by Gillian Crowley –
Summer Sounds at Beacon Park
Every Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. a different musician or musical group will entertain at the “shell” in Beacon Park in Sidney. Bring a blanket to sit on and savour your favorite music in a beautiful seaside setting. Free.
August program:
August 7: Johnny Vallis, “Man of Many Voices”
August 14: Daniel Lapp, fiddler, jazz trumpeter and singer/songwriter
August 21: RUKUS, ’50s and ’60s Rock ‘n Roll
August 28: Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy
Salish Sea Lantern Festival
There’s fun for all ages at balloon lantern making workshops organized as part of the Salish Sea Lantern Festival. Create your own balloon lantern inspired by the creatures of the Salish Sea. Then take it to the Festival at the Beacon bandshell and join in the lantern procession Saturday, August 20 at 8:30 p.m. Morning workshops are for kids ages six to 13, and afternoons are for families. Make your lantern on a Saturday, let it dry overnight and return the next day to complete it. Register with Tulista Gallery 250-656-7400. Presented by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. Workshop dates: August 6, 7, 13 and 14: 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Art Show
For the entire month, the Mary Winspear Centre’s gallery will be alive with a unique art show featuring First Nations artists from across Canada. Participants include local Coast Salish artists, Northwest Coast artists as well as Métis, Mohawk, Haida, Cree, Ojibwa, Dene, Inuit and Chickasaw Nations. This diversity of art expression includes carving, weaving, prints, fabric art, drums, pottery, beading, leather work, painting and jewelry.
Canadian icon Buffy Sainte-Marie will partake in this artistic gathering before her concerts August 7 and 8. Some tickets may still be available for her Monday performance.
Art show: August 8, 1 to 4 p.m. August 9 through 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Buffy Sainte-Marie: August 8 at 7 p.m.
Coastal Expressions
Artist Leslie Hunt began working as an art educator in 2001 and became an art consultant in 2009. Coastal Expressions is a collection of works that reflect the beauty and mystery of Vancouver Island. From small treasures to large paintings, this collection will inspire curiosity and delight. The art includes fused glass, sculpture, printmaking, acrylic and oil paintings. Free parking. August 22 to September 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Mondays). Tulista Park Gallery, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney.
Music at Butchart Gardens
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a wide variety of musical evenings at world famous Butchart Gardens as part of the regular admission price. Just about every genre is represented this month, from classical to blues through rock and roll, jazz, blue grass and pops to big band and marching band. Bring a blanket or sit on a bench. Starts at 8 p.m. each evening followed by fireworks on Saturdays. See Entertainment at www.butchartgardens.com.
