– by Gillian Crowley –
Is there something happening in the Peninsula or Gulf Islands Art Scene we should know about? Email gillian@seasidemagazine.ca.
Nathan Scott’s Bronze Animals
You’ve smiled at Nathan Scott‘s bronze bench people in Sidney and admired the iconic Terry Fox statue at Mile 0 and the nostalgic “Homecoming” commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. Now you can see some of his smaller animal bronzes up close at Village Gallery in Sidney. This month the lifelike works by this Victoria sculptor will join paintings by five local artists celebrating spring through the theme “Florals and Birds.” Village Gallery, 2459 Beacon Avenue, Sidney.
Pacific Brant Carving and Art Show
Nothing says “Spring” more than the Pacific Brant geese stopover in the Parksville/Qualicum area on their way north. In 2010 the original carving show carrying their name moved south to the Greater Victoria area and is now held at the Mary Winspear Centre. The show has grown to be one of Canada’s best-known wildlife woodcarving competitions and in recent years has expanded to include a woodturning competition. This event attracts many popular B.C. wildlife artists, photographers and sculptors who engage in friendly competition for ribbons and cash prizes. The public can take part in the silent and live auctions, view demonstrations and meet the carvers. April 5th, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and April 6th, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 250 656-0275.
Swing Into Spring
Continuing the seasonal theme, the Sidney Concert Band is holding a “Swing into Spring” concert featuring special guest the Swiftsure Big Band with vocalist Miranda Sage. The 35-member community Concert Band, conducted by Rob Bannister, will delight the audience with swing music and several vocalists. April 6th @ 2 p.m., Charlie White Theatre, Mary Winspear Centre, 250-656-0275 ext. 4.
Via Choralis Anniversary Celebration
Via Choralis is celebrating its 15th year of choral singing with an anniversary concert performance led by musical director Nicholas Fairbank. This mixed-voice community chamber choir performs a broad repertoire ranging from medieval to contemporary music. A number of past singers will join today’s choir to sing a varied program of favourites chosen by the choir members. In addition to madrigals, Early Americas pieces and classics from the 18th and 19th century, the choir will sing a new piece created by a young composer, not yet announced. Tickets: at the door or at Tanners Book’s, Sidney. Elsewhere: Ivy’s Bookshop, Long & McQuade and Russell Books. April 12th @ 7:30 p.m; April 13th @ 2:30 p.m. Both performances are at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 10030 Third Street, Sidney.
A Special Evening: Fearing and White
Multiple Juno winner Stephen Fearing reunites with Andy White to celebrate the release of their latest CD. The Canadian singer-songwriter met Belfast troubadour Andy White backstage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in 1998. Forming an instant friendship, the two musicians began a series of yearly co-writing sessions at Fearing’s home in Guelph, Ontario. Their acclaimed 2011 debut album, Fearing & White, is now followed by their latest, Tea and Confidences. Hear the magic the two have created during a collaboration between Canada and Australia where White now lives. Presented by The Deep Cove Folk Music Society. April 19th, 8 p.m. Charlie White Theatre, Mary Winspear Centre 250-656-0275 ext. 4.
Jimmy Rankin Live
Jimmy Rankin is an award-winning solo artist and the lead singer, guitarist and song writing lynchpin behind the well-known Celtic-Pop group, The Rankin Family. Jimmy moves effortlessly between Roots, Country and Pop stylings, taking his audience on a musical journey from Cape Breton to Nashville. An engaging entertainer, Jimmy’s toe-tapping live performances appeal to the whole family. April 26th, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Charlie White Theatre, Mary Winspear Centre, 250-656-0275 ext. 4.
