Local Arts

Editor's note: In cooperation with the Festival of the Written Arts, Coast Reporter will be highlighting authors coming in August for this year's festival.

She has been called Canada's first lady of folk, but musician Penny Lang isn't in the business to become a big star. "I'm an entertainer," she says. "The response from the audience is the most important part of the evening.

The fifth annual Show-case of the Performing Arts (SOPA) raises the curtain once more Thursday, July 6, on a host of musical and dramatic events at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons for the entire month.

They are ready. The Choralations Children's Choir of School District No. 46 will fly to Ottawa on June 28 as B.C.'s representatives for a public Canada Day celebration, Unisong, on Parliament Hill.

The Dance Works Academy recital last weekend packed a lot of drama into its two-hour plus performance.

Elphinstone Secondary School held its annual Fine Arts Night last week to display the students' work to parents and the community. The lively show revealed how the kids have embraced contemporary techniques in the production of their art.

It was a chance to buy quality art at very good prices. The Sunshine Coast's Arts Council mounted its big fundraising event of the year at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre last Saturday night.

Coast audiences resumed their love affair with 89-year-old Jeni LeGon, live and tapping, last Friday night at the Heritage Playhouse in a music and dance opening event to the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival.

The Coast Academy of Dance spectacular Rhythm and Blues presentation last weekend at the Raven's Cry Theatre surpassed previous shows for energy and flair, and it drew full houses for the four performances.

The Sunshine Coast Arts Council is pleased to host two exhibitors at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre gallery this month.