Sightlines continues at the Gallery@Artisan Square

SIGHTLINES: differing perspectives on photography presents the work of five artists, including three from Bowen, with vastly differing approaches to working with photography. Come view the work of Robert Semeniuk, Cristina Viviani, Carol Robb, Jacqueline Massey and Brendon Purdy. The exhibit continues until March 29.

Friday, March 20

Sensational reggae/jazz night again at The Happy Isle Cafe with the Sterbalizers Jazz & Reggae Chamber Orchestra!

Music begins at 8 p.m. with a set of jazz. A little after 9 p.m., the Sterbalizers will back up the man with the amazing voice, and fantastic stage presence, from Jamaica:  Dave Jones, alias,
The Wishdoctor. No cover charge. Musicians are paid by donation, so please be generous!

The Sterbalizers are:Teun Schut, guitar,  Mike Agranovich, bass & guitarm  John Stiver, guitar, Ian Cameron, acoustic bass , Buff Allen, drums,  Yiorgos, organ,  Chad Makela, baritone sax, Cameron Milligan, trumpet,  Brent Mah, alto sax.

Saturday, March 21

Due to a family emergency, Mel Watson has had to return to Australia and is therefore

unable to perform on Bowen this weekend. The organizers apologize for any inconvenience this may have created. Ticket refunds are available at Phoenix.

Event organizer, Cindi Keep says she will try to reschedule Mel's appearance.

An evening to raise funds for Global Agents for Change, two hot musical acts, great food, fun and dancing to boot. Mark Saturday, March 21 on the calendar, call up the babysitter, and plan to make the scene at the Bowen Island Community School.

The evening will begin with the crowd-pleasing entertainment of Barney Bentall, Shari Ulrich and Tom Taylor. They'll be followed by one of the busiest acoustic/roots bands on the West Coast - Headwater. This high energy and in-demand band is now becoming one of Canada’s strongest young bluegrass and folk acts. They will wind up the evening with a concert/dance in an event you won’t soon forget.

All proceeds from the show are going to a youth-managed microcredit, anti-poverty fund, run by Vancouver-based non-profit organization Global Agents for Change. This winter Bowen islanders, Jake Moir and Chris Perrin were admitted to GAC’s flagship project, Riding to Break the Cycle. This is a youth leadership bicycle tour in which 25 inspired youth will ride 4,000 km this summer – from the Netherlands to Turkey – in order to raise awareness and funds for microfinance projects in developing countries. The goal is to make $100,000 for a youth led anti-poverty fund.

Tickets are $30 (includes pizza/salad/dessert) and are on sale at Phoenix on Bowen. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. It will be a licensed event and will be such a unique evening that the CBC program Canada Live is taping the whole show for national broadcast.

The Bowen Community Housing Association is hosting a Gala! and annual membership drive this Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to come to the crossroads in Snug Cove, to the Purple Door, the temporary location of the colourful "homes for less". The Gala marks the first day of spring. The Black Sheep Morris Dancers will start off the celebrations. So whether you come for the food… the music…or the art displays…it will be lots of fun. Bring your family, friends & neighbours, and become a member of the BCHA.

Coming Soon

Young @ Heart is the next film the BI Film Society will be presenting at Collins Hall. Mark Saturday, March 28 on the calendar, and take your seat before the lights go down at 7:30 p.m.

Young @ Heart documents the true story of the final weeks of rehearsal for the Young @ Heart Chorus in Northampton, MA. The average age of the singers is 81, and many must overcome health adversities to participate. Their music is unexpected, going against the stereotype of their age group, performing songs, for example, by James Brown, and Sonic Youth. Although they have toured Europe and sang for royalty, this account focuses on preparing new songs, not an easy endeavor, for a concert in their hometown, which succeeds in spite of several real heart breaking events. The movie runs 107 minutes and is rated PG.

Art Around Town

Now featured at the Bowen Community Library, artworks by Carol Fancy. Drop by to see on exhibit oil paintings, drawings, 35 mm photography, collage and constructs -- an eclectic display of engaging and affordable works. The work will be on display at the Old General Store in Snug Cove until April 1. The library is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Arts Pacific Co-op Gallery's Featured Artist for the month of March is Janet Esseiva. Janet's vibrant acrylic works can be seen both in the display window and inside. You may have spotted some of her work in "The Snug" and the library will display new work from mid-June to mid-August. Check out Janet's website for more information. Gallery hours are: Wednesday-Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.

Killarney Lake by Janet Esseiva

Off the Rock

Violet Femmes compilation cds feature the best and the brightest of women performers from Vancouver and beyond. On Wednesday, April 1, at the Media Club in Vancouver, Violet Femmes and RPW Records presents a showcase, including AURAL Heather, our own Heather Haley from Bowen Island. Also appearing are Marian Call from Alaska and Beth Southwell. Here's what the reviewers are saying:

AURAL Heather is the new weather, a unique, sublime fusion of song and spoken word by iconoclast poet-vocalist Heather Haley and dazzling guitarist-producer Roderick Shoolbraid. An interesting twist on poetry, AURAL Heather has taken an artform to higher levels of cool. Pulling no punches, AURAL Heather drops the truth on a diverse array of controversial topics relevant to society.Doing it with an undeniable allure, lead poet Haley's voice is both sensual and intriguing delivering the real to you without apology. Heather is the new weather, a unique, sublime fusion of song and spoken word by iconoclast poet-vocalist Heather Haley and

"...If I were a betting man, I would put my money on Marian Call.Vanilla is a Certified Desert Island Disc, and any other awards or monikers you can think to throw its way. It's the best thing I've heard thus far in 2008, and is one of the three best debut albums I've ever heard. Remember the day and time when you first heard about Marian Call, and get on the bandwagon soon. This star is going to burn bright." - Wildy Haskell, music reviewer & pop culture blogger.

Beth Southwell

writes with a lyrical honesty and sings with a rare sincerity
and selflessness. Beth has toured the UK, Taiwan and British Columbia, recorded three albums and is currently working on another solo project.

For more information, visit Heather’s website.

The Ferry Building in West Vancouver presents Land-escapes: Oil Paintings by islander Bill Hoopes from April 7-19, 2009. Opening Reception is Tuesday April 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The artist will be in attendance: Saturday, April 11, 2 p.m.

Gallery Hours are11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday; closed Mondays. Admission to all shows is free. For more information, contact Ruth Payne, Visual Arts Coordinator at (604)925-7266 or fax (604) 925-5913.

Ferry Building is located at 1414 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver.

Visit Bill's website by clicking here.

If you are staging an arts and cultural event and wish to be in our listing, please let us know. We'd be happy to include it in the weekly update, which is sent out to members of the Bowen Island Arts Council. Contact Jacqueline at admin@biac.ca with your information.

Arts & Culture Weekly Update