An amazing turn at the piano from the kid they call JJ, a sensual flamenco dancer, Heidi Riggs, and some fine old bluegrass tunes marked the launch of the Showcase of the Performing Arts (SOPA) on July 2.
A parade of local performers captured the spirit of the summer theatre festival at its gala opening, and they were as diverse as the appetizing buffet of food from Pack Ratt Louie's.
JJ Wagler may be new in town but, as he told the gala audience, this community has really embraced him. The Billy Hillpicker Band, a local group of energetic performers, rounded out the evening that had started with flute music from Chris Bernetchez and Jean-Jacques Lachance and a comic monologue from Colleen Elson. The first SOPA weekend also featured dance performances and a concert from Nikki Weber's youthful Now generation.
The good news is that you haven't missed it all.
The Sunshine Coast Film Society selection, Paris Je t'Aime, screens tonight (Friday) at 8 p.m. And, right now, the students in the Celtic School of Music class taught by Iain Fraser on the fiddle and Harris Playfair on the piano are rehearsing hard for their performance on Saturday. The Youth Trad Band blends traditional music with rock and jazz fusion then performs in a big band setting.
Performer and funny man Gerardo Avila and his talented guests host a family day on Sunday, July 12. The show, Oli's Birthday, is a mask, music and magic/comedy presentation for families with children five and over. Poor Oli does not have friends, but he imagines a birthday with lots of presents. He will learn that his imagination is his best friend. Avila is good at engrossing an audience of kids. He's been performing professionally since 1974 as a solo clown, mime, magician and story teller and has worked in many performing companies including writing an original sketch for Cirque du Soleil.
Gibsons' Susan Telfer reads her poetry on July 16. The author was awarded the Arts Council's Gillian Lowndes award last year and she expects to see her first book, House Beneath, published in the fall. Virtuoso Brazilian guitarist, percussionist and composer Celso Machado brings his mixture of musical inspiration and irresistible rhythm to the stage on July 17. A versatile and exciting musician, Machado has earned many awards from the music industry.
SOPA closes with a big finale from Berni and the Boyz. Miss Berni G invites you to a house party/ variety show with the All New, Who Knew? Frenz on Saturday, July 18. She is joined for this adult-only evening of music and comedy by Paul Steenhuis, John Rule, Gary McGuire, Tony Beaumont, Owen Pallot, Tom Hendricks, Bob Twiss and Greg Soohan with a guest appearance from Zany Zelda.
Tickets for SOPA events are at Gaia's Fair Trade, Hall-mark Cards and the Sechelt Visitors' Centre. All shows start at 8 p.m. except for Family Day which starts at 1 p.m. For more, see www.heritageplayhouse.com.
