– by Gillian Crowley –
“Daffodils,/That come before the swallow dares, and take/The winds of March with beauty.” Shakespeare in The Winter’s Tale. Beauty, music and humour are all in store this month. Enjoy!
Ben Heppner Returns to Sidney
If you missed Ben Heppner’s sellout concert last year, here’s another opportunity to hear his glorious voice. Heppner is one of Canada’s foremost dramatic tenor opera singers who specializes in some of opera’s most challenging roles. He has performed nationally and internationally in operas ranging from Wagner’s Tristan and Lohengrin to Verdi’s Otello and Berlioz’ Aeneas. Originally from Dawson Creek, Heppner has a down-to-earth personality and humour that makes opera and other classical music accessible. Don’t miss this big man with the big voice in the Charlie White Theatre’s intimate setting. Friday, March 21st @ 7:30 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre 250-656-0275.
Land and Seascapes at Village Gallery
Works from Vancouver Island artists Mark Cramer and Dan Telosky can be viewed at Village Gallery in Sidney throughout March. Cramer is an emerging artist known for his paintings of the Mount Douglas area and other nearby locales. He finally found time to devote to his lifelong passion when he took early retirement from the Victoria Fire Department. With a keen eye for light and shadow, Cramer brings familiar landscapes to life.
Telosky, who grew up along the shores of Discovery Passage, is known for his marine acrylics that capture the ever-changing coastal seascapes. What marks his style is a focus on detail and his need to get as close as possible to the real thing. “I live in an absolutely beautiful place and have a great boat to get out and see it. To be able to try and capture the beauty by painting is just another bonus.” Village Gallery, 2459 Beacon Avenue, Sidney. Open 9:30 to 5:30 every day except Sunday.
Jeanne Robertson, Funny Lady
It’s just what the doctor ordered – a dose of hilarity to welcome spring. At 6’2″ and age 70, Jeanne Robertson charms audiences with her humorous observations about life around her. This former Miss North Carolina has an infectious personality and sense of humour. Some of her most popular anecdotes include “Don’t Go to Vegas Without A Baptist,” “Don’t Bungee Jump Naked” and “Don’t Send a Man to the Grocery Store.” Her family-friendly comedy and witty depiction of everyday situations ensure you leave laughing. Monday, March 3rd @ 7 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre 250-656-0275.
Small Expressions at Tulista Arts Centre
On your next walk along Sidney’s seawalk, drop into the CACSP’s art centre in Tulista Park to see how local artists have adapted their art forms to a small space. About 30 artists have taken on the challenge to create exquisite paintings, sculptures, pottery and fibre art no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12.” All artwork is for sale. Sponsored by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. Tulista Arts Centre, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney. March 5th to 30th, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover Hidden Ocean Beauty
Peter Mieras, owner/operator of Rendezvous Dive Adventures in Barkley Sound, educates hundreds of divers on the wonders of the sea. An active participant in research projects with data collection on lingcod egg masses, rockfish and reefs, Mieras has taken countless hours of underwater footage and photos to use for educational purposes. One such compilation is Blue Notes, a 55-minute film featuring ocean footage that explores the behaviours, interactions and survival techniques of the incredible creatures found in our local Salish Sea. A Q & A on the film and Mieras’ work with the ocean will follow. March 3rd from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.
Is there something happening in the Peninsula or Gulf Islands Art Scene we should know about? Email
gillian@seasidemagazine.ca.
