Painting of the 27th annual Roberts Creek community mandala reached its finish on Sunday, July 21. On Tuesday, contributors gathered at the Roberts Creek waterfront to inaugurate the new year’s design by dancing atop it.
Artist Robert Marion outlined his original layout — an homage to music with a robin at the centre — in advance of hundreds of individual painters contributing coloured panels during days of public painting.
“People are so stoked to do it,” said Erica Snowlake, who worked with Marion over a quarter-century ago to instigate the mandala tradition, and remains a part of the coordinating team.
“What’s remained the same is Rob Marion’s dedication to the project and the amazing artistic design qualities he brings to the mandala each year. As for differences over 27 years, it’s how many memories that we have of it, and how every year brings something new.”
Snowlake observed that children of original mandala painters now bring their own children to participate in the community tradition.
“This is like an outdoor temple,” she added. “This has always been a space for the people. The shíshálh people and the Squamish [Nation] used to have feasts and festivals here. We are accepting and creating a sacred space.”
Mandala organizers have launched a crowd-funding campaign to cover expenses. Supporters can donate online at gofund.me/c7c9f2f3.
Revue in the Rockwood
The Coast Musical Theatre Company has announced upcoming performances of “It’s a Musical!”, a Broadway revue at the Rockwood Pavilion in Sechelt on July 30, 31, and August 5, 6, and 7.
The creative trio of Sara Douglas, Sylvain Brochu, and Tom Kellough have teamed up again under the sponsorship of St John’s United Church to present this summer musical spectacle.
A cast of nine participants aged 15 to 64 will present a selection of solos and ensemble numbers from 14 popular Broadway musicals including Wicked, Guys and Dolls, Les Misérables and A Chorus Line.
Admission is by donation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the curtain rising at 7 p.m. each night.
Dancers earn accolades
The Sunshine Coast Dance Society has announced winners of its 2024 dance scholarship awards. Adjudicated live auditions for the awards took place at the end of June with a total of $5,250 awarded this year.
The Lois Smith Junior Ballet awards went to Jasmine Hagerman and Audrey Altenburg.
Lois Smith Senior Ballet awards went to Andrea Villanueva, Sophie Cimbala, Gracelyn Mailey and Peter Reznick.
The Sunshine Coast Dance Society “multi-genre” dance awards went to Annika Bergman, Makenzi Harris, Connor Dixon, Nevaeh Power, Lizzy Mani and Holly Talbot.
For 31 years, the Sunshine Coast Dance Society has supported amateur and professional community dancers on the Coast through adjudicating an independent annual scholarship program, facilitating artist mentor workshops and residencies, and providing collaborative performance opportunities for local dancers of all ages.
Summertime serenade in Gibsons
The Gibsons Music in the Landing series continues this weekend with performances on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, at 7 p.m. in the gazebo, Pretty Eyes for Captain America performs. The ensemble was formed in 2004 by Calen Degnan with a collection of songs quiet enough to play while everyone was sleeping. Albums are available on the Kingfisher Bluez label and on all streaming services.
Boondoggle — a dedicated kitchen jam band with a little blues, a little gospel and a hint of heavy metal heritage — will also appear in the gazebo. Boondoggle features Darren Kunce and Calen Degnan joined by Jamie Swann on bass. The concert is free as part of the summer music series sponsored by the Town of Gibsons.
On Saturday, July 26 at 3:30 p.m., Zig Zag performs in Winegarden Park. Zig Zag includes Charlotte Wrinch (guitar, vocals), Anneka Bonser (keyboard, vocals), Boyd Norman (bass, vocals) and John Rule (drums).
That evening at 7 p.m., the park will reverberate with the sounds of Rio Trio. The group plays festive Latin-influenced songs, bossa, samba and reimagined classics with Kevin Crofton on vocals and guitar, Dean Wilkins on percussion, vocal and guitar and Daryl Wakeham on conga — with special guest Budge Schachte on lead guitar.
Afternoon to rock in Sechelt
The District of Sechelt’s free summer music continues at the Hackett Park stage. The featured performers on Saturday, July 26 at noon are The Midds, highlighting original Sunshine Coast rock melodies.
The Midds include Ray McNally on guitar and vocals, Jeff Lucas on lead guitar, John Geoffrion on bass and backup vocals, and Matt Blogg on drums.
Much more music
Although the Roberts Creek Slow Sundays program was not available at press time, listings for it and other summertime music series are regularly published to the Coast Cultural Alliance website at coastculture.com.
