Local Arts

Pianist Jane Coop, cellist Antonio Lysy, composer Ludwig van Beethoven: this mighty triumvirate joins musical forces at the first Coast Recital Society (CRS) concert of the 2009 season, 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb.

Rose-Ellen Nichols, the mezzo soprano from Pender Harbour who recently returned from singing in Ireland's prestigious Wexford Festival Opera, looked every inch a diva as she commanded the stage last Sunday during Sunshine Coast Music Society's latest

Cabin fever - it's what we all felt this winter as the snow locked us in.

Multiple award-winning ensemble Sultans of String bring their intoxicating and spicy stew of world, Latin and jazz stylings to the St. Bart's Church Hall in Gibsons next week. The concert is set for Friday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30.

There were at least two pleasant surprises during Monday's Reel Youth Film Festival showing at Roberts Creek Hall.

It could have been the new paint job or the spirit of having survived the winter's worst, but when the annual Friends of the Gallery (FOG) art show opened last week in Sechelt, it revealed a fresher, newer Sunshine Coast Arts Centre.

While spending time in the desert country of Dubai, artist Carol Whittaker came to appreciate that essential element of life - water."In the Middle East, water is so precious," she said.

Once again Black Cat Productions is partnering with the Reel Youth Film Festival (RYFF) to bring a feast of youth-created films back to the Sunshine Coast. The festival screens for one night only on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Roberts Creek Hall.

Sun Haven Waldorf School children received the gift of theatre and the Christmas message from the staff from their school Dec. 19. Performing the Oberufer Shepherds' Play is an historical tradition in Waldorf schools.

Pack Ratt Louie's manager Peter Beauchamp, looking resplendent in red bow tie and dinner jacket, welcomed the nearly 200 guests to the finale of Sunshine Coast Idol last Friday evening with: "We're gonna rock this town like it's never been rocked bef