by Gillian Crowley –
There’s variety galore during this festive month. Celebrate the arts during the holidays.
Music at The Roost
A variety of musical entertainment will be presented each weekend this month at The Roost’s Vineyard Bistro. A festive evening out … plus you don’t have to cook! Artists include Brad Prevedoros, Sean McCool, David & Kathy Hilderman, Robbie Hancock and Two Among Friends (guitar duo). Saturdays and Sundays, 6 to 8 p.m. www.roostfarmcentre.com.
Gifts by ArtSea Artisans
Last chance to get a unique gift crafted by a local artist or artisan. Inspired creations, stocking stuffers, holiday décor, wearable art, jewelry – something for every taste. New items are brought out each week which makes it worthwhile to drop in frequently. At ArtSea Gallery in Sidney’s Tulista Park, every day except Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ends December 22. Perfect for procrastinators!
Rig a Jig’s Christmas/Solstice Celebration
Energetic Celtic music rooted in the British Isles will be sure to get toes a-tapping. The band performs jigs, reels, waltzes, polkas and combines traditional songs with contemporary Canadian songs. Presented by the Deep Cove Folk Society. Tickets $10 at the door. December 14 at 8 p.m. (doors open 7:30). St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road, North Saanich. Extra parking across the road.
Storybook Nutcracker Ballet
Young would-be ballet dancers and those not familiar with ballet will love this one-hour plus version of the well-known Nutcracker Suite. Ballet Étoile presents “The Storybook Nutcracker,” a unique production bringing the classic story to life with engaging narration and vibrant costumes. December 15 at 7 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. December 15 and 16. Tickets: Mary Winspear Centre.
Handel’s Messiah in Sidney
Via Choralis will combine with the 45-member Sooke Philharmonic Chorus, Sooke Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and four soloists, all under the baton of Nicholas Fairbank, in this full performance of G.F. Handel’s masterpiece. Incredibly, Handel composed the music for this oratorio in just 24 days! Tickets at Tanner’s Books or online at www.viachoralis.ca. December 16 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, Sidney.
Tis the Season
The Peninsula Singers’ vibrant Christmas show is usually a sellout but it may not be too late to snag some tickets. It’s worth arriving shortly before the show begins to see if any tickets have come available last minute. It’s always an entertaining production with song, dance and laughter. December 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and December 9 at
2 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
Carol Singing for All Ages
Time for an outing? Why not take a bus or share a car out to Cadboro Bay to join the Victoria Good News Choir in a Christmas singalong led by Louise Rose. This community choir, started 21 years ago, always creates a warm, welcoming vibe wherever they perform. Admission by donation. December 8 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Cadboro Bay United Church.
Magical Colours
Local resident Nancy J. Wood has published her first children’s book, titled The Magical Power of Colour. Illustrated by Michael Tarantino, this charming book about a mouse who feels sad in her dark abode lets young children discover how colours can affect our emotions. Available on www.amazon.ca or contact Nancy at njbdance@gmail.com.
Gift for Book Lovers
A perfect gift for the book lover or aspiring writer on your list is an Early Bird Pass to the 2019 Sidney LitFest to be held April 12 to 14. Always a great deal, the weekend passes will be available in December for a limited time only. Subscribe to the LitFest’s e-newsletter to get advance notice of the sale. www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
