Arts briefs: Langley youth group benefits by outdoor movie

Langley has various activities coming up to appeal to kids and adults.

Bobby Bruce started impersonating Neil Diamond in 1994 and now has a tribute act devoted to the superstar.

Bobby Bruce started impersonating Neil Diamond in 1994 and now has a tribute act devoted to the superstar.

A Friday event in Langley kicks off another season of Prospera Cinema Under the Stars.

For the eighth year in a row, Prospera Credit Union is hosting a series of movie nights from Metro Vancouver to the Okanagan in support of local charity partners.

All of the movies start at dusk. Admission is free but donations are accepted on behalf of a local charity. In addition to the movies, there are summer activities, face painting and a bouncy castle before the show.

On Friday, Aug. 5 at Willoughby Community Park, the movie Jungle Book 2016 will be shown in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley

View the Cinema Under the Stars calendar on Prospera’s website, www.prospera.ca or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Grrrrr, purr and fur

The next McBurley Plaza event is Animals in the Plaza on Saturday.

From noon to 3 p.m. on Aug. 6, people can check out some unique animals courtesy of the Urban Safari Rescue Society, based in south Cloverdale, as well as learn about the animals and the natural world.

Also enjoy presentations by expert dog trainers, pony rides and more.

Even though this event is about animals, people are asked to leave their pets at home.

Find out more about McBurney Plaza events at www.discoverdowntownlangley.com.

Neil nearby

Nearly Neil performs with The Solitary Band in a tribute to Neil Diamond on Aug. 11. Bobby Bruce and the band bring all Diamond’s hits to the stage of the Summit Theatre in the Cascades Casino.

Bruce started impersonating Neil in 1994 and starting in 1998, he started a tribute show to the popular singer, creating Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band (www.nearlyneil.com).

Thursday’s show by promoter Rock.It Boy Entertainment starts at 8 p.m. Tickets – $42.50 plus fees – are at the casino or ticketweb.ca.

Book the bugs

Chartwell Langley Gardens, the seniors residence at 8888 202nd St., is inviting the public to its courtyard for a special fundraiser.

On Aug. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m., Langley Gardens is hosting a butterfly release to benefit the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation.

“Make a wish, release in honour of a loved one or simply enjoy the beauty of the moment,” said Bridget McLachlan, of Langley Gardens.

Often people release butterflies in memory of a loved one but anyone can take part.

The event also includes refreshments and entertainment as well as a silent auction with all proceeds being donated to the hospital foundation.

A limited number of butterflies are available, so people are advised to make arrangements in advance by calling 604-676-3098. The cost is $10 per butterfly, the painted lady variety which are indigenous to the area.

Opening up art

Open Studio, started 10 years ago by artist Betty Spackman, is a community art education program for emerging artists to develop ideas, methods and materials.

The results are a collection of new works by nine local artists. The works will be on display Aug. 10 to 28 at the Fort Gallery. The opening reception is Aug. 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. Find out more at fortgallery.ca.

Langley Advance