The monthly parade of talent known as the Artesia Coffee House is this Friday at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, Sechelt. The grand piano will be coming out this time at 8 p.m., and to start the evening will be young pianist and vocalist Nadia Behji followed by Keiran Semple, a songwriter, instrumentalist and singer. His music combines folk, roots, jazz and blues. The monthly poet for the evening will be Jan Jensen. Following the break, singer/songwriter Katrina Bishop from Pender Harbour performs on piano, and to close the evening, jazz vocalist Jacquie Allan will be joined by Ken Dalgleish, piano, and Barry Taylor, drums. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10. Come early for a good seat and enjoy treats by Trish, a slideshow of performers and the current art exhibition. More info from www.suncoastarts.com
Caravan of Creeps
This Friday, March 25 at the Roberts Creek Hall, Caravan of Creeps performs with music from Blackberry Wood. This Vancouver-based roadshow gives you a craving for snake oil cures and the white lightning that caused the hangover, merging vintage sideshow shock performances with sultry and strange striptease, acrobatics, hypnotizing juggling and contortion, as well as some sleight of hand and daring sword swallowing. With tarot readings and human stapling between sets, it’s a full night of macabre fun. Feel encouraged to dress up in your carnival/circus best. If you prefer Steampunk or Gypsy style clothing, go to town. Come for a good time – doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door.
Season opens
FibreWorks Studio & Gallery is pleased to announce the 2016 season opening with an exhibition by Catherine Nicholls and Anni Hunt. Whisperings – a celebration of the forest world – was inspired by a poem written by eminent artist Emily Carr. In this all new exhibition, textile artists Hunt and Nicholls present their own observations and feelings for the stunning West Coast rain forest landscape. Using natural materials as inspiration and media has led these two to listen carefully to the “whisperings” of the forest and record what they hear. The show opens Saturday, March 26 with a reception to meet the artists from 2 to 4 p.m. at the yurts near Madeira Park. Everyone is welcome to attend. Visit www.fibreworksgallery.com for a listing of exhibitions and workshops for 2016.
This holiday weekend
The Boom Booms will make you want to dance at the Pender Harbour Community Hall on Saturday night. If you hurry, there might be tickets left. See www.penderharbourbluesfestival.com for more.
Gibsons Legion features classic rock from Playback on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. while at the Roberts Creek Legion on Saturday, Legion of Boom presents Slynk with the Funkdealer and Rick $mooth. Visuals from Honeybee. Starts at 9 p.m.
Easter eggs
The annual Easter egg hunt takes place at noon on Sunday, March 27 at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, Sechelt, presented by Sunshine Coast Lions Club. It’s free for participants 12 years and under. Popcorn, beverages and hotdogs are available for purchase.
The 15th annual Francis Penn Easter egg hunt, for ages 13 and under, starts at 11 a.m. on Easter Monday at Phillips Forest (watch for balloons at Warnock and Francis Peninsula Road). Food bank donations are gratefully accepted.
Writers’ event
Calling all published and aspiring writers. Let your latest piece take centre stage at the Arts Building Open Mic Night for Writers on Wednesday, March 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. This free event led by author PJ Reece is open to all levels and all genres and is even for works in progress. Each writer gets five minutes to share, listen to others and get to know and network with other writers. There will be light snacks, tea, coffee and juice available. If you would like to read, please email [email protected]. This event is sponsored in part by WOW! Art Café (formerly known as Windows on the Water in Sunnycrest Mall) and the store’s new owners Xinyu and Joe Oteruelo.
Knitters, sewists
A monthly meet up group for knitters, sewists, quilters, stitchers and spinners is starting on Saturday, April 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. (first Saturday of the month thereafter) in Gibsons. The location may rotate. Bring your project and a snack to share. RSVP Cindy at 604-886-1795. Space is limited.
On the horizon
Coming up are many events in April. Watch for more details about them later.
A fictitious male stripper troupe of improvisational comedians performs at the Raven’s Cry Theatre on April 8.
The Jazz Group of Seven performs in Madeira Park on April 10.
Salam Neighbour, a film, screens at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt on April 15.
A musical fundraiser for the new Rogue Arts Festival takes place on April 16 in Roberts Creek.
Noon deadline
Send your notice of arts events by Tuesday at noon for Friday’s newspaper to [email protected] or phone 604-886-4692. Please include a contact person’s phone number or email in your notice.
