Local Arts

'Tis the season to be jolly - unless you're the Kendall family. Then you're facing a bleak Christmas, what with your patriarch having been fired and an uncle you've never met about to descend upon you for the holidays.

Wednesday, November 13 Short story open mike, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster, hosted by Royal City Literary Arts Society, giving emerging and established writers a place to share their short fiction. Info: www.

It all began simply enough in the late 1980s, when Lori Pappajohn and Alan Woodland started annual Christmas concerts featuring harp and readings at the New Westminster Public Library.

Fall is in full swing, making it the perfect time to head indoors and stay warm and dry.

Tuesday, November 5 In the House Festival, second concert in Burnaby series, Synesthesia, featuring dancer Paula Skimin and others, $18, or $15 for children. For all the details, check out www.inthehousefestival.

Save the date and buy your tickets now: Elektra Women's Choir is ushering in the Christmas season in New Westminster with its annual Chez Nous concert. Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra is set for Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.

As Mother Nature puts on her annual display of colour, the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra presents its first fall concert with a vast array of colourful music to match. Maestro Jin "Jack" Zhang opens the Nov.

The search is on for a "spunky, friendly and big-voiced" girl to play everybody's favourite orphan. The Royal City Musical Theatre Company is holding two casting call sessions to cast the title role in its upcoming April production of Annie.

Baba Brinkman's Rap Guide to Evolution onstage until Nov. 10

There's no shortage of good causes to support in the Royal City this weekend - and you may even come home with a new trinket or two.