by Gillian Crowley –
Remembrance Day Concert
Certain music kindles memories and deep respect for those who sacrificed everything during past wars and recent engagements. The Sidney Concert Band will present a variety of music and song dedicated to veterans and the woman and men now serving. Also participating are the Saanich Peninsula Pipe Band and the Kittyhawk Air Cadets colour party. Concert conducted by Rob Bannister. Tickets: 250-656-0275. November 6 at 2:30 p.m., Mary Winspear Centre.
Sidney Classical Orchestra
The orchestra’s 2016/2017 season begins with “Beethoven the Concerto Master,” a concert featuring two accomplished soloists: Robert Holliston on piano and Nancy Di Novo on violin. The regular string orchestra will add woodwinds, brass, and timpani for this concert. Tickets at the door or call 250-480-1133. November 13 at 2:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 10030 Third Street, Sidney.
First Chance Christmas Craft Show
Yes, the big day is not far away! Find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift early from a myriad of West Coast hand-crafted items. Admission: $4 covers both days.Saturday November 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday November 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre.
Readings by Holdstock and Price
Enjoy hearing two talented local authors read and discuss their work, part of the Sidney Fall Reading Series. Pauline Holdstock is an internationally published novelist, short fiction writer and essayist. Her most recent novel, The Hunter and the Wild Girl, won the 2016 City of Victoria Butler Prize and is a finalist for the 2016 BC Book Prizes. Her historical novel Beyond Measure was the winner of the BC Book Prizes Ethel Wilson Award for Fiction. Steven Price is the author of two award-winning poetry books. His latest novel, By Gaslight, is a literary historical suspense novel described by Quill & Quire as “an engrossing read” that “immerses us in a world of sights and smells so precisely rendered they are nearly tangible.” Proceeds support the 2017 Sidney & Peninsula Literary Festival. Tickets at co-host Tanner’s Books or at the door. November 18 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), The SHOAL Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney.
West Coast Chamber Players
These impressive musicians will perform music by JS Bach, Scarlatti, Tchaikovsky and Handel as well as a piece written by Canadian composer Peter Tiefenbach. Players: Lauren Stubbs, bassoon; Jim Stubbs, trumpet; Anne McDougall, violin; Kate Rhodes, violin; and Nancy Washeim, soprano. Tickets: Tanner’s Books. November 13 at 2 p.m., St John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road.
Via Choralis – Sounds and Sweet Airs
Via Choralis choir sings songs about music from the Renaissance to the 21st century, including two premières by Jennifer Bennett and Lucas Oickle (winner of their 2016 composing competition). Also performing is oboist Katrina Bligh. Tickets at Tanner’s Books, Sidney and Brentwood Bay Village Emporium. November 20, 2:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 10030 Third Street, Sidney.
Locally Made Gifts at Tulista Gallery
Get a head start on holiday gifts – traditional and contemporary works by local artists including jewelry, glass, pottery, turned wood, fibre art, wearables, paintings, photography, sculpture and holiday décor. Free admission. Find your treasure! Tulista Gallery, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney. Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.