Skip to content

Lexi Bainas Column: Showroom heats up this weekend, St. Mike’s welcomes harp, and Baker and Nickel release video

A saxophone quartet, a dance for SAR, the autum POG show: there’s just so much going on

A group of top-class acts are hitting the Duncan Showroom this weekend.

Tonight (Oct. 11) sees Eugene Smith back among his Valley fans while Saturday, Oct. 12 brings back the David Gogo band to rock the place to the rafters. Then, on Sunday, Oct. 13, it’s Tri-Continental (Bill Bourne - guitar, vocals; Lester Quitzau - guitar, vocals; Madagascar Slim - guitar, vocals; Michael Treadway - drums, percussion, vocals).

All these shows start at 8 p.m. and tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, except for Tri-Continental, where ticket prices are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

***

Three Strains of Music is the name of the Chemainus Classical Concert, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20.

Marilyn Rummel (harp) will be joined by Ann Mendenhall (piano) and Alexandra Lee (cello) for a special afternoon at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus starting at 2 p.m.

According to the message that just blew on the wind southerly to me, “Ancient harpers were taught to play music to sleep or soothe, to uplift and express joy, and to accompany sorrow. Marilyn, with friends Ann, and Alexandra, will bring that tradition to life in a program that spans 500 years of music. With vast experience teaching and composing, Marilyn shares her deep love of this unusual instrument.”

Tickets are $20 at the door for adults, while music lovers under 18 get in for $10.

If you buy tickets in advance, they are $18 for adults. For more information: https://chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca

***

I didn’t know it but photo artist Philip Blackwell is also showing his work at the Performing Arts Centre Lobby until Oct. 31.

***

Station 34 (Mill Bay) of the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue is holding a fundraising dance on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Cobblestone pub in downtown Cobble Hill.

Dance the night away with live band Monkey Wrench, with music starting at 20:00 (or 8 p.m. — hey, this is Marine SAR). Tickets are $20 each, with all the money going to RCMSAR34.

A shuttle service is available; if you wish to use this call the pub to organize it at 250-743-4232.

There will be a 50/50 and other fundraising opportunities plus a door prize every hour.

What are they raising money for? They explain in a note:

“Our outboard engines are due for replacement at 1,500/2,000 hours, currently we are at 1200 hours. The outboard engines replacement is expected to cost $65,000 and is scheduled to occur in 2019. The Boat Lift and House are over 10 years old and are reaching the end of their economic life. Estimated replacement is expected to cost $75,000 and is scheduled to occur during 2020.”

***

You know the holidays are not far off when the POG (Printmakers Only Group) is having a show.

Their display of new works is now underway at the Portals Annex Gallery at the Cowichan Community Centre. The show runs until Oct. 19 so go check it out and celebrate with this group, who have now been around for 30 years, according to POG stalwart Beverlee McLeod, who passed along the message.

***

Valley songwriter Dave Baker and his arranger, Dr. Larry Nickel have been busy again.

“We have just released my crowning glory,” Baker said this week. “I call it Island Visions, which is a collage of videos featuring my Vancouver Island songs performed by the Cypress Choral Singers and photos that relate to each video. This has taken over 10 years to complete the project. The two songs that have been performed by choirs in several countries are ‘Old Lady Rose’ and ‘This Land is What I Am’. I keep telling everyone that I’m just a guy who grew up on Maple Bay Road and I’m not a pro. Actually, I’m a mechanical engineer that spent all his career in the Pulp and Paper Industry. I’m just one lucky dude.”

***

Adrian Rees has chimed in with notice about the Sobremesa Saxophone Quartet’s show, Movements To Move To, on

Sunday Oct. 20, starting at 2:30 p.m. Admission is by donation.

It all happens at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, at 3295 Cobble Hill Rd.

Formed in 2017, the Sobremesa Saxophone Quartet is a multi-award winning ensemble that promotes conversation through music. The name, Sobremesa, is a Spanish word referring to the relaxed and enjoyable conversation that occurs over dinner.

According to Adrian Rees, show publicist, “on baritone, Karsten Brewka brings a mature yet vibrant approach to his performances. On tenor, Todd Morgan, brings an aptitude for listening and sharing to the group. On alto, Matt Fichter, brings passion and character to each performance. On soprano, Bailey Adams, brings an innocent yet fierce sound to the group.”

The quartet has been active in Victoria, with performances in the Lenten Recital Series, and the annual St. Cecilia’s Day Concert; and they also perform frequently at UVIC.



lexi.bainas@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

18865298_web1_unique-photo-art
The photo art of Philip Blackwell is on display in the lobby outside the Cowichan Theatre until Oct. 31. (Submitted)
18865298_web1_tri-continental
Tri-Continental comes to the Duncan Showroom on Sunday, Oct. 13. Don’t miss them. (Submitted)