Lexi Bainas

The Wonderheads present their unique take on A Christmas Carol with giant puppets, masks, and more at the Cowichan Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. (Submitted)

VIDEO: Giant masks, whimsical puppets and more add up to a Wonderheads Christmas Carol

If you're thinking Pixar meets Jim Henson, you're on the right track

The Wonderheads present their unique take on A Christmas Carol with giant puppets, masks, and more at the Cowichan Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. (Submitted)
Zachary Stevenson, one of North America’s top Buddy Holly tribute acts, is hosting a special pre-Christmas treat at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. (Dean Kalyan photo)

VIDEO: In time for gift giving: Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas show in Cowichan

Ben Klein as Elvis, Cassandra Frie as Brenda Lee join Zachary Stevenson in a great evening of music

Zachary Stevenson, one of North America’s top Buddy Holly tribute acts, is hosting a special pre-Christmas treat at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. (Dean Kalyan photo)
Internationally acclaimed soprano Eve Daniell is ‘home for Christmas’. (Seb Charlesworth photo)

Eve Daniell ‘Home for Christmas’ with concert at Chemainus Dec. 15

Fans and friends can enjoy Daniell's exciting voice in the warm atmosphere of St. Michael's

Internationally acclaimed soprano Eve Daniell is ‘home for Christmas’. (Seb Charlesworth photo)
Chuck McCandless celebrates his banjo recovery on his Facebook page with this photo of himself in 1967. (Bii Hamilton photo)

Lexi Bainas column: Music, miniature masterpieces, and a long-lost banjo

Some truly heartwarming news last week: Chuck McCandless has his banjo back!

Chuck McCandless celebrates his banjo recovery on his Facebook page with this photo of himself in 1967. (Bii Hamilton photo)
‘Christmas is coming’ is the name of this selection that opens ‘Holiday Magic’.

VIDEO: ‘Holiday Magic’ when Celtic Rhythms and Summit Dance joined forces in Duncan

Fun and frolic combined with more serious selections to make a satisfying evening for everyone

‘Christmas is coming’ is the name of this selection that opens ‘Holiday Magic’.
Roger Helfrick is one of the superb musicians who present Christmas magic onstage in Winter Harp. (Submitted)

VIDEO: Celebrate magic of the holidays as Winter Harp returns to Cowichan Sunday

Wonderful Winter Harp is back at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, Dec. 8 starting at 2 p.m.

Roger Helfrick is one of the superb musicians who present Christmas magic onstage in Winter Harp. (Submitted)
As seen in this picture from 2018, Cowichan Lake folks are always generous at the fire department Christmas toy drive. This year, the event is held Dec. 13-14. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette file)

Lake Cowichan fire department back with annual toy and food drive on Dec. 13-14

As Lake area gets ready to fill Christmas hampers, firefighters call for donations of toys and food

As seen in this picture from 2018, Cowichan Lake folks are always generous at the fire department Christmas toy drive. This year, the event is held Dec. 13-14. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette file)
Council told it’s time to get busy on Lake Cowichan’s roads. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)

Lake Cowichan’s roads need assessing, so costly reconstruction can be avoided

Some work needs to be done soon or costs could skyrocket

Council told it’s time to get busy on Lake Cowichan’s roads. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)
The wonderful Christmas Village is back at Cassy’s Coffee House in Youbou, Thursdays until Sundays in December until Dec. 22. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

VIDEO: Little trains, miniature shops, tiny people: the Christmas Village is back at Youbou

C'mon up to Youbou where Cassy's Coffee House and the Jones family are offering a real holiday treat

The wonderful Christmas Village is back at Cassy’s Coffee House in Youbou, Thursdays until Sundays in December until Dec. 22. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)
Clara expresses her delight in The Nutcracker she’s been given by her mysterious uncle. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

VIDEO: ‘The Nutcracker’ returns to Cowichan for pair of performances on Dec. 7

Traditionally a family favourite, this ballet is a colourful kickoff to Christmas

Clara expresses her delight in The Nutcracker she’s been given by her mysterious uncle. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)
Tenor Benjamin Butterfield has earned acclaim in his native Canada and abroad. (Submitted)

Special Noteworthy Concert this Sunday in Duncan sees Butterfield join Bergmann Duo

Yes, it's one of the onstage series, but it's on Sunday, Dec. 1 instead of Monday as usual

Tenor Benjamin Butterfield has earned acclaim in his native Canada and abroad. (Submitted)
The Brenda’s Brats group always enjoy a good time, and these two Christmas variety shows give everyone a chance to shine. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Two favourite South End Cowichan variety shows are back for another Christmas season

Join your friends for a couple of old-fashioned variety shows

The Brenda’s Brats group always enjoy a good time, and these two Christmas variety shows give everyone a chance to shine. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
The Encore! Women’s Choir start a busy pre-Christmas season this weekend. (Submitted)

Lexi Bainas column: Dancing, seasonal music: all on the slate this week

After the Christmas light-ups, remember there are lots of other events to enjoy

The Encore! Women’s Choir start a busy pre-Christmas season this weekend. (Submitted)
Eben thinks Bobbie’s happiness about the approach of Christmas is ‘humbug’. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)

VIDEO: ‘Little Scrooge’ is timely and entertaining family fun

Up-to-date working of Christmas classic works really well for modern audience

Eben thinks Bobbie’s happiness about the approach of Christmas is ‘humbug’. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)
Iris (Maria Moutou) discusses taking her relationship with Kyle (Charlie Balcom) to the next level – making their status public on Facebook. (Photo by Hayley Picard)

Two plays at Duncan’s QMS tackle relationships

for teenagers, technology has created a whole new world of challenges

Iris (Maria Moutou) discusses taking her relationship with Kyle (Charlie Balcom) to the next level – making their status public on Facebook. (Photo by Hayley Picard)
Eben Scrooge (Keegan Holman) pitches his stolen idea for an app to his teacher, Mr. Fuzziwig (Graham Fielding) while the Ghost of Christmas Past (Roselyn Baird) watches. (Kaatza Lakeside Players photo)
Eben Scrooge (Keegan Holman) pitches his stolen idea for an app to his teacher, Mr. Fuzziwig (Graham Fielding) while the Ghost of Christmas Past (Roselyn Baird) watches. (Kaatza Lakeside Players photo)
Susan Walker (Kaia Russell) doesn’t look like she’s ready to believe in Santa Claus (Hal Kerbes) just yet despite the best efforts of Fred Gailey (Abraham Asto). (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Warm and satisfying, ‘Miracle on 34th St.’ hits holiday entertainment sweet spot

Chemainus Theatre has lined up a tasty dish for its 2019 Christmas blockbuster

Susan Walker (Kaia Russell) doesn’t look like she’s ready to believe in Santa Claus (Hal Kerbes) just yet despite the best efforts of Fred Gailey (Abraham Asto). (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Robert Mari conducts the Cowichan Consort in a special evening of music Nov. 23. (Citizen file)

Music by Elgar, Kodaly, and Schubert on menu when Cowichan Consort takes stage

VIDEO: Beautiful Elgar selection will be performed in honour of four late Consort members

Robert Mari conducts the Cowichan Consort in a special evening of music Nov. 23. (Citizen file)
Tim McGonigle, vice-president of the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative, has announced the winners of $50K in grants handed out by the organization. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-op hands out $50K

'Legacy grants' have gone to a variety of groups for everything from a heat pump to meals on wheels

Tim McGonigle, vice-president of the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative, has announced the winners of $50K in grants handed out by the organization. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Well known as Mbira Spirit, a lively duo who play country tunes with Zimbabwean zest, the Matambas are a favourite on the Valley festival circuit. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

Edu-tainment? Agri-tourism? Little Zimbabwe Farm is unique

Tafadzwa and Amy Matamba are right on the modern trend for farms near urban areas

Well known as Mbira Spirit, a lively duo who play country tunes with Zimbabwean zest, the Matambas are a favourite on the Valley festival circuit. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)