A Royal City poet has been shortlisted for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize.
Renée Sarojini Saklikar's book children of air India: un/authorized exhibits and interjections, was shortlisted for the prize as part of the recently announced 2014 B.C. Book Prizes.
Saklikar was 23 years old when her aunt and uncle were killed on June 23, 1985 in the bombing of Air India Flight 182.
A press release says her book is "powerful and deeply personal."
"These poems offer a fresh perspective on a heartbreaking chapter in Canada's history," the release says.
Winners of all the B.C. book Prizes will be announced at a gala on Saturday, May 3. Check out www.bcbookprizes.ca to see the full shortlist.
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While we're on poetry, don't miss out on World Poetry New Westminster's celebration of International Women's Day March 26 at the New Westminster Public Library.
The evening gets going at 6:30 p.m. in the library's auditorium.
Hosts Una Bruhns and Ariadne Sawyer will lead the evening, which features poets Candice James, Bonnie Quan Symons, Lausanne Hm, Franci Louann and Tony Antonias.
All are welcome, and there will be an open mike session.
The night includes a raffle and refreshments.
For information, call 604-526-4739 or see www.worldpoetry.ca
New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., uptown.
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A Douglas College student has earned honours from the Raymond Burr Performing Arts Society.
Frances-Jane van Wyk won the society's 2014 second-year Award of Distinction.
Van Wyk, who is enrolled in the theatre diploma program at Douglas, received her award at the opening night reception of the college's recent production of A Dream Play.
"The presentation of this award fulfils the society's continuing objective to provide access to community theatre and resources to foster and develop theatre arts in New Westminster," said society president Ted Eddy in a press release.
It's the fourth time the Burr Society has honoured Douglas students.
"Douglas College is honoured to partner with the Raymond Burr Performing Arts Society to reward and recognize our students," said Tracy Green, Douglas College Foundation coordinator, in the release. "The award encourages and motivates students like van Wyk to work hard and achieve their goals."
Kudos to all involved.
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Lovers of the written word should mark April 25 and 26 on their calendars.
Those are the dates for this year's LitFest New West, taking place at the New Westminster Public Library and Douglas College.
The festival kicks off on Friday, April 25 with a comedy retrospective from Double Exposure's Bob Robertson and Linda Cullen, taking place at the library. Reserve a seat by calling 604-527-4667.
On Saturday, April 26, the action moves to Douglas College, where you can take in a range of workshops from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. - topics include comedy, travel, humour, songwriting, children's writing, publishing and research for writers.
A marketplace will also offer the latest from authors, booksellers and publishers.
Saturday evening kicks off with Volumes of Authors from 5 to 7 p.m., with book signings and a chance to meet local authors.
There will also be an open mike.
A literary showcase runs from 7 to 10, with music, drama and spoken word, featuring author Gary Geddes as keynote speaker. That takes place in the Laura C. Muir Theatre at Douglas College.
Keep an eye on www.artscouncilnewwest.org/litfest for all the details, or call the arts council at 604-525-3244.
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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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Do you have an item for Lively City? Send ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
