– by Gillian Crowley –
It’s worth venturing out in January weather to take in all the entertainment and arts events the Peninsula has to offer.
Tim Rogers at Deep Cove Folk Club
Tim Rogers is a veteran of the folk music scene having played numerous clubs and festivals across Canada over the past five decades. He is also a writer. On January 9 he will bring these two endeavours together through a set of songs and storytelling focused around his recent book, “The Mystery of the SS Southern Cross.” Prepare yourself for a rip-roaring sea story along with lots of traditional song and Newfoundland lore.
Fri. Jan. 9, 7.30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). St. Johns United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. Admission: $7
Kids with Dreams
The Mary Winspear Centre and Mountain Dream Productions are presenting “Kids with Dreams,” the culmination of local youth’s Triple Threat acting classes — five months of hard work and rehearsals. Bring the whole family to watch these talented performers execute their acting, singing and dancing abilities in an original production.
Jan 23, 7 p.m. and Jan 24, 2 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre.Tickets: Ph. 250-656-0275
Celebration of English Music
With music director Yariv Aloni at the helm, the prestigious Galiano Ensemble will perform An English Suite celebrating compositions by William Boyce, Gerald Finzi, Ralph Vaugh Williams, Frank Bridge, Edward Elgar and Charles Hubert Parry. Now in its 16th year, this local chamber orchestra performs the classics and newly discovered works with verve and elegance.
Wednesday, January 14, 8 p.m. Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, University of Victoria. Tickets: Ph 250-704-2580
Opera in Sidney
Get your opera fix in the comfort of the Star Cinema. Films of two great operas take the stage this month: Lehar’s The Merry Widow followed by Offenbach’s Les Contes D’Hoffmann. Renee Fleming stars as the beguiling femme fatale who captivates all Paris in Lehár’s enchanting operetta. In the Met’s “Les Contes” production, the magnetic tenor Vittorio Grigolo takes on the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of Offenbach’s masterpiece. Soprano Hibla Gerzmava faces the operatic hurdle of singing all three heroines – each an idealized embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann’s desire. Thomas Hampson portrays the shadowy Four Villains, and Yves Abel conducts the sparkling score.
Merry Widow – Jan. 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. D’Hoffman — Jan. 31, 10 a.m. – 1.30 p.m. Star Cinema, 9843 Third St., Sidney
Second Annual Robbie Burns Dinner
Everyone gets to be Scottish at this event! Join the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band and guests for a night of dinner, music and entertainment in memory of the great bard, Robert Burns. Silent auction and 50/50 draws. Proceeds go to support the Pipe Band’s community and cultural initiatives in 2015.
Sat. January 24, 5 – 11 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre.Tickets: $55
Open Studio
In late January Sandy Bligh and Diane Thorp will welcome visitors to their ‘studio’ at the Tulista Art Gallery in Sidney. Paints, canvas, fibre and loom will be at work and artwork by the two artists will be on display. Take this opportunity to chat with the artists.
January 24-31, Tulista Park near the Washington ferry dock. Hours and info: Ph. 250-656-7400
Good News for Students
The Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula granted $10,000 to the Saanich School District’s “Art and Music in the Schools” program for the 2014-2015 academic year. This grant enables teachers in School District 63 to access professional artists, musicians, writers and performers to give students a chance to engage with a practicing local artist.
