Spring is most definitely in the air in New Westminster – and the arts and entertainment scene is springing back into life along with the cherry blossoms.
Here are five events you should save space for in your calendar for April:
Coastal Dance Festival
Experience the best of Indigenous dance, as the Dancers of Damelahamid host the 15th annual festival at Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.) from April 20 to 24. The festival will include in-person performances featuring visiting Indigenous Sámi artists from Norway and Sweden, as well as Indigenous artists from across Canada and the U.S. You can find traditional and contemporary dance, plus artist sharing to complement the signature evening and festival stage performances.
Get all the information and tickets at the festival website.
The Devil's Violin
Be awed by the virtuosity of violinist Jinjoo Cho as she takes to the stage with pianist Hyun Soo Kim in the next outing from the Vancouver Chamber Music Society. It's onstage at the Anvil Centre Theatre (777 Columbia St.) on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $25 to $35, plus service charges. You can find more details and buy tickets online.
Kanan Gill: Is this It?
Find out why Kanan Gill has made what's being billed as "a meteoric rise to the top echelon of Indian comedy" when the celebrated comedian hits the stage at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.) on Saturday, April 16 for a 7 p.m. show.
Tickets are $64.50, plus service charges. You can find all the details and get your tickets online.
Poetic Justice with the Poets Laureate
Hear from three talented New Westminster poets, as poets laureate past and present are showcased in the next Poetic Justice virtual session on Sunday, April 10. You'll hear from Elliott Slinn, who has been New Westminster's poet laureate since August 2021; Alan Hill, poet laureate from 2017 to 2020; and Candice James, poet laureate emerita, who served from 2010 to 2016. There will also be an open mic portion.
The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. To receive a Zoom link, sign up by emailing [email protected].
Walk in Beauty
Stop in to the Plaskett Gallery at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.) to check out this new exhibition from artist Marney-Rose Edge, featuring watercolour and oil work that focuses on "beauty with an air of romance," as an artist statement says.
The gallery is free to visit. Stop in Tuesdays through Fridays between 1 and 4 p.m. or during performances at Massey Theatre. You can also make an appointment to visit at another time; call 604-517-5900.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected].
