will perform their collection of blues, R&B and swing Christmas tunes from the 20s thru the 60s, from the likes of BB King, Eric Clapton, Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner and more. Doors at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 at Gibsons Florist, The Blackberry Shop, Namaste Art, MELOmania and Strait Music, $50 at the door.
More music
Singer-songwriter Charlotte Wrinch plays a variety of her originals and covers on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Persephone Brewing in Gibsons.
On Saturday, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the singing ukulele strummers Pulling Strings perform at Gibsons Public Market.
The Peter Van Trio with Jim Foster host the Dec. 22 Sunday Jam Session at The Clubhouse Restaurant at the Pender Harbour Golf Club from 2 to 6 p.m.
Festive Sale
The Arts Building in Gibsons is holding its 10th annual Festive Sale on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22, “featuring an eclectic miscellany of locally made art, products, vintage treasures, tasty treats and more.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Double Feature
A pairing of newer and older Christmas movies is on offer at Sechelt Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 21. The black-and-white 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life starts at noon. Then at 2:45 p.m., it’s the animated version about our favourite seasonal curmudgeon, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, with the lead role voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. Seating is limited, so those keen to go are asked to call 604-885-3260 to register for one or both showings.
On Monday, Dec. 23, St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt is screening the Finnish film, Letters to Father Jacob: Theme of Love. “Newly pardoned convict Leila agrees to work as an assistant to a blind pastor. Father Jacob spends his days answering the letters of the needy, which Leila finds pointless. But when the letters stop, the pastor is devastated and Leila finds herself cast in a new role.” (English subtitles). 7 to 9 p.m. Free.
Heads up
There’s no Art Beat next week, so here’s an early word on some music events coming up beyond this week: Local singer-songwriter Daniel Wesley brings his Vancouver band into Roberts Creek Hall for some winter sunshine on Friday, Dec. 27.
And there are at least two parties of note where you can dance in the new year. You get two bands in the two rooms at Gibsons Legion, with Playback rocking it out in the hall and Half-Cut and The Slackers playing the lounge. Buffet at 10 p.m. and champagne at midnight, $30 to $35. Tickets now available at the Legion or call 604-886-2411.
At the Gumboot Café on the 31st, it’s a Mardi Gras New Year’s Eve with Martini Madness and special guest Dr. Fun (Gary Gilbert) of Blue Line Duo. Why Mardi Gras? “Bring in the new year with the folks in New Orleans and still be in bed before midnight! Two hours time difference.” These guys think of everything. $25, which includes hors d’oeuvres and champagne at midnight – Central Standard Time, that is.
Submissions
If there’s an event you’d like considered for Art Beat, please let us know by 11 a.m. Tuesday at [email protected]. Space is limited and, regrettably, we can’t list everything. Also check Coast Reporter’s Coast Community Calendar for more music and events.
