Join the Royal City Literary Arts Society at its next Poetic Justice reading, which will see two Vancouver Island poets read their work.
Victoria’s John Barton has published 11 books and six chapbooks of poetry, including West of Darkness: Emily Carr, a Self-Portrait, Hymn and Balletomane: The Program Notes of Lincoln Kirstein.
Tina Biello, meanwhile, grew up in the small logging town of Lake Cowichan, B.C. She studied theatre at UBC and now finds herself writing, according to a write-up. Since 2008, her poems have appeared in chapbook anthologies edited by Patrick Lane. Her first book of poetry, In the Bone Cracks of the Walls, was part of a multi-disciplinary art exhibition of poetry, watercolour and music in Montreal, Vancouver and Italy.
Check out these literary pros on Sunday, July 17 at 3 p.m. The venue is at the Boston Pizza at 1045 Columbia St. Attendees are encouraged to bring something to present during open mike that day.
Crafts and music
The Arts Council of New Westminster has planned a jam-packed weekend of fun.
On Saturday, New West Craft holds its handmade market at the Quay, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you can’t make it, the event runs on the first and third Saturday of the month.
Interested in becoming a vendor? The arts council is always looking for new artisans. Email newwestcraft@artscouncilnew
west.org for more information.
The River Market also plays host to Music by the River every Saturday and Sunday from noon till 2 p.m. Larry’s Brother, known for his acoustic and electric guitar work, will take the stage on Saturday. Expect a range of Acadian music, country and contemporary light rock. On Sunday, singer-songwriter Joline Baylis from Vancouver will provide the entertainment.
Live in uptown? Throughout July, the arts council is putting on a new concert series called Uptown Unplugged at Royal City Centre. Musician Timothy Lambert and guitarist Masa Ichigo perform on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, from noon till 2 p.m.
Disney on stage
Two Royal City actors are part of the young ensemble from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Scotia Browner and Lola Marshall are part of the Theatre Under the Stars production, which runs until Aug. 20 at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. Catch them in any of the group scenes and dances.
“A feast for the senses, the treasured production is abundant with lavish sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular musical numbers,” according to a press release.
Tickets start at $30. The play alternates with West Side Story in the outdoor theatre. See www.tuts.ca for more information.
TFI Friday
A new comedy show dubbed TFI Friday is starting up at Status Nightclub in New West.
The format is like a late-night show that you would see on television, with a monologue and a panel of comics debating a humorous topic. There will be other games and segments to get the audience participating in the show.
The show is produced by Amusings Comedy, a group of comics that call Vancouver home but hail from all around the world, according to a press release.
The evening will be hosted by Nic Enright-Morin with Chris Gaskin as the headlining comic.
The club is at 27 Church St. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show getting underway at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the July 15 event cost $10.
Paint New West beautiful
You’ll want to mark this one on your calendars, New West.
Everyone is invited to help paint the grey building near the Moody Park playground on the weekend of July 23 and 24.
Artist Mari Posa has created the stencil. The family-friendly event, which requires no painting or art experience whatsoever, is running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. All supplies will be provided.
Last year, the community painted the wall by the Army & Navy on Columbia Street.
