Love Bomb is described as “a rock music show within a play,” telling the heart-rending story of a mother trying to find her missing teenaged daughter. In her search, the mother comes across a popular singer on YouTube whose latest hit song provides clues to what has happened to her daughter. It turns out she become a victim of a human-trafficking ring. “Love Bomb” refers to a technique some traffickers use to lure young women into the sex trade. “Don’t be fooled by the fictional characters that are depicted, because a large majority of the content is pulled from real life cases,” the press release from the producers says. The show, which has been touring across Canada, will play twice at Chatelech Secondary School Theatre on Tuesday Feb. 12. The 1:45 p.m. performance is for students. A 7 p.m. show is open to all. Admission is free.
First February Friday
This month’s School of Music Coffee House features Earl’s Cove singer/songwriter/guitarist Matt Richards; Kenneth Norman Johnson, pianist/composer; and Patricia Burnett’s voice and keyboard Carole King set. Coffee, tea, delicious desserts available. Friday Feb. 8, doors at 7 p.m., show 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Suggested admission donation is $10.
Conservation Celebration
The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association is whooping it up for the 22nd anniversary edition of its Celebration of Conservation Party, with the New Orleans-inspired nine-piece band, Big Easy Funk Ensemble. “Raise a glass to over two decades of protecting the stunning natural biodiversity of the Sunshine Coast, and get out on the dance floor to build the energy and momentum for another 20 years, at least!” The all-ages bash is on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Roberts Creek Hall. Doors at 7:30 p.m., band comes on at 9 p.m. Tickets at share-there.com, Strait Music (Sechelt), MELOmania (Roberts Creek), and Laedeli (Gibsons), $30 or $25 for SCCA members.
Pianissimo
Coast Recital Society presents internationally celebrated young Uzbek pianist Bezhod Abduraimov. Critics rave about his “authenticity, control and velvet pianissimo.” Saturday, Feb. 9, 2:30 p.m. at Raven’s Cry Theatre, Sechelt. $25 adult, $10 student at the door.
Hey Doris, it stopped snowing!
Last Sunday’s Off the Page production of Hey Doris! had to be cancelled due to the snowstorm, but it’s back on this Sunday, Feb. 10. The play, by Susinn McFarlen, begins with actors Annie and her husband winning the parts in a two-person play – just weeks after he has left her for a younger woman. Annie wants to turn down the role, but the character she was to be in the play (Doris) comes to life and coaches Annie through the process. And that’s only the start of the plot twists. Featured readers are Julian Alphibert, Peter Hill, Janet Hodgkinson, Danda Humphreys, Wanda Nowicki and John Payne. At the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons at 1 p.m. Admission is by donation.
Legends at the Legion
The Roberts Creek Legion on Lower Road brings us Vancouver rock n’ roll duo Kitty and the Rooster, featuring Jodie Ponto banging on a “cocktail” drum kit and East Van legend Noah Walker on guitar. Also on the bill is brassy Vancouver Island chanteuse Carolyn Mark. Friday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. Entry is $8 members, $15 for guests.
Show wraps
Gibsons Public Art Gallery’s current shows, States of Art, and Secrets of the Wilderness, wrap up this weekend with a talk by metal artist Kez Sherwood, on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. That’s followed by a meet-the-artists session with Sherwood and the other creators in the two exhibitions: Marlene Lowden, Jan Jensen, Tzaddi Gordon, and Kaija Rautiainen, until 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Valentine’s Love Tales
Local live-mic impresario Janice Williams has put together another string of performers who’ll be storytelling, live reading, singing, or otherwise acting out creatively for five minutes each, over two evenings at Gibsons Public Art Gallery. “Come and share your tale of love for your sweetie, family member, pet, garden, or what-have-you,” says Williams. “Treats are most welcome and the event is free, though donations to the gallery are always much appreciated!” Wednesday Feb. 13 and Thursday Feb. 14, both sessions from 7 to 9 p.m.
Wilderness images
The One-O-One shop on Cowrie Street in Sechelt is well-known for its inventory of office supplies, but the store always has local artists on display, too. Through February, Gibsons artist and nature photographer Sheila Weaver’s work is featured. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Outrageous
Gibsons Public Library is celebrating International Women’s Day with Outrageous Women, “a literary salon featuring local writers.” The 90-minute event will be held on the evening of March 6; deadline for submissions is Friday, Feb. 15. Open to all women, including transgender women, the library is inviting pieces of “outrageous writing,” in prose of up to 2,000 words or in song (for which you’re asked to submit a web link). “Presenters will be chosen by a committee of women writers who aim to select a diversity of content, style and perspectives.” Submissions are to be made via email to Andrea Routley at [email protected]
Art Beat submissions
If you have an event you’d like considered for Art Beat, please let us know by 11 a.m. Tuesday at [email protected]. Space is limited.
