It's a Big Band Big Bang, and it's happening right here this weekend.
Two big bands are joining forces for a special fundraising concert this Sunday evening at the Columbia Theatre.
The two bands, Impressions and Urbana, are run as part of the Arokis Centre of Music Society - a non-profit organization that's dedicated to preserving and promoting big band music in Vancouver and to giving musicians young and old a chance to perform swing, Latin and jazz music under the guidance of professional music directors.
The society was started up by the late Ray Sikora, a renowned musician from New Westminster.
The bands continue to have connections to New Westminster - the lead alto sax player from Impressions, Rob Fee, and the lead tenor sax player, Tim Kelly, are both from right here in the Royal City.
They're "extremely proud and excited to be playing in the newly renovated Columbia," Fee wrote in an email.
The Columbia is at 530 Columbia St. in downtown New West. Check out www.arokismusic.org or www.thecolumbia.ca for more details about the concert.
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Royal City Youth Ballet has paid tribute to one of the leading lights in the city's arts community.
The ballet company held a special celebration on Sunday, April 13 at the NAPA Dance Studio to mark Dolores Kirkwood's 25 years as artistic director.
An email from Donna Fishwick notes that the celebration was filled with "heartfelt appreciation, wonderful stories and significant emotion as we acknowledged her incredible contribution to our organization."
"It is her vision, commitment and strength that has helped make us the organization that we are," she wrote.
Camilla Fishwick was also welcomed on board as the ballet company's new artistic director, with Trisha Sinosich-Arciaga announced as its new executive producer.
The celebration also recognized the continued commitment of the company's artistic committee, including Sinosich-Arciaga, Keitha Campeau, Davi Rodrigues and Mathew Waldie.
"It is the efforts, experience and dedication of all of these incredible individuals that will ensure Royal City Youth Ballet continues to be recognized and celebrated across the Lower Mainland and beyond in the years to come," Fishwick wrote.
The company also announced the recipient of the first Diane Johnson Memorial Bursary/Scholarship: Brea Franklyn from Panorama School of Dance.
The weekend's celebrations also included well-attended classes on Saturday and Sunday, taught by the new artistic director, Camilla Fishwick.
Many congratulations to all involved.
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It's hip to be square. Or is that squared?
The New West Artists group is bringing its third annual Art Squared exhibition to River Market next weekend.
The exhibition runs on the second floor of the market from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4.
It features one-foot-square artworks and will be held in conjunction with the Music Framed show - billed as "music made visual."
An opening reception is set for Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m., and the exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend.
Admission is free.
Check out www.newwestartists.com for all the details.
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One final reminder to choral fans: Don't miss out on your chance to see the fabulous Phoenix Chamber Choir, right here in our own backyard.
The choir is bringing its Fleur concert to the stage on Saturday, May 3 as part of the Music at Queens concert series.
The choir is marking its 30th anniversary this season, under the direction of Graeme Langager.
Phoenix, for those not familiar with the choir, is an acclaimed ensemble that has been a three-time finalist in the European Broadcasting Union's Let the Peoples Sing competition, as well as winning the CBC Choral Competition in Canada a record 12 times.
The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave.
Tickets are available at the door for $20 regular, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for children. Call 604-522-1606 for details.
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Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
