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A&E column: Concert back on, art on display, open house

The latest in Cowichan arts and entertainment
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The work of Robert Andrews will be displayed in the gallery feature window at Imagine That! in downtown Duncan through May, 2022. (Robert Andrews wooden box)

The Cowichan Folk Guild is presenting a concert by Ben Sures on Saturday, April 30 at the Providence Farm Chapel.

The show was briefly cancelled last week, but is back on and ready to go, the Folk Guild assures us.

So what can you expect?

“Ben Sures is a singing troubadour, dazzling acoustic guitarist, comedian and heartfelt storyteller who plays folk, blues, roots, Americana, comedy and rock,” says the press release for the show. “He’s a balladeer, country picker, funny lyricist, slide player and a crooner.

“A talented and distinctive songwriter, Ben’s experiences have been shaped by travelling across North America, the UK, Europe and Beirut. Throw in 20 years of festivals, concerts, living rooms, bars, neighbourhood parties, afternoon matinees, outdoor shows and travel, and you’ve got a potent sonic recipe.”

His influences include everyone from Neil Young to Pink Floyd, Robert Johnson, Django Reinhardt, Odetta, Stan Rogers, bluegrass and Métis fiddling.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Folk Guild members and $25 for non-members. Get them at https://islandsfolk.tickit.ca/events/14471-ben-sures-band

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Imagine That! gallery in downtown Duncan is preparing its May feature windows with works from two new artists.

“You’ll find some great ideas for Mother’s Day,” says the gallery’s Katie Daniel.

First up is a display billed as Magnificent Wooden Boxes, by Robert Andrews.

“Robert Andrews creates beautiful hand-crafted boxes from selected hardwoods found on Mayne Island. His boxes are finished in a variety of ways: a smooth velvety touch on the exterior, a superb use of live edge features, or a special colour enhancement. From the tiniest of boxes which might hold one precious piece to larger boxes which could corral all of your electronic devices, his boxes are a treasure,” says a press release.

In the second window is So Much Joy by Laurel Hibbert.

“I spent my childhood as the last of five children, in almost complete freedom and joy,” says the artist. “I believe these carefree days allowed me to develop an imagination that has carried me through life. My heart is tied forever to little houses, strong women and their daily tasks and the sheer vitality of children. I hope that my work can lift the spirits of those who see them.”

The displays will be up until May 27.

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The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 34 is showing off their new digs on Saturday May 7 with a big open house.

Running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the group’s new home base at Fisherman’s Wharf in Cowichan Bay, the event will feature tours of the new facility and their new vessel.

The group previously called Brentwood College in Mill Bay home.

“Our journey began last May with the purchase of a 54 foot boathouse. We have been working on the boathouse to create a 20 foot office and ready room with marine rescue/safety equipment storage and a 34 foot vessel bay,” says a press release for the event.

“We are now ready to display our efforts that contribute to saving lives on the local waters which encompasses Cowichan Bay, Satellite Channel, Saanich Inlet, and Sansum Narrows, extending as far as Crofton.”

If you’re interested in volunteering for the organization, the open house is also a great opportunity to see what it’s all about and talk to those who already do.



Andrea Rondeau

About the Author: Andrea Rondeau

I returned to B.C. and found myself at the Cowichan Valley Citizen.
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