If you want to raise a classical music lover, there’s no time like the present to start.
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Tiny Tots concert series is continuing at the Anvil Centre Theatre this weekend.
The concerts feature the duo of Let Your Music Shine with Lisa and Linda, music educators and professional musicians who gear their performances towards little ones – from toddler to age five.
This weekend’s outing is Jumpin’ Jazz Time, taking a ride on the A-Train for some move-along, sing-along fun. The concert runs twice, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $8 for kids and $2 for babies. Check out www.ticketsnw.ca to buy.
Small artists wanted
Here’s one for the budding Picasso or van Gogh in your home.
The Arts Council of New Westminster is offering art classes for three- to five-year-olds.
Artist Clarissa Argueta will lead the classes at the Gallery at Queen’s Park, running Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. from Feb. 23 to March 29.
Parent participation is required, and the cost is $55.
Register by emailing [email protected], or call 604-525-3244.
Queensborough happenings
Looking for ways to stay busy in the ’Borough?
Queensborough Community Centre has plenty on offer for local families, so be sure to check it out (920 Ewen Ave.) if you’re looking for things to do.
Among the offerings from the centre’s winter brochure:
* Indoor Playland: Parents of kids aged one to six can stop in for this fun gym session, with interactive activities – including a bouncy castle – to burn off that youthful energy. It’s on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., running until March 31. Drop-ins are $3.75 for parent and one child, plus $1.25 for each additional child (you can also buy 10- or 20-session passes for discounted prices).
* Tall and Small Crafting: This parent participation class gives kids aged one to four a chance to work on their fine motor skills and have fun working in various art mediums. The next session runs Feb. 20 to March 12, Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
* Family open gym: This ongoing Saturday afternoon gym session gives everyone aged five and up a chance to get active with all kinds of games in the gym. It’s Saturdays from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m., but call ahead to confirm since the gym may sometimes be used for special events. Drop-in fee is $4 per adult, $1 per child.
* Open mike night: This all-ages open mike night gives people a chance to jam with various instruments and voices – jam circles are set up with microphones and some instruments, and chords and lyric pages will also be on hand. There’s a small seating area for breaks and spectators, and a small coffee bistro area with refreshments. It’s free. The next one is Friday, Feb. 19 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., followed by another session on Friday, March 18.
* QCC Dances: The community centre offers Friday night dances for kids in grades 6 to 8, complete with laser lights, live DJs, prizes, a photo booth and a concession. The next one is Friday, March 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. Call 604-834-0319 for tickets ($5 in advance, $10 at the door).
You can call the community centre at 604-525-7388 for further details of any of its programs.
Pick up a brochure at city facilities or download one from www.newwestpcr.ca for full details.
Mini magicians at work
Do you have a kid who’s fond of magic tricks?
The Arts Council of New Westminster has a special offering: a spring break day camp called The ABCs of Wonderful Magic Tricks.
Boys and girls aged eight through 11 are invited to take part in these fun and hands-on magic lessons – no experience is needed, and all magic tricks are supplied.
The sessions are set to run from March 14 to 18, 10 a.m. to noon daily at the Gallery at Queen’s Park.
There’s space for only 12 kids, so sign up in advance. See www.magicwonderschool.com for more details.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family and parenting-related ideas and information to Julie, [email protected].
