White Rock’s West Beach streetscape was enlivened by a series of Random Acts of Culture early Tuesday evening (April 10), as Semiahmoo Arts’ way of marking B.C. Arts and Culture Week.
Passersby were treated to music, poetry, storytelling and theatrical excerpts in the event, which was designed to foster an appreciation for the Semiahoo Peninsula’s rich and diverse literary and performing-arts scene, by mimicking the ‘random acts of kindness’ concept.
The event was also co-ordinated with Semiahmoo Rotary’s Wine and Dine event at Jimmy Flynn’s Celtic Snug, thanks to Semiahmoo Arts president Barbara Cooper.
“That brought at least 600 people down there, and it shows how partnerships are working for our events,” said Semiahmoo Arts executive director Patrick Reynolds, who added the reaction of passersby helped make the event.
“It was really fun – short and sweet – but nice to get the smiles and honks from passing cars,” he said. “It really did feel like White Rock; it felt like a cultural centre. It made people think and look – it would be nice is we could do something like this in the peak of summer.”
Among those performing for shoppers and restaurant and coffee shop patrons were poet, author, musician and composer Lorne Jones (Mighty Oaks); actors Luvia Petersen and Becky Hachey in a scene from 16th Avenue Productions’ upcoming Waiting For The Parade; children’s author Rebecca Kool and her Kamishabai Storytelling Theatre; dancer Kylie Doobenen accompanied by musician Chris Sadko; poet/author/photographer Ian Lauder (Flower Dance, Elfindale); the Soul of the World Multicultural Choir, directed by Heidi McCurdy; and singer Emily Nealy with guitarist Marie Heath.
