ON NOW
To Saturday, Dec. 15
Face It!, an exhibition of mixed-media art by Ornella Maruccio-Balhomme, at the Amelia Douglas Gallery, fourth floor north, Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave., New West. Info: www.douglascollege.ca/artsevents.
Parallel, an exhibition of mixed media work by Susan Jessop, Frankie Watt-Elphinstone and Kenneth Yuen, at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. Info: www.burnabyartscouncil.org or 604-298-7322.
To Sunday, Dec. 16
Forte Theatre Society presents The Shoemaker and the Elves, at Brookfield Hall at Burnaby Village Museum as part of its Heritage Christmas celebrations. Free. Shows at 2, 3:30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For Heritage Christmas info, see www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca.
To Friday, Dec. 21
Burnaby Neighbourhood House North House hosts an art exhibition by artist Veneesa Gemma, open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open house and meet-the-artist event on Monday, Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. North House is at 4908 Hastings St. Info: 604-294-5444.
To Sunday, Dec. 23
Un-Natural Landscapes, an exhibition of work by Alyx Essers, at Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., with opening reception Dec. 7, 4 to 7 p.m. Gallery open Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m., by appointment and during productions in the theatre. Info: www.masseytheatre.com or 604-517-5900.
To Sunday, Dec. 30
Little Red Riding Hood, a holiday musical romp by the Vagabond Players, at the Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen’s Park, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., weekend matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $17 regular, $15 seniors/youth, or $12 for previews (Dec. 7 evening and Dec. 8 matinee). Info and tix: www.vagabondplayers.ca or 604-521-0412.
To Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019
Picturing Arctic Modernity – North Baffin Drawings from 1964, at Burnaby Art Gallery, 6344 Deer Lake Ave. Special events include In the BAG family Sunday drop-in on Dec. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. Info: www.burnabyartgallery.ca or 604-297-4422.
To Sunday, Jan. 27
Arts Council of New Westminster Permanent Collection, a curated exhibition of still lifes and landscapes at the Gallery at Queen’s Park, Centennial Lodge. Open Dec. 5 through 16 and again from Jan. 2 to 27; closed Dec. 17 to Jan. 1. Gallery open Wednesdays 1 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. Info: www.artscouncilnewwest.org or 604-525-3244.
UPCOMING
Wednesday, Dec. 12
A Christmas Carol, an audience participation reading of the Charles Dickens Classic, part of the Sips n’ Scripts program at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., 7 to 9 p.m. on the first floor. Veteran actor-musician Dave Clothier appears as Scrooge, and audience members can read a role, throw a snowball, sing along with carols – or just watch and have fun. All ages welcome. Cash bar will be open with seasonal drinks. Call 604-527-4640 for information, or just drop in.
A Very Campy Christmas, part of Way Off-Broadway Wednesdays at the Heritage Grill, in the back room. Doors at 6:30 p.m., showtime at 7 p.m. Pay what you want. Reservations recommended at 604-759-0819. This is the last show of the year; Way Off-Broadway Wednesdays returns Jan. 16, 2019. Info: www.facebook.com/wayoffwed.
Thursday, Dec. 13
Cory Weeds and his Little Big Band are onstage at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., 8 p.m. Tickets: tickets.shadboltcentre.org or 604-205-3000.
Thursday, Dec. 13 to Saturday, Feb. 9
Unity of Spirits: Surprising Screens, opening reception on Dec. 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Community Art Space, third floor, Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., featuring the work of four artists associated with Union Gospel Mission (Myke Germyn, Teresa Werth, Randy Quickfall and Roger Williams). Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Saturday, Dec. 15
When the Earth Stands Still, a Christmas concert with the Coastal Sound Youth Choir and special guests the New Westminster Secondary School Chamber Choir, 7:30 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby. Tickets in advance: regular $20, senior/student $15, children 12 and under $10. (At the door, prices are $23/$18/$15.) Buy through www.tinyurl.com/CoastalSoundTix2018.
Light and Dark: A Seasonal Arts Experience at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 3 to 8 p.m., featuring interactive art activities, labyrinth of light, family entertainment, performance by Cause & Effect Circus and more. Free. Info: www.shadboltcentre.com or 604-297-4440.
Sunday, Dec. 16
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents A Traditional Christmas, with host Christopher Gaze and guests EnChor and the UBC Opera Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. at Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave., Burnaby. Info and tickets: www.vancouversymphony.ca.
Christmas with Quayside, a concert by the Quayside Voices a cappella quintet, 1:30 p.m. at 100 Braid Street Studios, with silent auction and refreshments. Admission by donation (suggested $10 per person). Info: www.quaysidevoices.com.
Monday, Dec. 17
Christmas carol sing-along at Burnaby Public Library’s Tommy Douglas branch, 7311 Kingsway, with songs led by a librarian and accompanied by keyboardist. Lyric sheets provided, all ages and voices welcome. No need to register; just drop in. Info: 604-522-3971.
Tuesday, Dec. 18
A Christmas Story, a concert by musica intima, 7:30 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, New Westminster. Info and tickets: www.musicaintima.org.
Winter’s Lights Singalong, opening night for the Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., 7 p.m. Singers from a roster of local choirs offer up an evening of joyful songs, followed by a performance by Quayside Voices. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 18 to Saturday, Dec. 29
Winter World, 1 to 7 p.m. daily at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. You can walk the wintery labyrinth and enjoy an entertainment stage as Anvil Centre transforms into a frosted wonderland. Free arts, crafts and heritage programs daily from 1 to 5 p.m. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 19
Indigenous Circle – storytelling and tea, part of the Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. Free. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Christmas carol sing-along at Burnaby Public Library’s McGill branch, 4595 Albert St., with songs led by a librarian and accompanied by keyboardist. Lyric sheets provided, all ages and voices welcome. No need to register; just drop in. Info: 604-299-8955.
Wednesday, Dec. 19 to Saturday, Dec. 22
Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre include Snowglobe Dances at 4:30 p.m. daily, with Small Stage presented hip hop, tap and contemporary performances; Festive Mixers from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Global Harmony Pairings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring a different duo each day. Dec. 19: Jodi Proznick (bass) and Natasha D’Agostino (voice); Dec. 20: Cassius Khan (tabla/voice) and David Hodgson (saxophone); Dec. 21: Lan Tung (erhu) and Marina Hasselberg (cello); Dec. 22: John Reischman (mandolin) and Patrick M’Gonigle (fiddle). Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22
A Christmas Carol, a free professional reading of the Dickens classic at the Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St., featuring Russell Roberts as Scrooge. Tickets $10 adults, $5 students and children, www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Saturday, Dec. 22
Royal City Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker, 1 and 4 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., New Westminster. Tickets: www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050.
Christmas Reprise XVI, a concert by Vancouver Cantata Singers, 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave., tickets $10 to $35, www.eventbrite.com.
Sunday, Dec. 23
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, featuring young American violinist Benjamin Beilman, 2 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050.
Return of Light, a concert featuring four pairs of musicians: Jodi Proznick (bass) and Natasha D’Agostino (voice); Cassius Khan (tabla/voice) and David Hodgson (saxophone); Lan Tung (erhu) and Marina Hasselberg (cello); John Reischman (mandolin) and Mark Meroniuk (guitar/mandolin), 7 p.m. at Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St. Tickets $20 adults, $10 students and children, www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Vis de Iarna/Winter’s Dream, a Romanian Christmas celebration with concert featuring Coco Filimon, Tudor Banciu, Raul Sandor, Cosmin Atanasiu and David Pavel, plus formal dinner and dance, at the Grand Villa Hotel in Burnaby. Doors at 5 p.m., concert at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $75 regular, or $55 children aged five to 12 (under five free). Info: https://conexussolutions.ca/vis-de-iarna/
Thursday, Dec. 27
The interactive magic of Travis Bernhardt, a family-friendly magic and comedy show, 7 p.m. at Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St., $10 adults, $5 students and children, www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Friday, Dec. 28
Hot in Here, with DJ Softieshan, a femme forward pop and hip hop dance party, 7 p.m. at Anvil Centre, $10 adults, $5 students, www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Friday, Dec. 29
Family Ceilidh with Blackthorn, 7 p.m. at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., $5, www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.
Friday, Jan. 4 and Saturday, Jan. 5
Hansel, Gretel and the Strolling Players, a traditional British pantomime by Ellie King, presented by the Royal Canadian Theatre Company at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets $28 general, $20 seniors/students, family four-packs $75. Tickets: www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050 (note: family packs and group deals not available online). Call for group discounts for 10 or more.
Friday, Jan. 18
House concert featuring Stephen Carl O’Shea, taking place in a heritage home in uptown New Westminster. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. Info and tickets: https://shows.sidedooraccess.com/shows.
Saturday, Jan. 19 to Saturday, Feb. 9
Rich Dark Soil, a solo exhibition featuring the work of Jay Senetchko, at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. Opening reception Jan. 19, noon to 4 p.m. Info: www.burnabyartscouncil.org or 604-298-7322.
Thursday, Jan. 24
International Guitar Night 2019, 7:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets $35 regular, $25 student/senior, $15 for children under 18. See www.ticketsnw.ca or call 604-521-5050.
Saturday, Jan. 26
Live at the Gallery, featuring musicians Eddie Lam and Sillken, at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. Info: www.burnabyartscouncil.org or 604-298-7322.
Saturday, Feb. 9
West Coast Symphony Orchestra performs as part of the Music at Queens concert series, 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave., featuring cellist Luke Kim. Admission by donation. Info: www.queensavenue.org.
Saturday, Feb. 16 to Saturday, March 2
Horizons, a group exhibition featuring the work of Deb Chaney, Jan Rankin, Wolfgang Vogt and Ronald Watt, at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave., with opening reception Feb. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Info: www.burnabyartscouncil.org or 604-298-7322.
Saturday, Feb. 23
Laudate Singers perform as part of the Music at Queens concert series, 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave., New Westminster, featuring organist Edward Norman and a new commission by composer-in-residence Marco Del Rio. Tickets $25 regular, $20 seniors/students, children (kindergarten to Grade 7) $10. Info and tickets: www.queensavenue.org.
Saturday, March 9
ABRA Cadabra, a tribute to the music of ABBA, an all-ages show at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., 7:30 p.m. Early-bird ticket special until Dec. 7. See www.tickets.nw.ca or call 604-521-5050.
Saturday, March 23
West Coast Symphony Orchestra performs Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 and other orchestral classics, 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave. Admission by donation. Info: www.queensavenue.org.
ONGOING
LitFest New West short story competition is open for entries from both emerging and established writers, adults and youth. This year’s theme: Compassion through sharing stories of loss, grief and healing. Prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to the top three finishers in the adult category and in the youth (15 to 18 years) category.Entries $20 for adults, free for youth. See full details at litfestnewwest.com/contest. Entry deadline: 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31.
Royal City Literary Arts Society is calling for proposals for worksho9ps to take place in New Westminster in 2019, with some happening Saturday afternoons at Anvil Centre and others during LitFest New West. Proposals should be centred on the art of writing and may include the business/art of writing, prompts, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, screen and stage and more. Deadline to submit proposals is Jan. 31. For full details, see www.litfestnewwest.com.
Women invited to send submissions to Caitlin Press for BIG: Thoughts on a Plus-Size Life, an anthology of writing from women of all ages, orientations, colours and backgrounds. Non-fiction works between 2,000 and 4,000 words are invited. See www.tinyurl.com/CaitlinPressPlusSize for the full submission details. Submissions are open now and ongoing until April 1, 2019.
Circuit Fridays, featuring underground house music with DJ’s Darius Kramer, Dezyman and Hixz, with special guests, the second and last Friday of the month at Magnetiq Nightclub, 27 Church St., $10 at the door, doors 9:30 p.m.
Burnaby Arts Council is calling for submissions for Luminescence IV, the fourth edition of its show celebrating the spring equinox with works on the theme of light. Visual artists in all media encouraged to apply. Show will be held March 16 to April 16, 2019. Submission deadline is Jan. 16, 2019 at 4 p.m. Info: www.burnabyartscouncil.org/2019-call-luminescence-iv.
Burnaby International Folk Dancers, meets Tuesdays at Charles Rummel Centre, 3630 Lozells Ave. Info: 604-522-7468 or burnabyfolkdance.org.
Queen’s Academy offers a non-profit musical theatre program in Burnaby for children aged two to 12. Registration now open at queensacademy.weebly.com.
New members called to join Vivo Children’s Choir for season of music making. Three choir levels for children in Grade 2 and up; no auditions required, and all are welcome. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at Olivet Baptist Church in New Westminster. Choir performs two main concerts a year. Info: www.vivochildrenschoir.com.
Volunteers required to help the Burnaby Arts Council in a variety of capacities, including gallery coordinator and volunteer coordinator. Prospective volunteers should fill out an application form – it’s available at www.tinyurl.com/BACVolunteers - and return it to the gallery. For more details, see www.burnabyartscouncil.org or call 604-298-7322.
Dance and laugh the night away with round dance and/or square dance lessons. Round dancing is choreographed ballroom dancing done in a circle; lessons Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Charles Rummel Hall, 3630 Lozells Ave. Modern square dancing is done to modern music with groups of eight people in a square; lessons Tuesdays from 7 to 8:20 p.m. at the Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts St. Couples and singles welcome, no special clothes required. For info, contact Pat at 604-521-7497.
Poetry New Westminster, presented by Royal City Literary Arts Society on Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. (except holiday weekends) at the Heritage Grill back room, 447 Columbia St. Each Sunday features two poets and an open mic. Search for Poetry New Westminster on Facebook for the latest schedule.
Paint and Sip Nights at 100 Braid Street Studios, offering a night of beverages, refreshments and a chance to receive step-by-step instruction from a professional artist to create your own painting. Each night costs $35, or $60 for two adults registering together, and runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A variety of upcoming themes are offered. See www.100braidststudios.com.
Email entertainment listings to [email protected].
