The newly-formed Sunshine Coast Independent Writers Group has blossomed into an active group with many plans.
Meet and greet 16 local self-published authors under the big tent at the Festival of the Written Arts at Rockwood in Sechelt from Aug. 12 to 15.
Every topic and genre is represented: fiction, non-fiction, kids' books, local history, art, spiritual and travel. Also included is a self-hypnosis series on tape by hypnotherapist Kathy Bolton and a recipe book for your health by Jan Jensen. Many authors offer a better deal when you buy two books at once. The authors will be happy to talk about their work and sign and sell books.
For more information, visit the Sunshine Coast Independent Writers page on Facebook or see the Festival's website at www.writersfestival.ca.
Workshops
Musician Blaine Dunaway presents three jazz improv workshops. Jazz Improv for Brass with Hugh Fraser takes place this Saturday, Aug. 7, starting at noon. Jazz Improv for Electric Guitar with Bill Coon is on Sunday, Aug. 8, starting at 2 p.m. and Jazz Improv for Piano with Hugh Fraser is also on Sunday. Workshop fee is a reasonable $20, given the knowledge of these accomplished players. Contact Blaine to reserve by calling 604-886-1325 or e-mail: [email protected].
This weekend
Synchronicity, the festival at Deer Crossing, the Art Farm near Langdale, takes place this Saturday and Sunday with three separate shows each day. Tickets can be purchased online at www.deercrossingtheartfarm.org/synchronicity.
Also this Saturday is the fourth annual Pride Dance at the Roberts Creek Hall starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 available at the door. The Pride committee will host a family picnic the following day, Sunday, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Frank West Hall on Chaster Road, Gibsons with music, activities and a welcome for all youth, friends and allies.
Romer at Harmony
As part of the annual Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver, Coast artist Brian Romer is doing a plein air painting demo at Ambleside Pier, at the foot of 14th Street, on Sunday, Aug. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Music strums along
This weekend's Music in the Landing features the wind ensemble Whirlwind at the gazebo on the wharf tonight (Friday).
On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., come to see Klimbatize, the young guitar/vocal duo of Frankie Cottrell and Anthony Willmer joined by drummer David Williams and guests. Also look for Maya Broeke and Esme Mclaughlin Brooks on violin.
Saturday evening in Winegarden Park from 7 to 8:30 p.m., bring your lawn chairs, blankets and friends to a special musical treat with jazz musicians Hugh Fraser, trumpet/keyboard, and Bill Coon, guitar, who join Blaine Dunaway, violin/trumpet, for some outstanding jazz.
Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. on the Sundial Stage in Holland Park, Miss Berni G on vocals/piano will be joined by Ian McLatchie on steel guitar, Gary McGuire, acoustic guitar, and Barry Taylor on drums as they keep the Gibsons Sunday Market bopping.
Poetography
Artist Ron Zheng presents "poetography" from Aug. 11 to Sept. 5 at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt.
Zheng has merged poetry and photography into this art form and is having his first exhibition titled Leaving My Found Eden: A Poetography Exhibit. Poetography combines English-language tanka poetry with black and white photography. It incorporates qualities from several cultures - east and west - to tell, through traditional means, contemporary narrative and visual stories that will appeal to a wide range of people.
To show Zheng's support for the Centre and the Sechelt cultural community, any profits from the sale of his art will be contributed to the Centre.
Alfie evening
On Thursday, Aug. 12, enjoy an intimate evening with Alfie Zappacosta, a lyricist and musician across diverse genres: rock, adult contemporary and smooth jazz. His new CD, Blame it on Me, nails his genius. He performs at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club. The event, produced by Wild Bistro, starts with cocktails at 7:30 and performance at 9 p.m. Tickets for the evening are available for $20. Call 604-886-1917 for more.
Bluebudzz
After living in Gibsons for the last three years, musician Mark Crissinger is moving to Vancouver Island in August. Before settling there, he will be touring eastern Canada playing shows with his old band and his new band, and sitting in as a guest with many musical buddies. You are invited to Gramma's Pub in Gibsons to have a drink and dance while the West Coast version of Bluebudzz entertains you. They hope to have other notable special guests sitting in throughout the night and will be playing funky blues, soul music and some classic rock favourites. Starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14.
Let me know about your arts event by email [email protected] or phone 604-886-4692 before 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. The column covers events one day to one week ahead only.
