A New Westminster author found inspiration for his new novel in the lives of his parents.
Robert Hirzer, a family physician who lives and works in New West, is launching his book, The Last Plane, in a special event at the New Westminster Public Library on April 12.
"The story is essentially a fictionalized memoir of my parents' lives," Hirzer writes in an email. "It details their impoverished circumstances while growing up, as well as several brutal experiences during World War II on the Eastern Front and explores some of the challenges of immigration to Canada."
The novel follows a grieving physician who discovers a cache of old letters belonging to his father, prompting him to revisit the past.
A synopsis of the book notes that it spans three generations and two continents, interweaving historical romance, adventure yarn, memoir and mystery.
The paperback is now available at www.amazon.com, and e-book versions are available at www.amazon.ca and www.kobobooks.com.
The book launch is on Saturday, April 12 and runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the library, 716 Sixth Ave.
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Poetry, poetry and more poetry.
Lovers of the written word should check out the ongoing Poetic Justice series at the Heritage Grill.
The series runs Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m., with a few featured poets and an open mike session each week.
On Sunday, April 6, the session is hosted by Alan Hill and features Jennifer Getsinger, Franci Louann and Renée Saklikar.
On April 13, it's hosted by Sho Wiley and features David Blinkhorn, Kyle McKillop and Keith Wilkinson.
There's a break on April 20 for Easter weekend, but it returns April 27 with a session hosted by Franci Louann and featuring Ruth Hill, Alan Hill and Elliott Slinn.
Check out www.poeticjustice.ca for all the details.
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Did you ever sing with the British Columbia Boys' Choir? Do you know someone who did?
The B.C. Boy's Choir is holding its 45th anniversary reunion weekend May 17 and 18 in Vancouver. The weekend culminates in a gala concert on the Sunday afternoon at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
All alumni are invited.
Check out www.bcboyschoir.org for all the details.
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And now for something completely different ...
If you're a Led Zeppelin fan, you must mark May 4 on your calendar.
The Led Zepagain tribute band is coming to the Massey Theatre stage for a 7:30 p.m. show.
A press release says the band is "highly regarded as the most authentic representation of Led Zeppelin in the world today."
It pulls together the talents of lead guitarist Christian Nesmith in the Jimmy Page role, lead singer David "Swan" Montgomery in Robert Plant's shoes and multi-instrumentalist Jim Wootten covering John Paul Jones's role on bass, keyboards, mandolin, acoustic guitars and backing vocals, with Jim Kersey in John Bonham's drummer role.
Tickets for their show are $32.50 (plus facility fees and service charges).
Call the Massey box office at 604-521-5050 or book online at tickets.masseytheatre.com.
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What better treat for Mom on Mother's Day than a performance from Ol' Blue Eyes himself?
OK, maybe it's not quite Frank Sinatra, but it's pretty close.
Rick Valiant is presenting his Songs of Sinatra tribute at the Columbia Theatre on Saturday, May 10 for Mother's Day.
He's appearing with the Blue Morris Swing Band and special tribute guests (including, I am informed in an email, Buddy, Roy, Elvis and Dean).
They're taking to the stage in the Grand Room at the Columbia for an 8 p.m. show - doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25. Call 604-525-2262 or buy online at www.thecolumbia.ca.
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Are you a visual artist living with a disability?
Placement Gallery is inviting applications for a new exhibition, COMPANY: A Visual Exploration.
A press release notes the exhibition "will explore the concept of human company and what it means from the perspective of a person who lives with a disability."
Each artist can submit up to three entries, and it's open to work in all mediums. Selected artwork should be available for sale.
The deadline for submissions is June 2.
Check out www.placementgallery.blogspot.ca to download an application form and get more 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.
