Local Arts

The Mellowtones lost one of their own this week. Beloved Ina Grafe, who sang with the group and with the smaller ensemble, The Ladybugs, passed away suddenly, leaving the group in mourning.

It was free to a good home or, in this case, a good church. The only catch was that those who wanted the pipe organ, originally seen on Craig's List, were to move it, restore it and maintain it themselves. Several churches were interested, but St.

Madeira Park resident Joel Fafard's got the blues, the resonator guitar, gravelly-voiced type of blues that he showcases on his latest CD, Cluck Old Hen. He ends his launch tour this Saturday, Nov.

A reading by Vancouver writer/musician/teacher Michael Turner concludes the S.C. Arts Council's fall reading series on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 8 p.m.

This Saturday night, (Nov. 20), two of Western Canada's most promising rising folk music stars will share the stage at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons.

Gibsons' guitarist Axel Loitz has won his second consecutive medal for the highest mark for his Royal Conservatory of Music exams 2008 and 2009. He received his awards at a North Vancouver ceremony on Nov. 13.

One of the greatest charms of Vancouver's Winter Harp is their love of unusual instruments. This year, the combination harp, song and story group will return to the Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt on Sunday, Nov. 28, for an afternoon performance.

An enthusiastic music director, a re-invigorated orchestra and the premiere of an original Canadian composition mark the next concert from the Coast Recital Society (CRS). Each year CRS offers a special event for subscribers and the general public.

About 80 interested people filled Gibsons United Church last Saturday (Nov. 6) for the third annual Environmental Film Festival. Documentaries focused on eco issues, especially food production.

Coast artists Claudia Cuesta and Bill Baker unveiled their latest creation, a sculpture entitled Dancing Tower, last month in Surrey. The sculpture will provide the focal point for the entrance to the Newton Cultural Centre.