Local Arts

The province's coffee tables will receive a gorgeous boost this week with the launch of British Columbia: Spirit of the People, the celebratory book by Harbour Publishing honouring the province's 150th anniversary.

The Coast Jazz Quintet, founded by violinist/trumpet player Blaine Dunaway, was created in 2006 in a meeting of like minds, all sharing a love for improvisation and jazz.

The fifth annual Pender Harbour Blues Festival brought local and outside talent together for its best year yet, each act as different as the blues can be.

Knowledge and appreciation of classical music received a boost last week with the announcement of eight young Sunshine Coast musicians who received scholarships from the Coast Recital Society (CRS).

After an uncertain future following the 2007 event, organizers of the Bonfire Music Festival have announced the event's return for 2008. The festival, three days of music, camping and celebration, is set for Aug. 22 to Aug.

Now in its 13th year, the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival is upon us. It includes 10 full days of live music filling restaurants, parks and venues throughout Gibsons and beyond.

There are two reasons why the latest book from Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham, The Secret Lives of Saints, is a riveting read.

Publishing company Caitlin Press has just found a new home in Halfmoon Bay. The energetic new owner, Vici Johnstone, is currently the general manager of Harbour Publishing and will continue in that role.

An incredible transformation occurred the first week of May at Cedar Grove Elementary School. The school gymnasium became a jungle filled with amazing flora and fauna for the setting of The Jungle Book.

Landscapes are not the style of painting that the Coast's art public associates with Roberts Creek artist Maurice Spira. His work, which spans a 40-year career, is usually politically tinged or allegorical.