– by Gillian Crowley –
It’s leap year, which gives us an extra day this month to enjoy music, film and the visual arts.
Film Festival at the Star Cinema
Here’s your chance to see a number of the Victoria Film Festival offerings in nearby Sidney. This year the Star Cinema will be showing 11 films, from documentaries to comedies and dramas, including several B.C. premieres. Block out the week to enjoy the diversity of cinematic arts available. Details at www.starcinema.ca.
February 5th at 7 p.m: Into the Forest. February 6th at 3 p.m: Le Coeur de Madame Sabali; at 7 p.m: Al Purdy Was Here. February 7th at 3 p.m: Oddball; at 7 p.m: My Internship in Canada. February 8th at 7 p.m: When Elephants Were Young (local director Patricia Sims). February 9th at 3 p.m: Five Nights in Maine; at 7 p.m: The Lobster (Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize Winner). February 10th at 3 p.m: Miss India America; at 7 p.m: A Month of Sundays. February 11th at 3 p.m: The Steps; at 7 p.m: Lost and Found (after Japan’s 2011 tsunami).
George Canyon
Hurtin’ songs and cowboy boots just naturally go together. Get your hit of country music from Canadian country legend and multiple JUNO Award winner George Canyon. He’ll be sharing new music with his fans as well as classic crowd favourites at the Charlie White Theatre. Hear some of the latest songs from his new album I Got This. Monday, February 8th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: Mary Winspear Centre.
Deep Cove Folk Club – West My Friend
The foursome West My Friend creates an acoustic blend of instruments and four-part harmonies that challenge the conventions of popular music. Described as everything from indie-roots to chamber-folk, the group’s performances are engaging and innovative. West My Friend is part of the new generation of grass-roots folk music taking off in Victoria, Vancouver and across British Columbia. “Quirky and tight,” says Valdy. Friday, February 12th, doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $7 at the door. St. John’s United Church – 10990 West Saanich Road.
Winter Journeys – Via Choralis
Forget the weather and let Via Choralis warm your hearts with songs for a winter afternoon. Their 30 voices will celebrate music by Canadian composers Eleanor Daley, Mark Sirett, Nicholas Fairbank and Kathleen Allen, by the Australian Dan Walker, and also music for travelling by Cherubini and Lili Boulanger. The Sequoia Women’s Ensemble will be part of the program. Relatively new to Victoria’s choral scene, this nine-member group will delight with their close harmonies and eclectic repertoire. Sunday, February 21st at 2:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 10030 Third Street, Sidney.
Artists’ Work on Display
Kathy Cameron’s whimsical creations will bring a smile on your face with small originals of ravens, fellow birds and flights of fancy at the Village Gallery in Sidney. During your visit you can enjoy local photographic seascapes by Sue Ferguson and Glenn Wainman. These join other Vancouver Island artists who convey a variety of artistic visions at the Gallery.
Changes at CACSP
A fond farewell to Frankie Allen, executive director of the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula as she takes the next step in her career. And a warm welcome to new administrative assistant, Brenda Milne.
