For the Record: The premiere of documentary “Unarchived” at the VIU Cowichan Campus is Wednesday, Feb. 15. A confused date appeared in our last edition.
The Medford Singers sent us an email last week, letting us know that they are back after three long pandemic years, with a Valentine’s concert.
There will be two shows on two consecutive Sundays, the first in Duncan and the second in Lake Cowichan.
“With director Simon Leung at the helm and our new accompanist Angie Lopez , we are looking forward to singing for you again,” the group said in a press release.
They’re calling it A Valentine in Song…Love from Medford Singers. So what’s on the programme?
In the lineup will be pieces such as ‘Somewhere My Love’ by Paul Francis Webster and Maurice Jarre; ‘All I ask of you’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber and ‘Annie Laurie’ by William Douglas and Lady John Scott.
“The love will certainly be in the air!”
The 4 Tenors from Lake Cowichan will sing a couple of their favourites, including ‘Softly as I Leave You There’ by Matt Monro, and Brad Bergen will perform a solo. Accompanist Lopez will take the spotlight for a solo as well, and join guest pianist Ryan Qu in a popular ‘Chopsticks’ rendition..
A few other old standards that the choir will sing are ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’ By George David Weiss and the Carpenters’ ‘I Won’t Last a Day Without You ‘, as well as ‘Love Changes Everything’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The concert hits the stage at Duncan United Church on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. and St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in Lake Cowichan on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at Volume One Bookstore in Duncan, the Duncan United Church, members of the choir, or at the door. The price is $20, with children 12 and under gaining admittance for free.
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The Cowichan Music Festival is back for its 74th year starting Feb. 13 and running until March 6.
The festival always features an incredible array of Cowichan talent in everything from voice to dance and this year is no different.
Classical voice (Feb. 13, 14), strings (Feb. 21), piano (Feb. 23-25) and musical theatre (Feb. 23) are scheduled at Duncan United Church. The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre will host choirs (Feb. 14), bands (March 2) and dance (Feb. 21-26).
The favourite for most are the pair of Highlights Galas, this year on March 5 at 2 p.m. at Duncan United Church and March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at CPAC.
For more specifics about when and where to watch, get a program from Duncan Music or Volume One Books, also in Duncan. Entry is $2 per session a the church and $3 per session at CPAC. Highlights reserved seating for adults is $18 and $10 for children.
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As always there’s plenty waiting in the wings at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council gallery.
The group has put out a call for artists for an upcoming show called “Introducing”, that will run July 8 through Aug. 4 at their gallery in the Cowichan Community Centre.
CVAC is looking for 25 new fine arts graduates to exhibit their artwork.
“We are calling it ‘Introducing’ because it will be the show that launches the careers of a new generation of artists in this region,” said CVAC President Janet Magdanz. “We expect art buyers will want to discover early-career professionals and support them.”
Artists must be 21 to 30 years old and have recently graduated from a fine arts program or participated in a mentorship program. They must be living on southern Vancouver island or the Guld Islands (Nanaimo to Greater Victoria).
Artists can submit original 3-D and 2-D work produce in the last year that has not been previously displayed in galleries or shows. It can be sculpture, assemblage, mixed media, painting, drawing or photography.
Participation in the show is free, and the deadline to register, which must be done online, is Feb. 28.
Go to Call to Artists at cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.
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Laketown Ranch has put a call out for musicians and vendors for the 2023 Sunfest and Laketown Shakedown festivals in Lake Cowichan.
“We’re looking for exciting local talent to grace our stages this summer,” said a press release. Apply online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHp9gYzCHEP-6L_r55TGu8hxkIK-AOxszA1t3MuFrv-AT9Rg/viewform
The festivals are also looking for vendors.
“The vendors at the Ranch are a huge part of the experience during our summer events. Without them and their fabulous menus, wares and offerings, our festivals just would not be the same,” organizers said.
To apply to be a vendor, go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd98ItOb8gSP88pGKMjGpi-g2vZQ5F3RPild6BmKZzeltqdWA/viewform
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Riot Brewing has some more entertainment on tap.
On Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Vancouver Island’s Shillelagh Law performs at the Chemainus establishment.
“Bringing you an eclectic mix of music with an Irish tone and a Canadian twist,” promises a press release. “With hundreds of songs on their set list, you’ll hear everything from sea shanties, Celtic, East Coast, and even country. These folkies have it all, so you won’t want to miss this fantastic performance of music you can’t help but sing to!”
On Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m. it’s a Superbowl party with drink and pizza specials.
“They’ve got silly ads and Rhianna, and you’ve got a great way to spend a Sunday with your friends!” says promotion for the event. Call Riot at 250-324-7468 to reserve a table.
Then on Saturday, Feb. 18 trivia is back from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., hosted once again by Coop and Math. This time it’s the Tarantino Edition.
Register a team for $10. Space is limited so it’s recommended that you reserve a table.