Local Arts

Gibsons artist Patricia Collier has just been published as the illustrator of a new book, Happily Retired: What works, what doesn't, by Ottawa writers Julie Chahal and Linda Lucas.

The previous Women of the Coast musical event was a huge success, so the performers are doing it again. Come celebrate Women of the Coast in a winter concert of live music this Saturday at 8 p.m.

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.

It's Charlie. From the moment Idol finalist Charlie Daigneault and her guitar took the stage at Sailor Dan's Restaurant Tuesday night, June 30, there was no doubt why she was in the top three of the Coast's first Youth Idol competition.

Colourful and multi-talented David Lindley is coming back to the Coast to entertain once again. On Thursday, July 9, Lindley lights up the Rockwood Pavilion in Sechelt with his musical virtuosity and his flashy wardrobe.

The Gibsons Live Poets Society presents the inaugural event in their literary series, a reading by award-winning author Tim Bowling on Wednesday, July 8, at 7 p.m. Bowling will read from his eighth collection of poetry, The Book Collector ($16.

The eighth annual Showcase of the Performing Arts (SOPA) - a fundraiser for the Heritage Playhouse and a way to promote local performing arts - runs the first three weeks of July. Tonight, July 3, lovable Joe Stanton performs solo. Tickets are $15.

Prediction: Grace River, the first novel by Roberts Creek author Rebecca Hendry, will be the hot new book in B.C. this year - helped along by her forthcoming appearance at the Festival of the Written Arts in Sechelt this August.

The Doucetrio, a fresh group of young, enthusiastic people, will appear at the Gumboot Café on Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. Local artists, Stramash, will open the night.

It's a sight you don't often see.