Fall 2011 Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide by Production Manager

Arts & Culture Guide

COWICHAN

FALL 2011

Special Supplement September 2011

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EVENTS

Friday, September 30 | 7:30 PM

Matt anderSen

1st Canadian ever to win the International Blues Competition (2010) www.stubbyfingers.ca

Saturday, October 1

WOMen in FiSh

A multi-media live performance and free public workshop featuring local her stories and fish tales of life on the west coast. • free workshop 4 pm • performance 7 pm – $10.00 Memorabilia art installation at Cowichan Theatre, Sep. 29 - Oct. 2

Sunday, October 2 | 2:30 PM rOSeS OF PiCardY – Palm Court Light Orchestra creative: endeavour

featuring Sarah Fryer, mezzo soprano

On September 30, October 1 & 2, 2011, join Canadians in hundreds of cities and towns across the country and participate in activities that celebrate the creative expression of your community. Culture Days features free, hands-on, interactive activities and “behind the scenes” experiences where you can get up close and discover a world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers. Express the creative you!

plan your weekend in the Cowichan Valley at

culturedays.ca

Visionary Partners

Founding Partners

CT_A&C_Guide1_final.indd 1

Founding Visionary Partner

National Broadcast Partner

Federal Government Support

National Newspaper Partner

Inspired by

Provincial Partner

National Media Partner

Connect with Culture Days on:

9/20/11 5:05:31 PM

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Inside: Culture days: Calendar: Visual arts: Theatre: Dance: Classical: Voice:

Introduction

page 4

Your guide to a whole season of local arts and culture

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e’ve got some funny ideas about arts and culture sometimes. It’s not about some skinny girl standing on her toes in a tutu. Nor is it about a stuffy guy with a white moustache droning on about the importance of some inscrutable book or bizarre painting. No, arts and culture is about expression, creativity and the human desire to connect with those around us. It is the glue binding families, communities and societies. Embracing it and exploring it challenges us, enriches us and helps us grow. If we’re lucky it is part and parcel to our everday responsibilities and entertainments. But it’s not usually something we can fully appreciate and absorb unless our hearts and minds are engaged. That’s where this guide comes in. Cowichan is fortunate enough to be swimming in opportunities to drink in arts and culture. But it doesn’t always provide us with the push we need to jump in. The pages that follow list a cornucopia of cultural opportunities. Consider it your diving board. Read it. Then dive right in.

page 6 page 8 page 11 page 12

page Learn to play: page Nightlife: page High school: page

15 16 18 20

Produced by: The Cowichan News Leader Pictorial Publisher: Bill Macadam Published every spring and fall by the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial, Unit 2, 5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan B.C., V9L 6W4 Phone: (250) 746-4471 Fax: (250) 746-8529 E-mail: publisher@cowichannewsleader.com Web site: www.cowichannewsleader.com

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CULTURE DAYS EVENTS IN COWICHAN Sept. 30

Culture Days Event: Free Zumba Class: with Dominica –Shawnigan Lake Community Centre, 6 to 7 p.m. Come and try it and see if Zumba is for you. In the lounge at the SLCC.

Oct. 1

Culture Days Event: Hip Hop Dance Class: It’s energetic, even frenetic — it’s hip hop! If you’re a teen or young adult and want to try this exciting dance art, Carlson’s School of Dance is offering a free workshop for Culture Days, 11 a.m. Carlson’s Studio in the Island Savings Centre, 2687 James St.

Oct. 1

Culture Days Event: Women in Fish Public Workshop: Hear and learn first-hand about our own local women who worked and survived in the West Coast fishing industry, 4 p.m. Cowichan Theatre. The free workshop will be followed by a 7 p.m. performance of Women in Fish. Tickets $10. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www. cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Oct. 2

Junction Artists’ Market: Local artists display one-of-a-kind items and share their enthusiasm for the creative process with market visitors, while strolling performance artists create Flash Mob like entertainment, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Whippletree Junction.

Arts and culture is a yearround passion for Cowichan as Michelle Mazzarella shows dancing during the What About the Earth? evening of dance at the T. Gil Bunch Centre in Mill Bay.

Culture Days

Discover local culture

hat does culture mean to you? It’s a question posed by organizers of Culture Days, a national grassroots arts and culture festival happening across the country Sept. 31, Oct. 1 and 2. Hanah Van Borek passed along these Cowichan responses. • Anna Routledge: “My most inspiring cultural experience of all time was...building a sweat lodge on the banks of the Koksilah River. Young strangers became family as we ran screaming with joy into the frigid depth of our sacred waters. Even in our Cowichan Valley, intimate cultural

expression can be as simple as learning a new way to say, “Welcome” and “Thank You.” • Tim Brownlow: “I love to express my creativity by... cooking a meal for friends based on Slow Food principles. As many ingredients as possible should be sourced and bought locally, a great way to get to know the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, with its excellent variety of meats, fish, poultry and vegetables. Lunch should take the whole afternoon. • Ann Thomas: “My favourite place to experience arts and culture in my community is... at the fall agricultural fair in Cobble Hill. The sweet simplicity of the event feels like a link to the history and culture of the Cowichan Valley. From the very important looking prize ribbons adorning

For up-to-date entertainment news visit cowichannewsleader.com

produce and preserves to the poultry, animals and the horse show — we love it all!” In its second year, Culture Days encourages Canadians to “participate in activities that celebrate the creative expression of your community.” Culture Days features free, hands-on, interactive activities and behind the scenes experiences where you can get up close and discover a world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers. While still at a relatively low profile in the valley, the event is starting to gain some traction here. Organizers hope you will try out a scheduled event, or create a cultural experience of your own and learn enough to help make the idea grow. To learn more, go to www. culturedays.ca.

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music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

Maria Ridewood: Drama Director Hilary Coupland: Music Director Cathy Schmidt: Choreographer

Cowichan Theatre

Calendar

VISUAL ARTS •• •• •• •• Sept. 30 to Oct. 2

John & Penny Jones Studio Tour: Penny’s pottery will be shown alfresco including garden whimsies, functional pottery, and primitive fired pots. John will show a selection of original art in watercolour, acrylic and pen & ink. Open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1959 Raptor Place, Cowichan Bay.

Oct. 1

Reflections: the rugs of Val Galvin and the work of many other area artists and artisans, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 10087C Chemainus Road. Call 250-246-3979.

Oct. 4 to 15

Spirit of the Festival Group Show: Previewing what was created when the Islands Folk Festival and five CVAC artists teamed up at Providence Farm at the 2011 Islands Folk Festival to create artwork on site. These pieces are sold at the 2012 Cowichan Valley

Fine Arts Show. Viewing at Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at PORTALS: The CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture & Heritage 2687 James St. More info at www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.

Oct. 15

Arbutus Ridge Art Club Art Show 2011: Come check out new works by members in a variety of media, including pastels, watercolours, acrylics, oils and soap stone carvings. Arbutus Ridge Golf Club Oct. 15 and 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 17 to 22

POG (Printmakers Only Group) 20th-annual Show & Sale: Featuring original, hand-pulled prints including etchings, woodcuts, serigraphs, monoprints, embossing, collagraphs and more. Viewing at Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at PORTALS: The CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture & Heritage 2687 James St. More info at www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.

2687 James Street, Duncan

Feb. 3, 4, 10 at 7:30 pm Feb. 5, 11 at 2:00 pm Adults $30 or $25 from SIMTS members Opening Night: Adults $20 Students $8 Tickets available at the Ticket Centre, telephone: 250.748.7529

The Port Theatre

125 Front Street, Nanaimo

March 3 at 7:30 pm March 4 at 2:00 pm Adults $30 Tickets available at the Ticket Centre, telephone: 250.754.8550

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Michelle Dawe admires a miniature clay statue created by artist Dallin Arnott at the Cowichan Secondary School Visual Arts Department’s Annual Art Show while artists Lynn Starter and Edie Miller pose with their work to promote one of the many art exhibitions occurring regularly in the valley.

Creative juices flowing from all corners of the valley

aybe you’ve heard Cowichan is one of the highest per-capita communities for artists in Canada. Maybe you haven’t. But no one can deny this is an artistically-rich community just waiting to be explored.

Visual arts

It’s as easy as walking into the Cowichan Valley Arts Council’s hub, PORTALS (at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan) and chatting up one of the board members there. “We can put you in touch with up to 26 associate groups with whom we work,” says CVAC president Judy Braden. “These are multi-faceted — things like the Cowichan Folk Guild, the Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers, the Maple Bay Painters, Cowichan Valley Artisans, Visions Art Tour, Mercury Players, Printmakers Only Group,

Warmland Calligraphers, and we’ve got some wordsmithing groups coming on board.” There’s big value in arts’ supporters locally, Braden said. “This is a very, very rich community culturally, and people are very willing to share and talk and mentor,” she added. “And it has a very good audience, where people are quite open-minded and quite receptive.” To learn more, contact CVAC at 250746-1633.

Got an arts story to share? 250-748-4451 ext. 236

fall 2011

Oct. 24 to Nov. 5

Verse & Vision: opens with a reception Oct. 25, with performances illustrating the different ways poems can be interpreted. The public can see the show and make a response, which will become part of a spring event. Viewing at Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at PORTALS: The CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture & Heritage 2687 James St. More at www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.

I n October

Imagine That! Artistans Designs Fall Window Display: features painter Eva Trinzcek’s work and fibre art by Ann Lindwall and the Glenora Farm Community at 251 Craig St.

In October

2011 Multimedia Fine Art Exhibition: An eclectic adjudicated show representing the finest in 2D, 3D and photography/digital arts at the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Oct. 1 to 30, Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Nov. 10

Teeny TINY artworks: featuring small original pieces all under $100. Viewing

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at Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 10 to 26 at Portals: The CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture & Heritage 2687 James St. More info at www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Portals: The CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture & Heritage 2687 James St. More info at www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.

In November

KAPS (Kickass Painters): exhibit their art at the Cowichan Theatre Gallery, open for public viewing one hour prior to show times.

Cherry Point Painters: exhibit their art at the Cowichan Theatre Gallery, open for public viewing one hour prior to show times.

In December

Ongoing

In November

Imagine That! Artistans Designs Fall Window Display: enjoy metal art by Brad Allen and painted aprons by Jane Morris Wyatt at 251 Craig St.

Dec 2 to 4

Margit Nellemann Handbuilt Ceramics: sixth-annual open studio and exhibit, 8350 Richards Trail, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring work from a select group of artists. More information at: www.margitnellemann.com.

Dec. 12 into January

Visions Artists Show: Eleven artists from Cowichan showcase weaving, jewellery, printmaking, painting, textiles, woodturning and silk painting. Viewing at Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

Victoria Symphony presents a Special

Chemainus Festival of Murals SocietyOutdoor Art Gallery: take in this unique village with its rich historic past and professional wall murals. More than 40 to see, so visit any time and enjoy. More info at www.muraltown.com and www.visitchemainus.com.

Ongoing

Daniel Cline Sculpture: With 18 countries displaying his work and a career spanning 25 years, professional stone sculptor Daniel Cline’s reputation is well established. Examples of his work can be seen at the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, and closer to home, at Chemainus, Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach. Call for a studio tour 250-2469943 or email: sculpture@shaw.ca.

Family Concert at the Cowichan Theatre

Saturday October 29th, 1:30 pm at the Cowichan Theatre

Giuseppe Pietraroia, Conductor

• The Lion King • Beauty and the Beast • Tarzan • Aladdin • The Little Mermaid • Mulan • Mary Poppins

Reserved Seating • Adult $25 • Student $10 • Family Rate - 4 tickets $60 (additional children $5.00 each)

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Corrina Cornforth was Sister James in the Mercury Players thought-provoking drama Doubt-A Parable while Marena Hunter starred in the South Island Musical Society’s energetic Curtains — two examples of the calibre of community theatre being produced in the valley.

Can you hear the stage calling your name?

hether you’re a budding thespian, a veteran stage junkie, a behindthe-scenes crew guru or simply an attentive viewer, Cowichan’s community theatre programs offer something for everyone. Local community theatre troupes are planning and preparing year-round, and your contributions are welcome. At the South Island Musical Theatre So-

ciety, president Cathy Schmidt encourages anyone interested in getting backstage, or on stage, to call 250-746-6897 or email cathygord@shaw.ca. “Anyone who wants to get involved and learn behind the scenes about costuming, set design, props, make-up and hair — whatever they love to do, we’d love them to come aboard.” The Kaatza Lakeside Players are even organizing a Behind-The-Scenes Party to gain crew members. “It’s like an information session where people will talk about the different jobs backstage,” says Lindsay Anderson of the Oct.

Theatre

5 session that starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Cowichan museum. Call 250-749-7213 or email kaatzalakesideplayers@gmail.com. Anyone interested in workshops with the Mercury Players can email drama@ puttingonashow.ca, and The Shawnigan Players are searching for actors for an asyet-unselected pantomime. “We’ve always encouraged first-time actors (and directors) on stage,” says Alex Gallacher. “That’s part of our mission — to involve as many people in the community as possible.” Call 250-701-7973 or email gallacher_ alex@yahoo.ca.

To promote you upcoming arts and culture event email editor@cowichannewsleader.com

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Ongoing

Mud Room Clayworks: Stop by to see potters at work and check out all unique and useful creations including yellow-glazed dragonfly items and seaside themed creations too, 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cowichan Bay. Winter hours Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ongoing

Cowichan Valley Artisans Studio Tour: professional artisans producing the most creative, honest and authentic work they can. They make exquisite pottery, glass vessels and jewelry, fine studio furniture, wine and balsamic vinegar, locavore food, turn wood and offer straight razor shaves. Meet them where they work at your convenience. For more go to www. CowichanValleyArtisans.com.

ous rival, composer Antonio Salieri. For ticket information call 1-800-565-7738 or www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca.

Sept. 29 and Oct. 1

Women in Fish: This live theatre and film performance brings to the surface personal histories and testimonies of women who worked and lived in the West Coast fishing industry. Free workshops prior to 7 p.m. performances. Hosted by the Quw’utsun’ Cultural & Conference Centre & The Cowichan Theatre. Call 250-748-7529

Oct. 7

Naughty & Spice Burlesque Troupe: from Nanaimo, the name says it all, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 door. Call 250-748-7246.

encourage you to continue. Hosted monthly by Victoria’s wicked Wes Borg who also brings a van full of out-oftown acts, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 door. Call 250-748-7246.

Oct. 20

The Kitchen: From London, England an ensemble of 30 actors prepare real food on stage, in a National Theatre big screen presentation Live in HD 7 p.m. at the Cowichan Theatre. Tickets range from $15.50 to $23.50. Call 250-7487529 or go to www.cowichantheatre. bc.ca.

Oct. 22

Ballet Victoria’s Ballet Rocks: Hear the iconic music of the past and present mixed with an international palette of choreographers for a hardcore ballet performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Call: 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Oct. 24

First Grader: a Reel Alternatives presentation as part of Film Circuit, a division of Toronto International Film Festival benefitting Cowichan Valley Hospice Services. For tickets, call 250748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Oct. 25

For The Love of Words: with your host Bill Levity. A monthly written word appreciation night. Come and share your poems, stories or your favourite piece by someone else, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $10, $5 for readers. Call 250-7487246.

Oct. 26 to 29

PERFORMING ARTS •• •• •• •• •• Sept. 16 to Oct. 22

Amadeus: Chemainus Theatre Festival presents the Tony Award-winning exploration of the flamboyant genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as seen through the eyes of his desperately jeal-

Tonight...Piaf: Chemainus Theatre Festival welcomes an intimate musical drama, re-creating Edith Piaf’s final New York concert at the Waldorf Astoria in 1961. Ticket info at 1-800-5657738, or at www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca.

Oct. 17

Wes Borg’s Comedy Night Auditions: So you think you can be funny, not just at stand up, but at song writing, poetry, a skit, or even video? Grab five minutes of that potential 15 minutes of your fame and let the audience

Oct. 27

Animal Party: Wiggle! Stomp! Jump! Roar! A fun evening for the whole family featuring Splash ‘n Boots, presented by Roll Play Live!, 6:30 p.m. at the Cowichan Theatre. For tickets, go to www.rollplaylive.ca.

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Nov. 16

Oct. 30

Tea and Tango: Experience a taste of Argentina with yerba mate and a traditional tango performance, 3 p.m., Teafarm Lounge & Gallery, 8350 Richards Trail. $10 per person, limited seating. Call to reserve: 250-748-3811. For more info: www.teafarm.ca.

Nov. 10

Maggie’s Getting Married: The Mercury Players present Norm Foster’s hilarious comedy Nov. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. For more information, email drama@puttingonashow.ca.

Nov. 11 to Dec. 21

Countryside Christmas: Look back fondly with the songs of James Taylor, Karen Carpenter, John Denver and more in this Chemainus Theatre Festival Christmas musical revue filled with classic Christmas songs of yesterday and comedy sketches in the style of Tim Conway and Carol Burnett. Ticket info at 1-800-565-7738, or at www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca.

I Ain’t Dead Yet: a one-man show about Woodie Guthrie, using a unique blend of storytelling, spoken word and live musical performance, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $20. Call 250-748-7246.

Nov. 23

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: In this hilarious Christmas tale, a couple struggling to put on a Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids— probably the most inventively awful kids in history. A Kaatza Lakeside Players presentation at Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall, 309 South Shore Rd., (Nov. 23, 24, 25, 7 p.m.; Nov. 26, 27, 2 p.m.) More at: www.kaatzalakesideplayers.ca.

Nov. 28

Potiche: a Reel Alternatives presentation as part of Film Circuit, a division of Toronto International Film Festival benefitting Cowichan Valley Hospice Services. For tickets, call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Dec. 1

Collaborators: A new play by John

Cowichan Fleece & Fibre Fair

ISLAND SAVINGS CENTRE Saturday, October 22, 10 am to 4 pm 2687 James St. Duncan

Knitters‛ Circle: Free knitting lessons with needles & yarn. Ongoing demos, displays. Special bre activities for the kids! VENDORS! Rovings, yarns, dyes, spinning wheels, needle felting supplies, and more. Locally handcrafted knitted, felted and woven articles of wool and alpaca, duvets, and many other items perfect for Christmas gifts. Join our Spinners‛ Circle! Bring your own wheel or come and learn to spin on one of ours. For more information call Annie 246-4600

Hodge (Transpotting, Shallow Grave, The Beach) centres on an imaginary encounter between Joseph Stalin and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov in this National Theatre big screen presentation live in HD, 7 p.m. at the Cowichan Theatre. Tickets range from $15.50 to $23.50. Call 250-7487529 or go to www.cowichantheatre. bc.ca.

Dec. 9

A Winter Wonderland Fundraiser: help Judy Hogg’s Celtic Rhythm Dancers and Dustin Dollman’s DDT Drumline as they prepare for their performances at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets $12 to $14. Call 250-7487529 or go to www.cowichantheatre. bc.ca.

Dec. 16 and 17

The Nutcracker: Royal City Ballet’s enchanting timeless classic returns for its perennial showcase at the Cowichan Theatre, Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.). Tickets $23 or $70 for a family (two adults and two children). Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

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Ballet Victoria’s Twilight Tango is an example of the professional dance happening in the valley, while local groups like the Barre None Dance school provide fun and training.

Cowichan Valley steps up with rhythm and grace

he valley offers an incredible variety of dance options for its size. A large percentage of girls who have grown up here have some background in dance while many boys have also taken up various disciplines for recreation and fitness. At the head of the class is Carlson’s School of Dance, which has been around for 57 years. The school started by Margaret Carlson continues to thrive long after her death with classes in ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop as well as courses in musical theatre, stretch and strength and repertory. The mission of the school is to provide students with a solid foundation to foster

their passion for dance. Judy Hogg and Kathy White offer instruction with a more specific focus. Hogg’s Celtic Rhythm Dancers are well known throughout the valley and beyond. Hogg, who’s been teaching dance for 30 years, is a member of the British Association of Highland Dance and associate member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance as well as a professional member of Scotdance Canada and a member of the Cowichan Folk Guild. White is a qualified life member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and Scotdance Canada. She received her training from the Adeline Duncan School in Victoria and has been teaching in the valley since 1978. Adage Studio and Performing Arts offers dance, drama, movement and pilates classes to children and adults within a fun, yet structured environment.

Dance

The studio stresses a homey atmosphere where performers are encouraged to reach their full potential. Mill Bay is served by Steps Ahead Dance. Quality dance instruction is offered for children with the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, Modern/Jazz and Tap classes in preparation for examinations. Barre None Dance Studio is located in Shawnigan Lake. Barre None provides a professional dance program for students of all ages and levels, with opportunities to achieve excellence in technique and performance while developing confidence and creativity. All the schools stage year-end recitals during May and June to showcase the talents of students.

For up-to-date entertainment news visit cowichannewsleader.com

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Cowichan has always sported one of Vancouver Island’s most classical looks

alm Court Light Orchestra conductor Charles Job claims Cowichan is lucky when it comes to the classics. “The reality is, we’ve had well-established, professional, classical music in Cowichan and we’ve had that for 50 years and certainly Port Alberni doesn’t have that, or Comox, and Nanaimo not until recently. “Duncan has been extremely fortunate to have so many concerts of classical music. The Symphony Society brings the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and we play three times a year,” Job said, adding the Cowichan Consort Orchestra and Choir, and the St. Michaels Presents series as other classical staples on the local calendar. “Outside of Victoria, we were the only place where anything happened.” Duncan’s classical season starts sprinkling down on local churches, halls and theatres in the fall, then flows through the winter and spring seasons. For Job, classical trends change with each year, depending mostly on the community’s demographics and economy. “I think for a town of our size, we are indeed blessed. We actually have an abundance of classical art and now whether we can sustain that, I don’t

Talented guests like cellist Desmond Hoebig accompany the Victoria Symphony Orchestra during its many Cowichan Theatre performances, while jovial Charles Job and the Palm Court Orchestra are a staple on the area arts calendar. know,” he said. “We’re determined to play and we have a particular kind of music we play, so we’ll play on.” Most Cowichan folk appreciate the beauty and importance of classical music and look forward to a night out on the town, he said. His group’s also looking at widening its marketing to generate younger crowds to shows. Its targeted age group is between 40 and 50. Younger people, especially teens, often aren’t ready for the classical scene. “They will find the art when they’re ready,” Job said. Only one thing’s certain for PCO’s head

Classical

honcho. “The concept of all art is culture, but all culture is not all art is interesting,” he said. “Art is not done for commercial purposes. It’s done as an expression and not to make money.” His group’s happy just to keep afloat and do what it does best — playing lighthearted tunes that transcend to nostalgic days and keeping the classics alive.

Got an arts story to share? 250-748-4451 ext. 236

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MUSIC •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• Sept. 29

Garnet Rogers: experience the wit, storytelling, and immaculate musicianship that he brings to the stage, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $25 advance, $30 door. Call 250-748-7246.

Sept. 30

The Mighty River: a guitar-cello folk duo based out of Vancouver, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 door. Call 250-748-7246.

Sept. 30

Jane Eyre: a Reel Alternatives presentation as part of Film Circuit, a division of Toronto International Film Festival benefitting Cowichan Valley Hospice Services. For tickets, call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

still enjoy the Metropolitan Opera live in HD in Duncan. See all your opera favourites from Wagner to Handel to Verdi. Tickets for the 2011-2012 season now available by calling 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca to see information on all 12 shows.

Christmas week

Ongoing

Dec. 19

A Christmas pantomime: The Shawnigan Players are planning an asyet-unselected pantomime for production between Christmas and New Year’s. Contact Alex Gallacher at 250-701-7973 or gallacher_alex@yahoo.ca.

Ongoing

Live at the Met: Can’t get to New York on the weekend? No problem. You can

MoonDance Dynamic Arts School & Art House: Expand your cultural dance horizons and help preserve the multicultural life of our planet. MoonDance Dynamic Arts School opened in 1999 and has recently opened a new home-base inThe Art House in Shawnigan Lake Village (1756 Wilmot Ave.). For information on classes, camps, & performances, go to www.MoonDanceArts. ca or call 250-743-5846.

Maple Bay Painters and Cowichan Valley Potters

FALL SHOW & SALE October 7th & 8th 10 am to 5:00 pm

at the St. Peter’s Quamichan Hall Duncan, B.C. Maple Bay Painters meet every Tuesday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Duncan Community Hall (Former Moose Hall) 2244 Moose Rd. September to June.

New Members Welcome!

Matt Andersen: the first Canadian ever to win the International Blues Challenge (2010) in its 26 years. With special guest, 2011 Juno best roots nominee Del Barber, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets are $25. Call 250-748-7529 or order online at www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Oct. 1

Open Mike Song Writers Nite: The hottest open mike on the Island keeps getting hotter with special guests: Celtic Rockers Skellig, 7 p.m., Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Tickets by donation. Call 250-246-5050.

Oct. 2

Palm Court Orchestra presents Roses of Picardy: Mezzo soprano Sarah Fryer joins conductor Charles Job as the orchestra celebrates its Silver Jubilee in an afternoon concert devoted to light orchestral music from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, 2:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

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14 Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide

Oct. 3

An Evening of Abbamania & Bee Gees: Back by popular demand and featuring a 12-piece band that includes members of the London Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets $37.50. Call 250-7487529 or go to www.cowichantheatre. bc.ca.

Oct. 4

Dress Rehearsal Tuesday: a regular evening where musicians drop in and play a few of their new works while others attempt for the first time. No fear, no attitudes, just people getting their legs (drum kit and amps are set in place for this evening), 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $5. Call 250-748-7246.

Oct. 5

Snailhouse: an ongoing collection of songs by Montreal-based artist Mike Feuerstack — half singer-songwriter, half experimental guitar player, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 door. Call 250-748-7246.

fall 2011

Oct. 6

The Irish Rovers: Celebrate the Irish Rovers’ magical 45 years of music with all their hits we all remember: then meet the lads after the show. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets are $42.50. Call 250-7487529 or go to www.cowichantheatre. bc.ca.

Oct. 7

Led Zepagain: Jimmy Page says “it’s as close as you’ll get to the real deal,” 7: 30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets $35. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www. cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Oct. 8

Bryon Clayton Thomas: headline the Cowichan Folk Guild Coffee House — a folk evening with an open stage, featured performer and square dancing too, 7 p.m., Duncan United Church.

Oct. 8

McKeen & Jones: Beverley McKeen and Martyn Jones make heavenly harmonies to round out the fall market

season, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Duncan Farm Market, City Square

Oct. 14

Jim Byrnes & The Sojourners: Juno Award-winner, actor and TV host, Jim Byrnes has been performing on the blues highway for over 40 years. He visits the Cowichan Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Oct. 15

Morgan Davis: Winner of a Juno for Blues Album of the Year for his multiaward winning release Painkiller, Davis has garnered critical acclaim for both his songwriting and production, 8 p.m., Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Tickets $15. Call 250-2465050.

Oct. 15

McKeen & Jones: Beverley McKeen and Martyn Jones heavenly harmonies help round out the fall market season, 7: 30 p.m. Noodles of the World, 161 Station St. No cover charge.

Cowichan Secondary School Performing Arts Programs

When you cover an Arts Beat for 20 years, you learn a thing or two. Peter W. Rusland IS Cowichan Valley Arts

The only thing missing is

YOU!

www.cowichannewsleader.com

NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide 15

fall 2011

The Encore! Women’s Choir is one of many local choral groups, while Cowichan’s vibrant vocal scene helps attract visitors like Jean-Marie Kent, conductor of The Magnolia Chorale from Seattle.

Cowichan a great place to soothe your ears or exercise your voice

owichan voices echo through the valley, some synced in a cappella arrangements, others in baritone ballads, while others evolve from fresh, young chirps. They can be heard across the community’s churches, halls, theatres, schools, care homes and hospital rooms. And that’s thanks to the community’s broad scope of choirs and chorales. Ask local director Sheila Johnson and she’ll tell you Cowichanians looking for a show to attend or a group to join are

one lucky bunch. “There are a lot of choirs in the Cowichan Valley now and I think they are all for something different,” Johnson said. From palliative care choir Threshold, to Johnson’s arrangements of young bucks in her Cowichan Valley Youth Choir, there’s really something for everyone. “You also have the Cowichan Consort Choir, which usually performs with the orchestra and then you have several choirs that usually perform accompanied by piano,” she said. Johnson and husband Jim formed adult choir Cowichan Chorale 35 years ago, the only adult choir in town at the time. It morphed into the Concentis in 1983. Today, she thinks most

Voice

Cowichan groups she’s aware of are standing strong, with membership numbers at their highest. “With our Cowichan Valley Youth Choir, we’re just heading into our 10th season,” she said. “We started with 15 members and I have 58 registrations this term.” Johnson’s had so many young folk interested, she’s had to break the group down into three parts. “It’s really grown,” she said. “I’ve split it into three levels, and did this a couple years ago, and I have choir members who’ve been with me the whole nine years. “We’ve now got a junior choir, consort choir, and also have chorale, a smaller group

with baritones and a few of the girls from the consort choir.” Some of the other valley songbird groups include the Duncan Chorale Society, Medford Singers, Encore! Women’s Choir, and One Human Gospel. Most groups are firing up their rehearsals and prepping for fall season openers. Some groups also require auditions while others are happy for anyone, at any experience level, to join. For details check the internet.

To promote you upcoming arts and culture event email editor@cowichannewsleader.com

16 Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide

fall 2011

The feedback from a learned field of adjudicators like Leanne Koch, added to a bevy of dedicated teachers, helps valley talent like Nathan Bomans flourish during the annual Cowichan Music Festival and beyond.

Valley full of skilled teachers eager to help you hone your skills

he Cowichan Valley Music Teachers Association serves as the perfect starting point for potential students to match with an instructor for their particular area of expertise or interest. “Going to our website is always a good idea,’’ said association president Ann Mendenhall. There’s a function on the site at www.cowichanmusicteachers.com where instrument selections can be made — from piano and woodwinds to strings and harp — followed by a teacher’s location for the region to find out who might best meet one’s needs.

Learn to play “We usually have around 30 to 40 members, teaching all kinds of instruments,’’ said Mendenhall. While piano and voice are the most popular, there are options available for all other instruments. The good thing about going through the association, Mendenhall said, is members are in consort with each other to help students. “We’re all good friends. If one of us gets full, we start recommending each other.’’ The association has been in existence for 21 years. “We used to get together as a social gathering,’’ said Mendenhall. “At some point we decided we wanted more of a

community outreach and doing things as a group.’’ The teachers’ open house was just held in mid-September and the next event on the agenda is the biennial history workshop series Nov. 10 to 12. The Classical Era will be featured this year, with workshops for instrumentalists and vocalists. CBC Food Bank Day is Dec. 2 at the Duncan United Church. “Last year was our first year,’’ said Mendenhall. “That was a big success.’’ Free mini-lessons will be offered to the public in exchange for a donation to the food bank. A faculty concert will be featured during the noon hour. The CVMTA has a long tie-in with the Cowichan

For up-to-date entertainment news visit cowichannewsleader.com

Music Festival each February and March, offering monetary awards and trophies to students in performance and theory. Bursaries are also offered each year to deserving students. Funds come from CVMTA special projects and donations from the community. Mendenhall welcomes enquires from the public by email at am-pm@shaw.ca. Budding musicians are also able to test their performing skills at regular open mike sessions at the Dancing Bean in Chemainus, the Duncan Garage Showroom and the Cowichan Folk Guild. Look for details on their websites.

Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide 17

fall 2011

Oct. 16

Oct. 28

McPherson Trio: St. Michael’s presents opens its 2011-2012 season with this pre-season special with May Ling Kwok, piano, Pablo Diemecke, violin, and Larry Skaggs, cello, 2 p.m., St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, Chemainus. Adults $25. Under 18 $18. Tickets at: Toad Hall (Chemainus), Ten Old Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay) and Chemainus Festival Inn.

Murray Atkinson: guitar player for the Odds, rips out great rock licks but does have a solo acoustic side. This will be a showcase of that version, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $15 advance, $17 door. Call 250-748-7246.

Oct. 29

David Francey Trio: David Francey paints a portrait of Canada with his songs — from small town Sunday mornings to love, won and lost in the big city, 8 p.m., Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Tickets $30 Call 250-2465050.

Oct. 22

Paul Black Blues Band: Fans of good solid blues bands will love this show. Black’s got a voice that’s easy to listen to on both the ‘burners’ and slow tunes too, 8 p.m., Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Tickets $12 Call 250246-5050.

Oct. 22

Oct. 29

McKeen & Jones: Beverley McKeen and Martyn Jones heavenly harmonies help round out the fall market season, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Duncan Farmers’ Market, City Square

(Chemainus), Ten Old Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay) and Chemainus Festival Inn.

October 22

Oct. 25

Royal Canadians: locals who just came out of the recording studio and are primed to strut their new tunes, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 door. Call 250-748-7246.

Oct. 23

St. Michael’s presents Spiritual Visions: Virtuoso pianist Bruce Vogt showcases the generous, humanitarian and visionary aspects of Franz Liszt’s life and music, 2 p.m. St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, Chemainus. Tickets $20 at the door or $15 in advance at: Toad Hall

Magical Music of Disney: Come hear all the Disney favourites, from Aladdin to Tarzan as done by the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia, 1:30 p.m., Cowichan theatre. Special rates for families. Call 250-7487529 or go to www.cowichantheatre. bc.ca.

October 30

Neverest & Alyssa Reid: two of Canada’s rising pop music talents, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets $25. Call 250-748-7529.

Oct. 26

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Piano Men: Four world class impersonators bring the sounds of Jerry Lee, Little Richard and Ray Charles to the stage along with The Memphis Beats Rock ‘n’ Roll Band, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan theatre. Tickets $39.75. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Lena Birtwistle and company: Lena and invited guests are bringing a sense of koolio in the singer /songwriter genre of the island with powerful, soulful vocals around stellar piano and guitar work, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Call 250-7487246.

Nov. 2

Dave Cambel and friends: Dave sets out on his monthly journey in that search of that eternal funk groove, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 door. Call 250-748-7246.

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18 Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide

fall 2011

Whether its a slice of local culture like belly dancer Gillian Cofsky, or visiting acts like Myles Goodwin of the venerable rock act April Wine, Cowichan offers plenty to do when the sun goes down.

Plenty worth turning off the TV for

owichan has lots to offer arts addicts as downtown Duncan, Chemainus, Cowichan Bay, and Shawnigan Lake inject an after-six cultural fix. The city core offers a revolving array of live music at the Duncan Garage Showroom, Noodles of the World, Bistro 161, El Centro café, Phoenix Station Pub, and Just Jake’sCraig Street Brew Pub. Other businesses mulling live music include the City Square

Grill, and The Courts Sports Lounge. City square is also poised to host the Old Firehouse Wine Bar and Dolce bakery. Station Street’s Excellent Frameworks and the E.J. Hughes Gallery, plus FletcherFoto, host art openings with music throughout the year, as does Cowichan Valley Arts Council’s PORTALS gallery at Island Savings Centre. Duncan’s Charles Hoey Park has occasional music under a big tent, while the Cowichan Theatre — the valley’s biggest venue — is busy winter, spring and fall. The Roadhouse Pub just south of Duncan offers regular

Nightlife

rock ‘n’ roll posted on its Island Highway marquis. The Chemainus Theatre sports a slate of musicals and plays in Mural Town where live music can be found at the Green Lantern pub and in occasionally in Waterwheel Park. But Chemainus’ Dancing Bean Café is the north end’s live-music mecca, complementing a cluster of concerts called Saltair City Limits at the Saltair Pub. Heading south, Crofton Hotel has a regular roster of live rock and reggae shows in the village’s

Got an arts story to share? 250-748-4451 ext. 236

seaside pub. Still, farther south, Maple Bay’s Brigantine Pub has occasional musical guests. Over in Cowichan Bay, Canada’s Cittaslow (slow food) capital, the Bay Pub delivers the Devan Bailey jazz band on Thursdays, plus guests on other nights. The south-end is still home of regular rock ‘n’ roll at Shawnigan Lake’s Black Swan Pub. In Mill Bay, music impresario Peter Sussman hosts various house concerts during the year.

Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide 19

fall 2011

Nov. 4

Rukus: the Golden age of rock ‘n’ roll from Elvis to the Beatles, and everything in between, played the way you remember hearing them, 8 p.m., Duncan Garage Showroom, 330 Duncan Street. Tickets are $15 advance, $18 door. Call 250-748-7246.

Nov. 5

Open Mike Song Writers Nite: The hottest open mike on the island keeps getting hotter with special guests: Celtic Rockers Skellig, 7 p.m., Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Tickets by donation. Call 250-246-5050.

Nov. 6

Nov. 12

The Snowman: Cowichan Consort Orchestra with Bench School Choir, 7:30 p.m., Duncan Christian Reformed Church. Also on the program, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Misa A Buenos Aires. Tickets $15, $12 Children. Available from Consort members and Volume One Books in Duncan.

Nov. 12

Jim Moffatt: headlines the Cowichan Folk Guild Coffee House — a folk evening with an open stage, featured performer and square dancing too, 7 p.m., Duncan United Church.

Some Enchanted Evening: The Palm Court Orchestra salutes American musical theatre with Broadway’s greatest shows including Oklahoma, Kiss Me Kate, The King & I, Showboat and Gypsy, 2:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets by calling 250-7487529 or log on to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Nov. 17

Nov. 10

Nov. 18

Ken Lavigne in Concert: Singer Ken Lavigne, accompanied by his five-piece band, has charmed his way into the hearts of concert goers across North America. He plays the Cowichan Theatre at 7:30 p.m., in a fundraiser to support music programs at St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Chemainus. Tickets $31 to $35. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Nov. 12

Doug Cox and Betty Soo: They live 2,500 miles apart— but Vancouver Islander Doug Cox and Austin-based Betty Soo have teamed up to produce an exquisite sound that gathers their different places together, 8 p.m., Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Tickets $12. Call 250-246-5050.

Norman Foote: a Juno-award winning entertainer who has received international acclaim for his song writing, outrageous props and offbeat sense of humour, 7 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets $12.50, or $46 for a family of four. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www. cowichantheatre.bc.ca. Mae Moore & Marc Atkinson: Enjoy two of Canada’s finest musicians on a collaborative double bill. Mae Moore’s acoustic folk performance and Marc Atkinson’s jaw-dropping technique make a superb evening of musical entertainment, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets: $25. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www. cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Nov. 19

Jablonski Plays Tchaikovsky: Alain Trudel conducts the Victoria Symphony in a program featuring Bartok: Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta; Stravinsky Firebird Suite and Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets @ 250.748.7529. Call 250748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

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20 Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide

fall 2011

Anthony Savoie was Captain James Hook in Pan while Maggie Davies and Davin Killy played the leads in Phantom of the Opera — a pair of outstanding plays from Brentwood College.

High school Youth drama programs challenge high standard with a new slate of shows

owichan’s high schools stage a bevy of plays this school year, lending the Warm Land an off-Broadway bent. Productions spanning musicals, dramas, comedies and thrillers are slated for the valley’s senior public and private schools, plus shows at elementary and middle schools. School productions in Cowichan are a favourite of families and arts addicts alike, boosting the valley’s reputation as a Canadian arts mecca fed by budding stage talent. Most of the major productions are staged in the spring.

This year’s headliner may be Brentwood College’s full-length version of Les Miserables in February, a Canadian high-school first led by Edna Widenmaier. Not to be outdone, Gregg Perry’s pupils are mounting Shawnigan Lake School’s big production of Grease in May. SLS also aims to present The Curious Savage in January, followed by The Elephant Man — both under teacher Morgan McLeod. Cowichan secondary drama teacher Mike Moroz is arranging a roster of about seven shows while Chemainus secondary

stages its dance showcase in January and a dramatic production in June under teaching thespian Sarah Lane. Frances Kelsey secondary is resurrecting its drama program under Anna Roberts who aims to stage The Girl In The Goldfish Bowl, and more this year. Queen Margaret’s School is also planning shows under teacher Angela Anderson. Dwight International School’s new principal/drama teacher, Tim Crofton, plans a 24-hour playwriting project, open to the community.

To promote your upcoming arts and culture event email editor@cowichannewsleader.com

Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide 21

fall 2011

Nov. 19

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS •• •• •• ••

Tim William: A blues-based 40-year veteran of the roots music scene, Williams possesses a warmth and humility that draws listeners in as he shares songs and stories, 8 p.m., Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Tickets $10 Call 250-246-5050.

Oct. 9

Cowichan Swans Festival Grand Opening: Formerly known as the Return of the Swans Festival, the third-annual Festival officially opens with an open air classroom at Somenos Marsh, at noon. Events continue until Nov. 5. Information at 250-732-0462 or info@somenosmarsh.com.

Nov. 20

Sounds Like Treble: St. Michael’s presents soprano Rachel Perkyns and pianist Dwight Siemens, 2 p.m., St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, Chemainus. Tickets $20 at the door or $15 in advance at: Toad Hall (Chemainus), Ten Old Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay) and Chemainus Festival Inn.

Nov. 24

Music at the Lake: featuring McKeen & Jones. Songwriter Beverley McKeen is currently at work recording her third CD, 9 p.m., Lower Centennial Hall, Lake Cowichan. Admission: $5.

Nov. 30

Matthew Good: his Lights of Endangered Species Tour comes to Duncan, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets $45. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Oct. 16

Dec. 8

Sentimental Christmas: The Victoria Symphony Orchestra performs many holiday favourites to get you in the mood with vocalist Emily Braden and conductor Brian Jackson, 7:30 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Dec. 11

Dec. 3

Twas in the Moon of Wintertime: Always a favourite, Sheila Johnson’s Concenti Singers will usher in the Christmas season with a delightful selection of carols, old and new, 2 p.m., St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, Chemainus. Tickets $20 at the door or $15 in advance at: Toad Hall (Chemainus), Ten Old Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay) and Chemainus Festival Inn.

Dec. 3

Dec. 11

Sing-along Messiah: Conductor Robert Mari with Cowichan Valley soloists and the Cowichan Consort Orchestra & Choir, 2:30 p.m., Duncan Christian Reformed Church. Tickets: $15, $12 children. Available from Consort members and Volume One Books in Duncan.

Dec. 4

Concenti Singers with the Cowichan Valley Youth Choir: Lift your holiday spirits at the annual Concenti Christmas concert, 2 p.m., Duncan United Church dults $15. Seniors & Students $12. Available at Volume One Books, Top-ofthe-Ridge Hair Design and from Concenti members.

Birding on the Boardwalk: the Cowichan Swans Festival wildlife event continues from 9 a.m. to noon with Birding on the Boardwalk with Derrick Marven and a Quamichan Lake boat tour with Quamichan Stewards. Information at 250732-0462 or info@somenosmarsh.com.

Oct. 22

30th Anniversary Celebration Cowichan Intercultural Society: The celebrations begin with a Walk of Nations in the morning, followed by a One World Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Si’em Lelum Gym and ending with a Tapestry Gala at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre. Visit www.cisduncan.ca and click on Events or call 250-748-3112.

Oct. 23

Cowichan Swans Festival: Take a Somenos Garry Oak nature walk with Cowichan Valley Docents and a Somenos Lake boat tour with Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society and Affinity Guesthouse canoe, 9 a.m. to noon. Information at 250732-0462 or info@somenosmarsh.com.

Oct. 29

Winter Harp: one of the most hauntingly beautiful Christmas concerts you will ever attend with the musicians dressed in gorgeous medieval attire and the stage set with beautiful backdrops of cathedrals and snow, 2 p.m., Cowichan Theatre. Tickets: $35. Call 250-748-7529 or go to www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Downtown Duncan Halloween Spooktacular: goblins and witches roaming the streets of downtown Duncan. Trick or treating 10 a.m. until noon. From noon until 2 p.m., costume contests and games in city square, plus the Witches Wheel for a prize donated by Duncan BIA merchants. For more contact the DBIAS at 715-1700 or at dbia@downtownduncan.ca.

Dec. 17

Oct. 30

Encore! Women’s Choir: This awardwinning local choir presents an entertaining variety of seasonal favourites from the hauntingly beautiful Huron Carol to Elgar’s The Snow. Be sure to include this performance to your Christmas celebrations, 2:30 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, Duncan.

Cowichan Nature & Wildlife Art Show: Opening reception, 2 p.m. Just Jake’s. This show is being held in conjunction with the Cowichan Swans Festival and is a fundraiser for the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society and Quamichan Stewards. Information at 250-732-0462 or info@somenosmarsh.com.

22 Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide

Oct. 31

Annual Pumpkin Path: An alternative to trick-or-treating, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sunrise Waldorf School. Open to the public, $3 per child. Bring a basket to collect natural treasures, dress in warm costumes without masks, scary effects or television characters.

Nov. 5

Cowichan Swans Festival Masquerade Dance & Celebration: The culmination of the Festival is a feathered fundraiser where wildlife/nature themed costumes are encouraged, 8 p.m., Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre. With a silent auction to benefit the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society. Tickets are $25. Information at 250-732-0462 or info@somenosmarsh.com.

fall 2011

Ecovillage. For more information go to www. ourecovillage.org and click on Courses & Events.

Ongoing

A Walk Through our Past: Step into the past and explore the vibrant history of the Cowichan Valley. The museum is housed in one of Duncan’s most charming heritage buildings—the 1912 Duncan Train Station at 130 Canada Ave. Winter hours are Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 pm; Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. For information call 250-746-6612.

Oct. 29 to 30

Advanced Wood Carving with Herb Rice (Oct. 29-30, 9 am – 5 pm) Bring your own project and supplies and be mentored by renowned carver Herb Rice. Preregistration required. Cost: $200. Call 250-701-3086 or email hjrice@ telus.net. Classes from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at Coast Salish Journey, Whippletree Junction.

Nov. 10 to 12

The Classical Period: The Cowichan Valley Music Teachers Association presents its fourth biannual Music History Workshop. For more information, call 250-709-2395, or visit www.cowichanmusicteachers.com.

Nov. 25

Ongoing

Christmas Kick Off Downtown Duncan: celebrate the start of the holiday season with your friends and neighbours in downtown Duncan with live entertainment, Santa’s visit and the fireworks from the roof of City Hall. Contact the DBIAS at 7151700 or at dbia@downtownduncan.ca.

Fall & Winter Jewelry Classes—Etc! Naturally Local: Feeling creative and needing new accessories? A Basic Beading course at Etc! could be the answer. All materials and tools provided. Phone 250-324-2227 for more. Or visit Etc! At 9747C Willow St., Chemainus.

Dec. 9

Ongoing

Christmas Express: ride through a decorated forest on a 1910 steam locomotive. Visit Santa Claus; dance to live Christmas music; make a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse; watch the model train display; and warm up with hot chocolate at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre. Rides every 20 minutes from Dec. 9 to 11 and Dec. 16 to 23, 4 to 9 p.m. (train leaves every 20 minutes) $7, $5 under 13. Children under two admitted free. Email info.bcfdc@shawlink.ca or call 250-7151113 ext 23.

Dec. 18

14th-annual Glenora Farm Christmas Fair: lots of great music, homemade food, local arts and crafts for sale, silent auctions and much more, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visiting vendors will be on site too. For information go to www.glenorafarm.org or call Lynda or Pierre at 250-715-1559 or 250-715-1664.

Dec. 31

Children’s New Year’s Celebration & Slumber Party: a momentous, sugar-free, media-free, fun-filled fundraiser for the Protect O.U.R. Ecovillage Forever campaign. Children enjoy a New Year Celebration of their own and parents receive a tax receipt, 4:30 p.m. to Jan. 1, 11 a.m., O.U.R.

WORKSHOPS •• •• •• •• •• •• •• Oct. 4 and 5

Gravity Dance Co. Open House: Discover a love of ballet, jazz, hip hop or lyrical dance with the students of Gravity Dance Co. View dancers in action, try out a fun class or participate in delightful ballerina activities at Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. Visit www.gravitydance.ca or call 250-480-6894

Oct. 22-23

Introduction to Wood Carving with Herb Rice: Take a lesson from a master wood carver and produce your own work of art. No experience necessary and all materials provided. Preregistration required. Cost: $300. Call 250-701-3086 or email hjrice@telus.net. Classes from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at Coast Salish Journey, Whippletree Junction.

Oct. 26

Food as Medicine: Join author Todd Caldecott in an exploration of food, what it is and how it impacts your health, 6 to 8 p.m., Community Farm Store. Also features a book signing (Food as Medicine: The Theory and Practice of Food) from 2 to 4 p.m.

Life Drawing Mondays: This fall, resurrect your artistic muse. Live model, paper provided. For more information, contact the Community Farm Store, 250-597-1414.

Ongoing

The Cowichan Valley Music Teachers Association: meets monthly for fellowship and professional development. All teachers welcome. Call 250-748-8196 or visit www.cowichanmusicteachers.com

ONE FINAL NOTE •• •• •• •• •• •• We’re pretty confident what you’re holding at the moment is probably the most comprehensive listing of Cowichan arts and culture events ever put together for one season. Not for a second do we suggest it is complete. This guide was compiled from submissions made to the News Leader Pictorial and the regional district’s arts and culture department. It contains what we could fit with the time and space available. Changes and additions are likely to occur after our late September press time. Look to cowichannewsleader.com for updates.We hope to compile a similar guide in the spring. Email your submissions and comments to editor@cowichannewsleader.com.

CTF Amadeus Ad (Arts Preview)_Chemainus 11-09-21 10:09 AM Page 1

Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide 23

fall 2011 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial — your community, your stories, at the standard you deserve

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OCTOBER 22 warning – some mature content

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OCTOBER 26 TO 29 a Chemainus Theatre Fundraiser

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NOV 11 TO DEC 31

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24 Cowichan Arts & Culture Guide

fall 2011

September to December, 2011

Performance Season

Fri, Sept 30 | 7:30 pm matt Andersen SAt, Oct 1 | 7 pm Women in Fish Sun, Oct 2 | 2:30 pm roses of picardy – palm court Light Orchestra

SAt, nOV 12 | 9:55 Am Siegfried – Live at the met thur, nOV 17 | 7 pm norman Foote

mOn, Oct 3 | 7:30 pm Abbamania & the Bee Gees

Fri, nOV 18 | 7:30 pm mae moore & marc Atkinson

thur, Oct 6 | 7:30 pm irish rovers in concert

SAt, nOV 19 | 9:55 Am Satyagraha – Live at the met

Fri, Oct 7 | 7:30 pm Led Zepagain

SAt, nOV 19 | 7:30 pm Victoria Symphony – Krzysztof Jablonski, piano

Fri, Oct 14 | 7:30 pm Jim Byrnes & the Sojourners SAt, Oct 15 | 9:55 Am Anna Bolena – Live at the met thur, Oct 20 | 7 pm the Kitchen – nt Live SAt, Oct 22 | 7:30 pm Ballet rocks – From Bach to pink Floyd SAt, Oct 23 | 7:30 pm Donna huber as Shania twin The ultimate Shania Twain tribute mOn, Oct 24 | 7 pm reel Alternatives – First Grader tue, Oct 25 | 7:30 pm neverest & Alyssa reid

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thur, nOV 10 | 7:30 pm Ken Lavigne – St. Joseph’s School Benefit

WeD, Oct 26 | 7:30 pm rock ‘n roll piano men

tue, Dec 13 Queen of Angels School – christmas concert

SAt, Oct 29 | 1:30 pm Victoria Symphony – magical music of Disney

thur, Dec 15 Duncan elementary School – christmas concert

SAt, nOV 5| 9 Am Duncan highland Dance competition

Fri, Dec 16 | 7 pm SAt, Dec 17 | 1 pm the nutcracker

Sun, nOV 6 | 2:30 pm Some enchanted evening – palm court Orchestra

mOn, Dec 19 | 7 pm reel Alternatives – christmas Special: Jane eyre 9/20/11 9:19:19 PM