by Gillian Crowley –
Cast off wintry blues with the Peninsula’s blooming arts and entertainment this month.
West Coast and African Photography
Local photographer Helen B. Watt showcases her collection of dramatic West Coast landscapes, seascapes, wildlife and colourful botanicals. A bonus, her “Taste of Africa” exhibit features spectacular photographs from Kenya and Tanzania. Drop in to discuss her work with Helen or a volunteer. Daily April 2 to 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ArtSea Gallery at Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney.
Ken Hamm Plays Olde Tyme
Deep Cove Folk Music Society presents Ken Hamm, a well-known acoustic solo musician based in Forget, SK. His playing is influenced by early blues recordings and a love of old timey music, resulting in a varied repertoire of original and traditional songs. Enjoy metal guitar hard-edged blues workouts to softer dobro and banjo pieces. His main influences include Ry Cooder, Mississippi John Hurt, John Fahey and John Hartford. Format: Open stage the first hour followed by the featured artist.
April 13, 8 to 10:30 p.m. St. John’s United Church, 10900 West Saanich Road, North Saanich.
Duelling Pianos
Bring the family to this entertaining afternoon of pianos and orchestra presented by the Sidney Classical Orchestra. Piano soloists Susan de Burgh and Ed LeBarron will perform the enchanting Carnival of the Animals (with speaker) by C. Saint-Saëns followed by F. Poulenc’s exhilarating Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra. A perfect way to introduce pre-teens and teens to classical music. Silent auction too! More at www.sidneyclassicalorchestra.ca.
April 15, 2:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 10030 Third Street, Sidney.
SPAC Fine Art Show
The Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts Society (SPAC) is holding its annual exhibition and sale of fine arts and crafts which showcases its members’ art to the community. Enjoy the artistry of painters, sculptors, potters, jewellers, and a variety of fine artisans from the Greater Victoria area.
April 28, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and April 29, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
Peninsula Singers’ Broadway Music
Led by Lena Palermo, the Peninsula Singers will perform a grand night of songs from Broadway musicals, from the oldies to those currently selling out on the Great White Way. Familiar tunes from Easter Parade, Mama Mia and My Fair Lady will be joined by spectacular numbers from current shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Come from Away (about 38 planes that were diverted to Gander, NL during 9/11 and the welcome they received). Also featured are young artists from “Broadway Bound” and young dancers from the Barre None Dance Studio in Duncan. Proceeds go to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation’s Music Therapy Program.
April 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 at 2 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
Accordions by the Sea
The Victoria Accordion Club Presents “Accordions by the Sea.” Enjoy favourite Broadway and Musical Hits from The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera and more.
Sunday, April 15, 3 p.m. at the Shoal Centre, Sidney.
