The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is presenting An Evening at the Blue Moon Marquee, an online streaming concert, on Friday, April 16.

The music event starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is by a minimum donation of $10.

So what can you expect at the show?

“You’re invited to an evocative and rollicking online concert featuring the gypsy blues stylings of Blue Moon Marquee, made up of A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums) who write and perform original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps or grooves,” reads the show description. “Experience all the thrill of a concert from the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre from the comfort of home.”

Get tickets here: https://sidedooraccess.com/shows/8riqenxISOCM0uA8c4Tt

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley has launched an online fundraiser that could make you a winner.

Called Big BC Lotto, it’s a 50/50 campaign “that will help agencies maintain mentorship programs and operations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“On top of the growing need for volunteers, the pandemic has caused increased strain on children and youth,” explains a press release for the campaign. “One in four kids says their friendships have been negatively affected by stay-at-home orders, and loneliness was the third most-used word by kids between the ages of 10 and 17 when describing how they’ve felt.”

BBBS staff have done their best to turn to online programming, but everyone has been hit hard by the loss of in-person fundraising and a decrease in donations to support the organization.

BBBS serves more than 7,000 children and youth annually in more than 60 communities from the Interior, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island to Northern B.C.

“Young people are facing adversities that have been emphasized by the pandemic. Now, more than ever, young people need to know someone is there for them,” said Andree Nash, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver staff member. “With your support, the Big BC Lotto will help to ensure our mentorship programs remain a vital part of our communities through these unpredictable times.”

The fundraiser is on now until May 14. British Columbians over the age of 19 can purchase the 50/50 raffle tickets online at BigBCLotto.ca.

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Are you an artist, or interested in taking up sketching? In-person classes are coming to Duncan in May through the Bateman Foundation.

Called Nature Sketch, the program has options for juniors (aged five to 12) and adults. All classes are limited to eight participants and take place outdoors to ensure COVID safety.

In Duncan, junior sessions run from Saturday, May 1 to June 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Adult sessions are Saturday May 1 from to June 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

If you can’t make the in-person classes there are online options.

“The celebrated outdoor education program, which launched in 2016, has been running online since COVID hit last spring,” a press release explains. “The online sessions are accessible no matter where you live: participants have joined from all across North America, and even as far as Europe! The foundation will continue to offer online programs alongside the in-person classes.”

For more information and the register, go to https://batemanfoundation.org/naturesketch/

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The Vancouver Island Regional Library was excited to announce that they are going to be hosting Trickster author Eden Robinson for an online event.

“April 23 is a date literary fans need to mark in their calendars,” enthuses a press release for the event. “At 2 p.m., Vancouver Island Regional Library is hosting renowned Haisla and Heiltsuk author, Eden Robinson, for an online conversation and reading from her latest book, Return of the Trickster, the third and final installment in the bestselling Trickster trilogy.”

“Eden Robinson is a prominent and prolific writer, and we are beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with her,” says Steinunn Benjaminsson, VIRL customer service librarian II and event organizer. “Anyone who has read her works knows she is deeply imaginative, hilarious, and thoughtful. Hers is a unique and important voice among writers in Canada. I cannot wait to delve more deeply into the Trickster series with Eden and share this national treasure with what I know will be a large and engaged audience.”

The free event is being hosted on Zoom. Space in limited so anyone interested should register as soon as possible at https://virl.bc.ca/event/eden_robinson/

Cowichan Valley Citizen