by Gillian Crowley –
An Evening of Amazing Stories
Ron Norman and Keith C. Ogilvie will bring politics, laughs and stories of amazing survival to an evening of readings and discussion to support the 2019 Sidney Literary Festival. Ron Norman’s debut book, Slouching Towards Innocence, is set in the combative and darkly comic world of British Columbia politics. A B.C. journalist and editor for 20 years and then a senior civil servant, Ron Norman is bound to have the inside story! He is joined by Keith C. Ogilvie who was inspired by a treasure trove of personal correspondence, newspaper clippings and other historical material collected by his parents. The Spitfire Luck of Skeets Ogilvie tells the story of a young Canadian spitfire pilot who finds adventure, love and a remarkable dose of luck on the frontlines of the Second World War. More at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca. May 11 at 7 p.m. at Shoal Centre, Sidney.
Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour
This Mother’s Day weekend, invite someone special to enjoy gorgeous gardens with the Victoria Conservatory of music at “secret gardens” during this highly anticipated tour. A two-day pass grants passage to 10 hand-picked, enchanting oases where you can revel in the inspiration and joy of gardening while enjoying music from VCM students, faculty and guest musicians. Proceeds from tickets and the plant sale raise funds for student scholarships and programming. More at www.vcm.bc.ca/events. May 12 and 13, starting at 10 a.m.
Explore at ArtSea Gallery
Explore “Here and Elsewhere” through the artwork of some of our talented Island artists: Wendy Picken, Liza Robertson, Anina Kunstler, Rose Spahan, Alison Garrett-Hanneson, Colleen Toohy and Dorothy Haegert. Discover a variety of media – painting, sculpture, mixed media, glass work, drawing and photography – and learn more from the artists who will be present at the gallery. Free admission and parking. May 23 to June 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park, Sidney.
Soloists Celebrated – Sidney Concert Band
Sidney Concert Band will introduce the audience to a number of its members as soloists in its annual Spring concert: “SCB’s Got Talent!” Featured are Jim Kingham who at 76 has been playing wind instruments since his early teens and Ryan Kelly, 17, youngest member of the trumpet section who has been affiliated with SCB for several years through local Air Cadet and school bands. Stephanie Benbow, trombonist and singer, has been a SCB member since graduating high school six years ago. Peter Gardner has played clarinet in the band for several years and the SCB will play his arrangement of Nice n’ Easy in this concert. Enjoy a wide range of musical styles from Mozart’s Overture to the Magic Flute and the March from Holst’s First Suite for Band to Highlights from Camelot and Seventy-Six Trombones from The Music Man. May 27 at 2 p.m., Mary Winspear Centre.
Chamber Music for Springtime
The West Coast Chamber Players will present a chamber music concert to celebrate Spring. Featured will be the glorious Ode by Handel with Nancy Washeim, Soprano and Jim Stubbs, Trumpet. Another highlight is The Silver Rose, composed by CBC’s own Peter Tiefenbach. May 27 at 3 p.m. First Unitarian Church on West Saanich Road. ArtSea Community Arts Council is seeking a few more board members. If you’d like to help the Saanich Peninsula grow as a hub for arts and culture, contact Diane at dcthorp@telus.net.
