I’m back! Seems like a long time since I was at the arts and entertainment desk, what with a summer in the editor’s office and a couple of weeks’ vacation.
But I’m back and ready to dive back in to what’s always the best part of my job: finding out what’s happening on the arts and entertainment scene.
If you’re an artist with something to talk about, or you run a group that has events coming up, be sure to keep me posted: email me at [email protected] or find me on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
Meanwhile, I bring you a collection of some of the many fantastic things happening soon:
Choir returns from Italian tour
Choral fans, here’s one you won’t want to miss. (And I swear I’m totally not just saying this because I’m part of this choir.)
In any case, New West’s own Amabilis Singers, under the direction of Ramona Luengen, made a journey onto the international stage this past summer with a tour of Italy – singing in a number of amazing destinations that included the Pantheon in Rome.
The touring choir has returned home safely and is polishing up some of its favourite tour repertoire for a homecoming concert, set for Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave.
Tickets are $20, or free for children under 11. You can buy at the door, or call 604-503-2074 to reserve in advance.
(For the record, I won’t be singing in this concert – I wasn’t part of the tour. But I will be in the audience cheering on my compatriots! Join me, won’t you?)
Monday movies return to Massey Theatre
Squee! Yes, that’s the sound of a middle-aged reporter acting like a preteen girl.
I’m just excited about the Arts Council of New Westminster’s next showing in the Last Mondays at the Movies series. The movie series returns Monday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre, with a screening of Boychoir.
François Girard’s film tells the story of a troubled orphan from a small Texas town who ends up at a boys’ choir school after the death of his mother – and finds a choir master who recognizes in him a unique talent.
It stars Dustin Hoffman, Kevin McHaleand Josh Lucas– and, although I haven’t seen it yet, I’m sure it will be a delight! Tickets are $10, or $8 for students and seniors.
For your calendars, be sure to jot down other upcoming Monday films: I’ll See You In My Dreamson Oct. 26, and What We Did On Our Holiday on Nov. 30.
Check out www.artscouncilnewwest.org for more details about the movies.
Poetic Justice is back
Here’s one for the poets.
Poetic Justice has returned for the fall season – which means that every Sunday afternoon at the Heritage Grill, you can enjoy readings by featured poets along with an open mike.
Coming up on Sunday, Sept. 20, the session features Jami Macarty, with Mark Hoadleyand Ram Randhawa. It’s hosted by Franci Louann.
On Sept. 27, it’s a special Culture Days event, An Ekphrastic Experience, featuring the city’s poet laureate, Candice James,and hosted by Franci Louannand Janet Kvammen.
On Oct. 4, Alan Hill hosts an event featuring Deborah L. Kellyand Hazel Mamaril.
Poetic Justice sessions run from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sundays in the back room at the Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St. Check out www.
poeticjustice.ca for more details or search for the Poetic Justice group on Facebook.
These Vagabond shoes
Theatre lovers, this one’s for you.
The summer season is over, and that means it’s time for the Vagabond Players to return to the stage.
The theatre company’s season opens Oct. 1 with Jon Robin Baitz’s family drama Other Desert Cities.
Wayne Nolandirects an ensemble cast that features Julia Grace, Rob Stover, Miles Lavkulich, Nancy Ebert and Karen Golden.
The drama centres around the character of Brooke Wyeth (Grace) who returns home after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her family, only to announce that she is about to publish a memoir that dredges up a tragic event in the family’s history.
Tickets are $15, or $13 for students and seniors, with $10 previews on Oct. 1 and 2. It plays Oct. 1 through 24, with Thursday to Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. It all happens at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park. Check out www.vagabondplayers.ca or call 604-521-0412.
Concert series back at Queens Avenue
Music at Queens is back – and there’s something to appeal to every taste.
The concert series at Queens Avenue United Church has announced its 2015/16 lineup, and there’s an array of musical styles on offer.
Opening the season on Saturday, Oct. 3 will be the West Coast Symphony, under conductor Bujar Llapaj, with Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony.Admission is by donation; see www.westcoastsymphony.ca.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, you can enjoy the sounds of the Lyric Singers, with artistic director Nancy Rahnand pianist Betty Suderman, with a program of sacred music, opera choruses, folk tunes and more. See www.lyricsingers.ca.
Also upcoming later in the season are Bridge Musicians International, with chamber music on Nov. 7; Pastiche, with folk-nouveau on Nov. 14; the 18th annual Carols and Bells performance on Dec. 6; and Caelestra’s Yuletide music on Dec. 13.
Next year will include a couple of return performances by the West Coast Symphony (Feb. 13 and April 30), The Irish Wakers on March 12, Don Stewarton April 2 and the Vancouver Men’s Chorus on May 15.
Check out www.facebook.com/musicatqueens or www.queensavenue.org for details. New this year, the concert series is offering an eight-concert pass that’s good for all the concerts with the exception of the West Coast Symphony (which are always admission by donation).
Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com, or in the church office from Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 604-522-1606 for more details.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Email Julie, [email protected].
