– by Gillian Crowley –
Music and Art Warm Up November
Barney Bentall & The Grand Cariboo Opry
A treasured tradition, this fundraiser and one-of-a-kind variety show brings concertgoers together to support the Mustard Seed and Sidney Lions Club Food Bank. Presented by Brentwood’s Music in the Bay at the Friendship Community Church in Saanichton. Tickets available at www.brentwoodbay.info and in person at Breadstuff’s Bakery, The Dollar Den and Lyle’s Place. More info: 250.652.1758. 7820 Central Saanich Rd Friday, November 7th, 2014. 6:30 pm. Show 7:00 pm
Sunny Shams in Stickboy
Don’t miss this chance to hear Sidney’s lyric tenor Sunny Shams singing the lead role in Vancouver Opera’s world premiere of Stickboy. See article on page 29. Worth a ferry trip! Remaining performances: Nov. 1, 4-7. Matinee Nov. 5. All other dates: 7:30 pm Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver. Tickets: Call 604.683.0222
Sidney Concert Band’s 3rd Remembrance Concert
An entertaining afternoon in Sidney with a variety of band music, marches and vocals, along with the Pipes and Drums. This concert is a musical salute to our war veterans and the 100th Anniversary of the First World War. Sun. Nov. 9, 2:00 pm, Mary Winspear Centre. Tickets: $10. Call 250.656.0275
Via Choralis – In Remembrance
With the assistance of a visiting string quartet, Via Choralis presents songs and music appropriate to the day, including the famous Agnus Dei by Samuel Barber. This mixed-voice community chamber choir has a passion for singing music from medieval to contemporary. Tickets available from Tanner’s Books, at the door and from choir members. St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 10030 – 3rd St., Sidney Tues. Nov. 11, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm. $5/$15 student/regular
Barra MacNeil’s Celtic Christmas
You don’t have to be a Maritimer to enjoy this talented family’s lush harmonies and intricate instrumental styling. The Barra MacNeil’s Christmas shows always feature a highly entertaining blend of seasonal fare mixed with amusing stories. Sat. Nov. 15, 7:30 pm at the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney. Tickets: $45 Call 250.656.0275
Wildlife Visions in Shades of Grey
Kevin Johnson has found the perfect elements for his pencil drawings: an emerging love of wildlife art and the natural rugged beauty of the West Coast. Here, nature’s splendor has become the inspiration for many of his works of art. Johnson strives to create ‘photo realistic’ detail in his pieces. In the total absence of colour, he accomplishes this realism by relying on texture and tonal values. See some of his latest works at Village Gallery during November. 2459 Beacon Ave., Sidney. Open Mon-Sat, 9:30-5:30
Allison Crowe Tidings Concert
This Nanaimo-born singer will stir together traditional Christmas and holiday favourites with an organic blend of rock, jazz, folk, and soul. “Power-house intense” says a European reviewer, “the energy … can easily provide electricity to a small country for a decade.” Sat. Nov. 29, 7:30 pm. Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney. This performance benefits Victoria-based non-profits, Artemis Place (girls’ educational and life skills www.artemisplace.org), and HepC BC (www.hepcbc.ca.) Tickets $20-25. Call 250.656.0275
