by Gillian Crowley –
My Funny Valentine
Now in its 31st year, the Palm Court Orchestra will celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a matinee concert that includes songs by Richard Rodgers and Lorenzo Hart plus romantic waltzes from operetta composer Franz Lehar. This popular orchestra will also perform uplifting polkas from Johann Strauss and palm court gems like Leon Jessel’s Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Featuring Victoria-based Rebecca Hass, mezzo soprano. February 8 at 2 p.m., Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
A Taste of Tulista
To start off the new season of Gallery shows, the ArtSea Gallery presents a Taste of Tulista. Take this opportunity to see what exhibits and events will be happening at the ArtSea Gallery. Each artist will display enticing samples of the work they will be presenting in the Gallery and will leave you wanting more. February 15 to 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney.
A Thought-Provoking Evening
Join authors Monique Gray Smith and Richard Hebda for an evening of thought-provoking readings about journeys. Through her book Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation, Gray Smith explores how Canada’s relationship with its Indigenous people has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the historical and current impact of those schools. Another type of journey will be discussed by Dr. Richard Hebda, Curator Emeritus (Botany and Earth History) at the Royal British Columbia Museum. He is the senior editor of the recently-released Royal British Columbia Museum book Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchi: Teachings from Long Ago Person Found about human remains found frozen in a northwest B.C. glacier. Ticket sales support the Spring 2019 Sidney Literary Festival. February 16 at 7 p.m. SHOAL Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney.
Bob Bossin’s Farewell Concert
Deep Cove Folk Music Society presents Bob Bossin’s Farewell Concert with Stringband’s Marie-Lynn Hammond, Ben Mink, Calvin Cairns, Paul Gellman and Dinah D. After a half century of performing, Bossin is hanging up his banjo. Considered a national treasure by many, Bob founded the legendary folk group Stringband in the early 1970s. He also wrote Davy the Punk, about his father’s life in Toronto’s gambling underworld in the 1930s and ’40s. Don’t miss this memorable concert reuniting the Stringband members. February 17 at 8 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
Paintings by Helen Rogak
Local artist Helen Rogak will be showing her latest oil paintings of landscapes and buildings. She has held numerous solo and group exhibitions in Victoria and Calgary, and her works are in private and government collections across Canada, the United States and Europe. February 23 to March 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ArtSea Gallery at Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney.
A Beethoven Celebration
The Victoria Chamber Orchestra will perform an all-Beethoven concert featuring Symphony No. 4 and Symphony No. 6, also known as the Pastoral. Conducted by music director Yariv Aloni. The second movement of the lesser-known Symphony No. 4 was reportedly described by Hector Berlioz as the work of the Archangel Michael, and not that of a human. Enjoy a heavenly evening. More at www.victoriachamberorchestra.org or phone 250-598-1966. February 23, 8 p.m. First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd (at Quadra), Victoria.
Spring Festival Spectacular
Spring Festival, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most important traditions in Asian culture. To celebrate this tradition, Ocean Rain Arts Academy presents the first Spring Festival Spectacular with a collection of local elite talents, including the Ballet Etoile Canada, Island Circus Space, Duncan Martial Arts Group, Magicians, as well as local artists from Philippine, Japanese and Korean communities. Family entertainment. Tickets at UVic Ticket Centre. February 17, 7 p.m. Farquhar Auditorium, University of Victoria.
