The Suncoast Phoenix Community Choir will be performing this Friday, Feb. 12, at the Chatelech School theatre at 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church (711 Park Road) in Gibsons. The program is called Loves Me, Loves Me Not and is a first for the choir performing for Valentine’s Day. The theme is Songs of Love and other Confusions. Suncoast Phoenix is a mixed choir of over 50 members under the direction of Sara Douglas and accompanied by Paula Seward on piano. Admission is by donation.
Night sky
At 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 12, at the Sunshine Coast Art Centre, 5714 Medusa St., Sechelt, the SC Chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be presenting an Astro-Photography 101 workshop showing how to use a basic camera to take great photos of the night sky. They will discuss equipment such as cellphone cameras, point and shoot cams, and DSLRs, as well as the software and techniques involved. Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted at the door. Check out www.coastastronomy.ca for more.
Secret forest show
Follow The Only Animal deep into the woods Saturday, Feb. 13, for Sticks and Stones, a forest puppet show. A trail walk will reveal the secret strange creatures of the undergrowth, some tender and green, some ancient and craggy. Puppets made from stick, leaf and moss will show you the forest anew. The outdoor shows begin at noon and 2 p.m. and are intended for kids under 10 who are enthusiastic hikers and accompanied by adults. Sticks and Stones is part of a year of art in, around, and in support of the expanded Mt. Elphinstone Provincial Park. The Only Animal makes art with a deep relationship to place. Elphinstone Logging Focus protects key forests and habitats. Together they are making a stand for trees. Sticks and Stones is by donation but a reservation is required. Reserved ticket holders will learn the secret location of the show on Mt. Elphinstone before the performance. Reserve at www.theonlyanimal.com
In the cards
The feature at the Landing Gallery, 436 Marine Drive, Gibsons this month is greeting cards. The feature wall is all about cards including Valentine’s Day cards. Gigi Hoeller writes that the installation of cards on the feature wall is pretty cool, too – it’s in the shape of a heart. Cards for any occasion by local artists can be found, including hand-made, scenic, humorous and unique. Sending a card is a present in itself these days. Molten glass hearts and vases are also on display.
George entertains
George Grafton will be entertaining at Leo’s Tapas and Grill on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. with his signature mixture of nostalgia, jazz standards, country, some dancing and comedy. Make it a Valentine night – there is no cover charge, so come and relive your youth. Make reservations at Leo’s by phoning 604-886-9414.
Còig
Fans of Celtic music – this is your concert! 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award and 2015 East Coast Music Award recipients, Cape Breton’s four-member Còig is a serious force in the international Celtic music scene. Don’t miss their driving tunes and infectious energy that includes a bit of French, a bit of Irish, a wee dram of Gaelic. The concert is on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. (note: a later time slot than the usual) at the Pender Harbour Music School in Madeira Park. Tickets for $25 are available at Harbour Insurance, Sechelt Visitor Centre and online at www.penderharbourmusic.ca
Solo guitar
For a special afternoon treat on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, Itamar Erez will be performing a solo guitar concert at the intimate Creek Gallery in Roberts Creek (1041 Roberts Creek Road, behind the Gumboot Restaurant) at 2 p.m. His music takes you on a journey where different cultures meet in harmony. The music touches listeners as it blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco, creating a unique sound all Erez’s own. Tickets are $25 and seating is limited. The show is co-produced by the Creek Gallery and Sunshine Coast Jazz & Entertainment Society. Call 604-885-8450 for reservations or see www.coastjazz.com for more information.
Liaisons Dangereuses
The National Theatre of London presents a live performance by satellite on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m., shown at the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt. Dominic West stars opposite Elaine Cassidy and Janet McTeer in Josie Rourke’s revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel about sex, intrigue and betrayal in pre-revolutionary France, adapted for the stage 200 years later by Christopher Hampton, charts the story of former lovers as they compete in games of seduction and revenge. Runtime is 3.5 hours. Tickets are $15 (general/senior) and $10 (student – under 18 years). Call the theatre at 604-885-4597 to reserve.
Head Start
Head Start Public Speak-ing hosts their twice-yearly presentation night – funny, interesting and touching speeches and stories from young speakers. Show starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt). See www.headstartpublicspeaking.com
Cultural performance
A Night at the Longhouse: A Cultural Performance, Community Potluck and Fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 with doors opening at 5 p.m. Come early and warm up with drum and song. At 5:30 p.m. will be a formal welcome by Chief Calvin Craigan and a feast song by xwamstut followed by a potluck dinner, story-telling and cultural performance. You are invited to bring a potluck dish and your own plate and cutlery. Salmon and elk will be donated by the shíshálh Nation.
“It’s for community members to come out and enjoy our culture and share a meal together,”shíshálh Nation cultural ambassador Candace Campo said.
Everyone is welcome to attend, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $15. Campo said proceeds will go to Justice for Day Scholars and to fund cross-cultural travel between the shíshálh people and neighbouring First Nations.
The Longhouse is at 5488 Monkey Tree Lane, Sechelt. To book online see www.aboriginalecotours.com. You can also RSVP at [email protected] or call 1-800-605-4643.
Mazacote
This dance isn’t until Saturday, Feb. 20 but the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival annual fundraising dance usually sells out early because the acts are so good. Mazacote, a hard-hitting, horn-driven, New York salsa dura band will be headlining the annual fundraiser at the Roberts Creek Hall. Get ready for a hot night of dance with powerhouse beats from Colombia, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Mazacote performed at last year’s Pender Harbour Jazz Fest, bringing the exciting Latin dance party vibe to audiences of all ages. To get the party started, DJ Yum Yum will heat up the dance floor with his irresistible global mixes. The show is presented by the Sunshine Coast Jazz and Entertainment Society and tickets are $25 from Strait Music, MELOmania, Gaia’s Fair Trade, and online at www.coastjazz.com
Noon deadline
Send your notice of arts events by Tuesday at noon to [email protected] or phone 604-886-4692. Please include contact info.
