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Here's what's up on New Westminster's arts and entertainment scene

ON NOW To Sunday, Feb. 23 Vulnerability, a new exhibition featuring the abstract realism drawing of Alisha Sian, at The Gallery at Queen’s Park in Centennial Lodge. Gallery open Wednesdays 1 to 8 p.m., and Thursdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
Coastal Dance Festival
The Coastal Dance Festival returns to Anvil Centre Feb. 25 to March 1.

ON NOW

To Sunday, Feb. 23

Vulnerability, a new exhibition featuring the abstract realism drawing of Alisha Sian, at The Gallery at Queen’s Park in Centennial Lodge. Gallery open Wednesdays 1 to 8 p.m., and Thursdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Info: www.acnw.ca.

 

To Friday, Feb. 28

Think Different, an exhibition of work by New Westminster Secondary School fine arts students, at the Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Gallery open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, by appointment, or during productions in the theatre. Info: www.masseytheatre.com or 604-517-5900.

 

To Saturday, Feb. 29

Three Echoes: Hope and Transformation, a mixed-media exhibition by three immigrant artists: Sidi Schaffer, Sorour Abdollahi and Devora, at Amelia Douglas Gallery (fourth floor, Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.). Info: www.douglascollege.ca/artsevents.

Golden Year, a 50th anniversary exhibition by the Burnaby Artists Guild, at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. Admission by donation. Info: www.burnabyartscouncil.org.

Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act, presented by Vagabond Players at Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen’s Park, with shows Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $17, or $15 for seniors and youth. Tickets: www.vagabondplayers.ca/tickets, or call 604-521-0412.

 

To Sunday, March 22

Looking Through a Hole in the Earth, featuring the work of Genevieve Robertson, at Burnaby Art Gallery, 6344 Deer Lake Ave. In the BAG Family Sunday March 8. For full details see www.burnabyartgallery.ca or call 604-297-4422.

 

To Saturday, April 4

Seriously Surreal, an art exhibition by Artists in the Boro at the Art in the Atrium gallery at Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave. Info: www.artistsintheboro.ca.

 

To Sunday, May 3

Warren McLachlan: Future Primitive, a Burnaby Art Gallery off-site exhibition at the Bob Prittie (Metrotown) branch of Burnaby Public Library, 6100 Willingdon Ave., open during library hours. Info: www.burnabyartgallery.ca.

 

To Monday, May 4

Justin Patterson: Bad Moon Rising, a Burnaby Art Gallery off-site exhibition at the McGill branch of Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St., open during library hours. Info: www.burnabyartgallery.ca.

 

To July 2020

Nikkei, a year-long exhibition at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, explores the personal stories of individuals and families of Japanese descent: unique stories of arrival, heroism in the face of racism, the resilience of community and the experience of generations. The core exhibit will rotate through more than 30,000 photographs, 35 metres of textual records, 500 oral history recordings, 100 film reels and more than 2,500 artifacts and artworks. The Nikkei Centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres. See www.nikkeiplace.org for details.

 

UPCOMING

Thursday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 23

Tim Dillon performs at House of Comedy B.C., at the Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St. Info: bc.houseofcomedy.net.

Tellers of Short Tales, with featured author Trevor Carolan, 6 to 8 p.m. in Room 417 at the Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., free. Open mic available; bring work to share or just stay to listen. Info: www.rclas.com.

Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar perform at the Studio Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000.

 

Thursday, Feb. 20 to Friday, Feb. 21

Sobremesa Saxophone Quartet performs at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 514 Carnarvon St., 7 p.m., with reception to follow. Tickets $20, available through www.eventbrite.ca, through the parish office and at the door. Student tickets, at the door only, are $10. Info: www.tinyurl.com/SobremesaNW.

 

Friday, Feb. 21 through month of March

Burnaby Neighbourhood House is hosting an art exhibition by Nadia Diamond at its North House art wall, Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open house Friday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at North House, 4908 Hastings St. Info: 604-294-5444 or email northinfo@burnabynh.ca.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 25 to Sunday, March 1

Coastal Dance Festival, presented by the Dancers of Damelahamid, at the Anvil Centre, 777 Colum,bia St., with weekday performances for students, Festival Stage performances by donation and signature ticketed evening performances. Performers include Spakwus Slolem (Squamish), Arctic Song (Inuit), Rainbow Creek (Haida), Tuakana and Teina Leadership Academy Group (Maori), Tsatsu Stalquayu (Musqueam) and more. For full schedule and ticket details, see www.damelahamid.ca.

 

Saturday, Feb. 22

Let’s Have a Playdate, a VSO Tiny Tots concert with Let Your Music Shine! With Lisa and Linda, featuring the music of Johannes Brahms, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St. Tickets: www.ticketsnw.ca.

Farofa and Cara Pierotto perform at the Studio Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., bringing their Brazilian music to the Burnaby stage. Tickets: 604-205-3000 or tickets.shadboltcentre.com.

Music at the gallery, a concert featuring Fleetham Stevens and Enrico Renz, 7:30 p.m. at New West Artists Gallery on 12th, 712C 12th St. Tickets $8, pre-purchase at Renaissance Books or the NWA Gallery, or call 604-525-4566 to reserve.

 

Saturday, Feb. 22 to Saturday, Feb. 29

Madama Butterfly, presented by Burnaby Lyric Opera in the James Cowan Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets: tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000. Info: www.burnabylyricopera.com.

 

Sunday, Feb. 23

Global Tea Room, part of the Massey Theatre’s international music and tea series, hosted by Cassius Khan and featuring Bosnian violinist Zelko Krakan, 3 to 5 p.m., free. Theatre is at 735 Eighth Ave. Info: www.tinyurl.com/GlobalTeaRoomFeb.

Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra performs at 2:30 p.m. at Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave. It’s the Senior Orchestra concerto winners’ concert, and admission is by donation. Info: www.vyso.com.

 

Monday, Feb. 24

Rafiki screens for Last Mondays at the Movies at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Doors at 6:30 p.m., film at 7 p.m. Tickets $9 general, or $8 for seniors and students, available in advance at www.ticketsnw.ca or cash only at the door. Info: www.acnw.ca/movies.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 26 to Saturday, Feb. 29

Beauty and the Beast, presented by New Westminster Secondary School’s musical theatre program, onstage at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., www.ticketsnw.ca.

 

Thursday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 1

Canadian comedian TRIXX performs at House of Comedy B.C., at the Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St. Info: bc.houseofcomedy.net.

 

Saturday, Feb. 29

Viano String Quartet performs at 7:30 p.m. at Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St., part of the Vancouver Chamber Music Series. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.

Magnificat, a concert by Amabilis Singers, featuring soprano Erin Sutton, organist Lin Kim, violinist Andrea Siradze and string ensemble, directed by Ramona Luengen with pianist Ingrid Verseveldt, 8 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby. Tickets $25 regular, $15 for secondary school students, free for children under 12, available online at www.eventbrite.ca or by calling 604-897-7258. Info: www.amabilissingers.org.

Live at the Gallery: Songs and Sketch, featuring local rocker Shockk (a.k.a. Rob Matharu) and classical harpist Hayley Farenholtz, with an opportunity to sketch while the artists perform, at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. Free, but reserve a spot at www.eventbrite.ca (search for Songs and Sketch).

 

Sunday, March 1

A Weekend in the Country, a concert by the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra at the Massey Theatre, 2 p.m., celebrating both the 250th birthday of Beethoven and the 125th anniversary of the creation of Waterton Lakes National Park. By donation. Info: www.newwestsymphony.net.

 

Tuesday, March 3

Librarians’ Choice Mystery Night, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the McGill branch of Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St., featuring a night of reviews of mystery and suspense titles. Free, all welcome. Register at any branch, call 604-299-8955 or sign up through www.bpl.bc.ca/events.

 

Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 6

The Ash Girl, a Burnaby Central Secondary School production, 7 p.m. in the Burnaby Central Theatre, 6011 Deer Lake Parkway, a dark take on the classic Cinderella story, suitable for ages eight and up. Tickets $8 for students and alumni, $12 for adults, available at the door or by emailing cassady.ranford@burnabyschools.ca.

 

Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8

Leonard Ouzts performs at the House of Comedy B.C., at the Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St. Info and tickets: bc.houseofcomedy.net.

 

Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7

Screwball Comedy, a play by Norm Foster spoofing the Hollywood “screwball comedies” of the 1930s and 1940s, onstage at the Anvil Centre, presented by Royal Canadian Theatre Company, with shows at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. both days. Info and tickets: www.rctheatreco.com or www.ticketsnw.ca.

 

Saturday, March 7

Roots Before Branches, choral performances featuring the Coastal Sound choirs, at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby. Afternoon 3 p.m. concert features Coastal Sound Children’s Choir and Coro Voce, the Burnaby School District Honour Choir, for $10. Evening concert at 7 p.m. features the Coastal Sound family of choirs (DeCoro, Coastal Sound Youth Choir, Coastal Sound Children’s Choir, Con Bella & Boychoir, Con Vita and Con Brio. Tickets in advance $20 regular, $15 students/seniors, children 12 and under $12. Info: www.coastalsoundmusic.com.

Masquerade dinner and dance, featuring New Orleans band Razzmajazz, a fundraiser for New West Artists at the Royal City Curling Club Lounge, 75 East Sixth Ave., $39 per person, with cash bar. RSVP to 604-525-4566.

 

Friday, March 13

Solidarity Concert for Unist’ot’en, featuring Old Soul Rebel, Tonye Aganaba, Curtis Clearsky & the Constellationz, Kin Balam, The Spiritual Warriors, Dakota Bear, Mamarudegyal + Hope, plus Invasion film screening, speakers, vendors, action booth, silent auction and more, at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets: sliding scale $5 to $40. Proceeds to Unist’ot’en Legal Fund. Info: https://www.masseytheatre.com/event/solidarity-concert-for-unistoten/

 

Saturday, March 14

Singing Can Be a Drag 2020, a drag show extravaganza by the Vancouver Men’s Chorus at the Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St., with shows at 5 and 9 p.m. Tickets $35, or $65 for patrons (with tax receipt). Info and tickets: www.vancouvermenschorus.ca.

 

Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15

Kim’s Convenience, an Arts Club on Tour production at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets at 604-205-3000 or tickets.shadboltcentre.com.

 

Sunday, March 15

Walking With My Ancestors, a series of workshops led by explorative designer Nicole Preissl, features Memories of the Land, a talk with internationally renowned artist Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) and other special guests, 1 to 3 p.m. at Burnaby Art Gallery, 6344 Deer Lake Ave. Space limited, sign up at 604-297-4422.

 

Saturday, March 28

Walking With My Ancestors, a series of workshops led by explorative designer Nicole Preissl, continues with an Indigenous Plant Walk through Deer Lake Park, 1 to 3 p.m. Space limited, sign up at Burnaby Art Gallery, 604-297-4422.

 

Monday, March 30

Hope Gap screens for Last Mondays at the Movies at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Doors at 6:30 p.m., film at 7 p.m. Tickets $9 general, or $8 for seniors and students, available in advance at www.ticketsnw.ca or cash only at the door. Info: www.acnw.ca/movies.

 

Wednesday, April 8

Lilies, by Michel Marc Bouchard, a staged reading of the play at 7:30 p.m. at Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., part of the theatre’s Queerly Canadian play reading series. Free, open to all. Info: www.masseytheatre.com/queerly-canadian-a-play-reading-series-2/

 

Monday, May 4

Mandy Moore brings her North American tour to Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., with show at 7 p.m. Tickets $55 to $115. Info: www.masseytheatre.com.

 

Monday, June 8

Swollen Tongues, by Kathleen Oliver, a staged reading of the play at 7:30 p.m. at Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., part of the theatre’s Queerly Canadian play reading series. Free, open to all. Info: www.masseytheatre.com/queerly-canadian-a-play-reading-series-2/

 

ONGOING

Tickets on sale for the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival 2020, with internet pre-sale Feb. 20 and general sales starting Feb. 21. Festival features Brandi Carlile, Steve Earle and the Dukes, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Colter Wall and more. It’s on Friday, Aug. 7 starting at 6 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 8 starting at 1 p.m. at Deer Lake Park. Tickets through www.ticketmaster.ca. Info at www.burnabybluesfestival.com.

 

Begbie’s Comedy Night, Thursdays at 8 p.m. at Judge Begbie’s Tavern, 609 Columbia St. Comedy nights will feature all kinds of comedy: stand-up, musical acts, improv. Tickets $10 regular, $5 for students, available through www.eventbrite.ca or at the door. For information and full lineup, search for Begbie’s Comedy Night on Facebook.

 

SFU Writer’s Studio offers writing consultations on the first Tuesday of each month at New Westminster Public Library main branch (716 Sixth Ave.), with sessions at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. available for booking (45 minutes each). Writers can have up to seven pages of creative writing or poetry workshopped with a tutor. Free. To book an appointment, email full name and phone number to AskUs@nwpl.ca and the SFU Writer’s Studio will then contact you to review available dates and times.

 

Royal City Literary Arts Society’s Write On! Contest for 2020 is open for submissions. Deadline April 1. Work is accepted in three categories: fiction (max. 1,500 words), non-fiction (max. 1,500 words) and poetry (max. one page single spaced). Cash prizes of $150, $100 and $75, plus three honourable mentions, are awarded in each category. For full submission details, see www.rclas.com or email writeon@rclas.com.

 

Musical open mic nights, first Monday of the month at 100 Braid Street Studios, 7 to 10 p.m. Sign-up list starts at 7 p.m.; 10 spots available for eight minutes apiece. All ages welcome, solos and groups. Concession available, pay what you can (suggested donation $10). Info: www.100braidststudios.com.

 

Serenade your sweetheart with a Valentine’s Day quartet from the Gentlemen of Fortune Chorus. They’ll travel anywhere in the Lower Mainland to sing two love songs and give your chosen loved one a red rose. Cost: $50, with part proceeds to charity. Info: www.gof.bc.ca/valentines or 604-526-2212.

 

Spoken word open mics, third Monday of the month at 100 Braid Street Studios, 7  to 10 p.m. Sign-up list starts at 7 p.m.; 10 eight-minute slots are available. All genres welcome. Concession available, pay what you can (suggested donation $5). Info: www.100braidststudios.com.

 

Meditation at the Gallery, sessions every Sunday from 8 to 9 a.m. at The Gallery at Queen’s Park, led by Lyn Sakari. By donation, with suggested donation of $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Info and registration through www.tinyurl.com/MeditationQP2019 or www.sitwithsakari.com.

 

Spoken Ink reading series, hosted by the Burnaby Writers’ Society, is at the Deer Lake Gallery on the third Tuesday of the month (except July and August). For info and writers’ news, see www.burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com.

 

Children’s handbell choir invites new ringers in grades 3 to 7 to take part. Group meets Mondays from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave., New Westminster. Children from New West and surrounding areas are welcome; no charge. Info: musicatqueens@gmail.com.

 

The Flame New West seeks storytellers for a new season of storytelling evenings at the Plaskett Gallery – new storytellers, veteran performers and all in between are welcome to apply. Two more sessions are coming up on Sunday evenings: an “adult” edition on March 1 and a regular evening on June 14. Email flamenewwest@gmail.com with questions, pitches and more.

 

Love to sing? The Maple Leaf Singers are inviting people to audition for the dynamic show chorus. All voices welcome. Call 778-245-4445 or email joinus@mapleleafsingers.com. For more on the choir, see www.mapleleafsingers.com.

 

Spoken Ink reading series, the third Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave., presented by the Burnaby Writers’ Society, with featured readers plus open mic. Info: burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com.

 

Writers meet-up, hosted by the local writing organization The Other Eleven Months, which has been hosting write-ins around the Lower Mainland for 12 years. Sessions run Wednesdays from 5 to 8:50 p.m. at the Tommy Douglas library branch (7311 Kingsway) for writers of all kinds. Drop in, no registration required. Info: www.bpl.bc.ca/events.

 

Drop in and do art, at the New West Artists Gallery, 712 C 12th St., Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring your own art supplies and paint, draw, sketch, doodle, colour or whatever you like, $2 or by donation. Info: www.newwestartists.com.

 

New Westminster Photography Club meets on the first and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 7 p.m. at Centennial Lodge, Queen’s Park. Info: www.nwphoto.org.

 

Gentlemen of Fortune Chorus is looking for new men to join the a cappella group, focused on singing in barbershop harmony style. The chorus has moved to Burnaby and now meets Tuesday evenings at 7:25 p.m. at Cliff Avenue United Church, 1600 Cliff Ave. Interested potential singers and guests are always welcome at rehearsals (enter rehearsal hall from rear parking lot). See www.gof.bc.ca for details.

 

Life drawing sessions, Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the New West Artists/Royal City Arts Alliance gallery at 712C 12th St. Bring your own drawing tools and paper; cost $2. Hosted by Lavana La Brey. RSVP at 604-525-4566 or email lavanalabrey6@gmail.com.

 

Artists in the Boro is seeking applications for six-week exhibitions in the Art in the Atrium gallery space at Queensborough Community Centre. For submission information and to apply, see www.tinyurl.com/ArtInTheAtrium2019.

 

Queens Avenue United Church Bell Ringers welcomes new adult members who can read music. The group meets Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Call Virginia at 604-597-3894 or email musicatqueens@gmail.com.

 

Circuit Fridays, featuring underground house music with DJ’s Darius Kramer, Dezyman and Hixz, with special guests, the second and last Friday of the month at Magnetiq Nightclub, 27 Church St., $10 at the door, doors 9:30 p.m.

 

Burnaby International Folk Dancers, meets Tuesdays at Charles Rummel Centre, 3630 Lozells Ave. Info: 604-522-7468 or burnabyfolkdance.org.

 

Queen’s Academy offers a non-profit musical theatre program in Burnaby for children aged two to 12. Registration now open at queensacademy.weebly.com.

 

Volunteers required to help the Burnaby Arts Council in a variety of capacities, including gallery attendants for Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. Info and application: www.tinyurl.com/BACGalleryVolunteers.

 

Dance and laugh the night away with round dance and/or square dance lessons. Round dancing is choreographed ballroom dancing done in a circle; lessons Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Charles Rummel Hall, 3630 Lozells Ave. Modern square dancing is done to modern music with groups of eight people in a square; lessons Tuesdays from 7 to 8:20 p.m. at the Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts St. Couples and singles welcome, no special clothes required. For info, contact Pat at 604-521-7497.

 

Poetry New Westminster, presented by Royal City Literary Arts Society on Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. (except holiday weekends) at the Heritage Grill back room, 447 Columbia St. Each Sunday features two poets and an open mic. Search for Poetry New Westminster on Facebook for the latest schedule.

 

Paint and Sip Nights at 100 Braid Street Studios, offering a night of beverages, refreshments and a chance to receive step-by-step instruction from a professional artist to create your own painting. Each night costs $35, or $60 for two adults registering together, and runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A variety of upcoming themes are offered. See www.100braidststudios.com.

 

Email entertainment listings to jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca.