by Gillian Crowley –
Valdy Coming to Sidney
Canadian music legend Valdy will be playing crowd favourites, new material and even a few surprises in an evening aimed to entertain both young and young at heart. Paul “Valdy” Horsdal has been part of Canadian pop, country and folk music for almost 40 years. Combining the art of storytelling and music, Valdy captures life’s special moments with warmth and magic. January 13, 7:30 p.m. at Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
The Wardens
These wardens aren’t in charge of the local jail but from Canada’s national parks. Based in Banff, the trio’s music and stories rise from the very land they’ve protected over the years. Their blend of folk, roots and western styles captures the pristine wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. Celebrated at a variety of western folk festivals, the trio has also shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, Paul Brandt and Tim Hus. Presented by the Deep Cove Folk Club. Tickets at the door. January 12, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30). St John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road, North Saanich.
Lafayette + Saguenay Quartets
This is a not-to-be-missed concert of two extremely talented string quartets. The Saguenay Quartet (formerly Alcan) of Quebec joins UVic’s renowned Lafayette String Quartet to perform a program of string octets by Gade and Mendelssohn. Included is a special premiere of an octet by Airat Ichmouratov written for the Lafayette and Saguenay Quartets in celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary. Colleagues for decades, the musicians are playing this concert as part of their touring project in B.C. and Eastern Canada. Tickets at UVic’s ticket centre, phone 250-721-8480. January 21, 8 p.m. at Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, UVic, MacLaurin Building, B-Wing.
Connie Kaldor in Concert
Connie Kaldor’s original songs and riveting performances conjure up the powerful presence of the Canadian prairies. The Boston Globe describes her as “A masterful performer, wildly funny one moment, deeply personal the next.” A Juno award winning artist and member of the Order of Canada, Connie has produced 14 albums and three award-winning children’s books and CDs. In one evening she can be witty and serious, down-home and metropolitan. Don’t miss this versatile singer-songwriter. January 20, 7:30 p.m. at Mary Winspear Centre.
Parkland Theatre Presents
Parkland Secondary School’s Musical Theatre Program presents Into the Woods, a fairy tale musical conceived by James Lapine with music composed by Stephen Sondheim. This clever and beloved musical, inspired by The Brothers Grimm, follows a baker and his wife who long for a child, but first must break a spell cast on their household by a vengeful witch. The stage is peopled by characters from other fairy tales who go through all sorts of tribulations before the play’s end. Into the Woods features 37 dedicated performers ranging from grade nine to 12. The students have created their magic under music director Cristina Sousa, choreographer Jackie Rioux, and director Christine Irving. Behind the scenes, Tyler Caddell’s stagecraft class has transformed the stage into a bewitching forest. Tickets at Parkland’s office or by credit card at 250-655-2736. Become enchanted! January 31 to February 3: evenings, 7 p.m; and matinee at 2 p.m. February 3. Parkland Secondary, 10640 McDonald Park Road, North Saanich.
