We’re coming to the height of the pre-Christmas arts and entertainment cycle, with more opportunities to hear seasonal music, see performances and enjoy the abundance of quality, Sunshine Coast crafts.
Suncoast Phoenix Choir will be performing two Christmas concerts this weekend: Saturday Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt; and Sunday Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church at 711 Park Rd. in Gibsons. The choir – along with the Pender Harbour School Choir – will offer “a blend of lovely choral repertoire and holiday favourites.” Admission is by donation.
Arbutus Sounds Chorus will celebrate Christmas – and their 20th anniversary – Saturday, Dec. 15 with a performance at the Calvary Baptist Church. They will be Trimming the Tree for Christmas in song and story, followed by a reception with the chorus, friends and families. Admission is by donation.
The Company B Jazz Band’s musicians – four women and two men – put together a vintage Christmas show offering “holiday music wrapped in signature harmonies made famous by groups such as the Andrews Sisters.” They’ll be at the Pender Harbour School of Music in Madeira Park Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets $25, available at Harbour Insurance in Madeira Park, the Sechelt Visitor Centre or at penderharbourmusic.ca/concert-tickets.
The Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra Association Christmas Concert, which will be held at Chatelech Secondary School this year, had just a few seats left at press time. You could always try your luck at the door on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20; children under 12 free if accompanied by an adult.
The Nutcracker opens Saturday, Dec. 15 at Raven’s Cry Theatre for six shows over four days. Guest stars in the two lead roles are coming in from the Royal Winnipeg ballet for this year’s production, but our excellent local dancers comprise most of the cast, and they are impressive. The Sunday matinée is sold out. Tickets are $29 for adults, $19 for children 10 and under, and $25 for seniors attending the Monday and Tuesday matinées. Call 604-989-6050.
Blues Dance Party
Put on your dancing shoes and come on down to the Gibsons Legion Saturday night, Dec. 15. The Steve Hinton Band will be serving up a tasty mix of Chicago and Westcoast jump blues with a side of R&B, old school rock and country. The band members are Al Alford, guitar; Tim Rannard, drums; Sully Antonyk, bass; Steve Hinton, harmonica; and very special guest Karen Graves on saxophone.
Christmas song, cider and tales
The Gibsons Public Library presents tunes by Choralations Children’s Choir, warm cider and storytelling in an all-ages afternoon of festive calm amidst the hectic pace of the season. Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free.
Solstice stories
Sunshine Coast performer and author Caitlin Hicks and friends will present a winter holiday event, Christmas in Cornucopia, on Thursday Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Gibsons Public Art Gallery. The evening will be an exclusive gathering with music, stories, lights and treats. Admission includes complimentary Christmas confections, coffee/tea, and door prizes. The show is based on a collection of original winter stories by Hicks, inspired by coastal British Columbians and told in the first person by a variety of characters, which she will perform. Accompanying musicians include Gordon Halloran on vocals and ukulele. Seating is limited so advance tickets are advised and are available at Gibsons Coffee and Tea at 459 Marine Drive, 604-562-0024. Remaining tickets can be purchased at the door. Adults $20, seniors $15.
Hicks and Halloran also will be part of a Christmas carol singalong and storytelling on Saturday Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at St. Hilda’s church in Sechelt. Admission is by donation and part of the proceeds will go to the church’s Sanctuary Restoration Fund.
Young Artists
The Sunshine Coast Arts Council has held two competitions for young artists, and they culminate this weekend in awards presentations. Students at local elementary schools entered banner designs that will have the winners’ work hang at Sechelt Civic Square. That presentation is on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 12:30 p.m. Then at 2:30 p.m., awards will be handed out in a separate competition for young artists aged five to 18 who have entered works in various media that they created outside of school arts programs. The entries in both contests are on display now at the Arts Centre’s Doris Crowston Gallery (5714 Medusa St., at Trail Ave., Sechelt). It’s worth dropping by for a look. The talent of these kids is something to behold.
Art of Giving
While at the Gibsons gallery, you can check out the Holiday Market that runs until Saturday, Dec. 22, featuring a collection of locals called The Landing Artists (along with a few other artist friends) who have contributed to an exhibition called Art of Giving. All kinds of tempting and beautifully crafted gift items are on offer, including wearable metal and leather jewelry, natural baskets, plant-dyed scarves, funky repurposed-equipment lamps, and new paintings, plus prints and cards. The artists themselves will be staffing the gallery for the duration of the exhibition, which will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Submissions
If you have an event you’d like considered for Art Beat, please let Rik know by 11 a.m. Tuesday at [email protected]. Space is limited.
