It’s Aug. 31 today and that means it’s time for Longevity John’s 19th annual 50th Birthday Celebration.
It’s going to be huge, folks,
From noon to 10 p.m., they’re blocking off the parking lot behind the Duncan Showroom, bringing in the stage from The 39 Days of July, and offering a full slate of bands, mostly young talent he has supported for years, offering them chances to perform and encouragement. They’re happy to reciprocate and help him celebrate his big day.
On stage, you’ll hear Small Town Artillery, Chase the Bear, The Porter Brothers, The Chase Spencer Band, Boy Leadfoot, Eric’s Basement, Schayde Dame, Malakai, Patrick Dixon, and more.
Ticket are $20 for the day, $10 from noon till 6 p.m., and $15 from 6 p.m. till closing time. The Showroom Showcase at 11 p.m., following this event, is Year of the Wolf.
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Another of the Valley’s indefatigable musical spirits, Joy Ann Bannerman, has passed along some news from the Cowichan Consort, announcing a new concertmaster.
“The Cowichan Consort wishes to announce that Emily Vazquez will sit as Concertmaster this season for the Orchestra.
“Ms. Vazquez has played first violin in the Consort since 2013 upon moving to the Valley. She studied violin for five years with Geoff Lee and was concertmaster of an orchestra in Timmins Ontario. Studying music at Trinity Western University she was taught by noted professors Wes Jansen and Chad Lowrese. Following graduation, Emily also sang the role of Maria in The Sound of Music with Take Two Theatre in Timmins.
“More recently, Emily has been studying violin with Yullia Rabinovich. Husband cellist Ivan also plays in the Consort Orchestra as well, and both have performed in the Consort’s May Chamber Music at Sylvan concerts in Mill Bay. Raising their family in the Cowichan valley, Emily is excited to lead the strings in the local orchestra and looks forward to the Consort’s 28th upcoming season of five concerts. Emily fills the chair vacated last spring, by Kate Rhodes of Victoria.
“Any new musicians who play string instruments are welcome to come join the orchestra Sept. 10 7:30 p.m. at Sylvan United Church.”
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Stephen Jenkinson and the Nights of Grief and Mystery Tour is coming to O.U.R. Ecovillage on Oct 17.
“Jenkinson brings a bigger band to our village for the Nights of Grief & Mystery Tour. This show will weave together the extraordinary talents and skills of internationally renowned author, teacher, storyteller, and cultural activist Stephen Jenkinson with those of Toronto-based singer-songwriter Gregory Hoskins and his band. This an evening for young folk and old folk, for elders in training — an event of interest to parents and grandparents, teachers, scholars, health care professionals, clergy, counsellors, and anyone else pondering matters around human development, rites of passage, aging, and wisdom.
“Stephen describes these events like this: ‘Concerts for Turbulent Times they surely are. We might not be considered poets, but the evenings are poetic. They are musical and grave and raucous and stilling, which probably means they are theatrical. They are nights devoted to the ragged mysteries of being human, and so grief and endings of all kinds appear’,” says the note attached to a passing raven flying north from the Village.
To check prices and order tickets, email marketing@ourecovillage.org
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If you’re a camera fanatic like me, you know all about the Ladysmith Camera Club. They are constantly trying to help folks get the most out of their hobby.
But on Tuesday, Sept. 25, they are going a bit farther afield, presenting “Documenting the Back Country of Vancouver Island and Beyond”, with Bryn Tassell of Lantzville. He will inspire you with tips and advice as he presents impressive images taken on his travels through the back country of Vancouver Island and as far away as Panama, Borneo and Iceland.
Tassell has a passion for the outdoors and spends his spare time exploring the wilderness. This love of wild places inspired him to start documenting the spectacular locations that we have on Vancouver Island. Over the years, the photographaer has explored a wide range of locations on and around Vancouver Island, anywhere from wild coastlines, lush forests, rugged mountains and even some amazing caves. This appetite for wild places has also taken him to more exotic locations, including Iceland, and tropical rain forests around the world. His travels and adventures are driven by his passion to capture the natural beauty that surrounds us.
So, Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. http://www.LadysmithCameraClub.com