alex.browne@peacearchnews.com
Vaudevillians
The Vaudevillians, touted as B.C.’s number one seniors entertainment troupe, are back at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave., Nov. 12 and 13 (2 p.m. each day) with their 13th annual extravaganza, Reflections of Vaudeville.
As in previous years, the event is a fundraiser in support of a bursary for for performing arts students at Douglas College.
While proving conclusively that talent and energetic performance knows no age limit – and keeping alive some of the historic musical and comedy traditions of vaudeville-style entertainment of the early 20th century – the group has raised more than $100,500 since the show first debuted, helping a total of 37 students, including this year’s five bursary recipients.
Musical direction and choreography for the show is by Dan Minor.
Tickets ($22) are available at the arts centre box office (604-501-5566).
For more information, visit thevaudevillians.com
Trad jazz
The White Rock Traditional Jazz Society’s season of regular Sunday afternoon dances is back at Club 240 (the Royal Canadian Legion Crescent Branch) most Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.
Upcoming dates include Leigh Smith’s Maple Leaf Jazz Band (Nov. 13), and The Bonnie Northgraves Band (Nov. 20) – and note that there will be no jazz on Sunday, Nov. 27 as the legion will be committed to Grey Cup festivities.
Admission is $10 for WRTJS members, $12 for everybody else; tickets are available from 604-591-7275.
The venue is located at 2643 128 St.
Silent auction
A silent auction of art partly to benefit Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation – featuring paintings by Dr. Jane Wu, director of the Intensive Care Unit, and local and international artist Laara WilliamSen – is currently taking place at the Pelican Rouge Cafe, 15142 North Bluff Rd.
People can make bids on the auction until the closing event, Nov. 30 (7-9 p.m.) at the cafe.
Some 50 per cent of all proceeds will go to the foundation.
For more information, call WilliamSen at 604-560-4269.
Morosan art show
White Rock Community Centre continues its show of paintings by a man who captured much of the soul of the seaside city in his many sensitive, meticulously-observed landscapes – the late Vojislav (Voja) Morosan.
In just over a decade, starting in 1996, Morosan became an iconic figure – frequently seen on street corners painting at his easel, white straw hat on his head and faithful Yorkshire terrier Pebbles by his side.
The tribute exhibition, featuring some of his most arresting and evocative views of the community, continues until Nov. 24, presented by the city’s Art On Display program, in collaboration with Semiahmoo Arts and other sponsors.
Remaining paintings from Morosan’s inventory – some 40 in all – are being sold locally as his widow, Norma, strives to keep the iconic work in the community.
The centre is located at 15154 Russell Ave.
Live at Club 240
A consortium of Peninsula musicians and music promoters – including the White Rock Blues Society – is collaborating with the Royal Canadian Legion Crescent Branch 240 to build the legion’s ‘Club 240’ brand as a dance-oriented venue for live music on Friday nights.
The Semiahmoo Musical Consortium’s Live At Club 240 program – which plans to offer multiple genres of music to reach the largest audience – starts this week, running every Friday, except for special holidays (there will be no show this Friday, in observance of Remembrance Day).
Upcoming attractions are well-known local band The Ocean Park Wailers (Nov. 18) and No Quarter (Nov. 25).
The legion is located at 2643 128 St. Doors open each dance night at 7 p.m., with the music starting at 8 p.m.
Tickets ($20) are available at the legion box office (604-535-1043) or online at www.brownpapertickets.ca
Blue Frog
Blue Frog Studios in White Rock continues to bring world-class performers to the Semiahmoo Peninsula for intimate concert shows.
Coming up on Nov. 25, with shows at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., is one of the studio’s perennial hot tickets – two time Juno award-winner Alfie Zappacosta.
The Canadian baritone and songwriter’s steamy version of Me and Mrs. Jones and American Music Award-winning Overload (from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack) brought him to international attention, while his versions of Start Again, Passion, When I Fall In Love and Nothing Can Stand In Your Way became staples on Canadian adult contemporary radio.
For his White Rock shows he will be joined by his full band (Andrew Glover on keys, Kerry Galloway on bass, Phil Robertson on drums and Grammy award-winner Tom Keenlyside on saxophone).
The venue is located at 1328 Johnston Rd.; tickets are available at 604-542-3055 or to check showtimes or book seats online – or find information on other Blue Frog concerts – visit www.bluefrogstudios.ca
Salsa dance
Semiahmoo Peninsula residents whose toes start tapping whenever they hear latin dance rhythms will be pleased to know that Hot Salsa Dance Zone has established a monthly series of Friday night dance parties at the White Rock Elks Club.
Next event is Nov. 18 (7 to 11 p.m.) at the club lounge, 1469 George St.
A dance lesson, music and entertainment provided by the group for each party will keep beginners and experienced dancers alike in shape with such exciting dances as the salsa, merengue, bachata, cha-cha and much more.
Admission will be $10.
For information and dates of upcoming dance parties, call 604-725-4654, 604-808-2311 or visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com
Salsa band
There’s even more Salsa being served up this month on the Semiahmoo Peninsula with a ‘Salsa-Orquesta’-style dance party and social Nov. 19, 8-11 p.m. at Club 240 (Crescent Legion Branch, 2643 128 St.) with dynamic live latin band Santa Lucia LFR.
The band will be playing music for all the popular dance styles including salsa, cumbias, cha cha cha, boogaloo and even some rock n’ roll.
Admission is $20 at the door (doors open at 7 p.m.).
For more information, call 604-535-1080 or visit www.santaluciamusic.com
Chamber Music
White Rock Chamber Music – which features noted musicians in the community, while fostering young and emerging talents – is back with a new season of monthly concerts at Crescent Gardens Retirement Community, 1222 King George Blvd.
Next is scheduled for Nov. 19, featuring Zoe Chen on the pipa (chinese lute-like instrument), pianist Annie Yeh, Duo Spirito (pianist Erika Hadi and cellist Dorle Eason) and the Cantrix Women’s Choir directed by Sarona Mynhardt.
Other concerts this season will take place Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 18, March 11, April 1 and May 6.
All concerts are at 7:30 p.m.
Suggested donation is $5, which goes into a fund to help developing musical artists on the peninsula.
Pinocchio
The newly re-named FVGSS: A Musical Theatre Society (formerly the Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society) will present its Christmas pantomime, Pinocchio, Nov. 24 to Dec. 4 at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave.
The script, by co-directors Mike Balser and Barbie Warwick, was first produced by the society 20 years ago.
Featured as Pinocchio is Lois Warwick, with Jake Hildebrand as Gepetto, Melissa Funnell as ‘Jiminy Christmas’ and Miriah Reitmeier as Bella Grazia.
Musical direction is in the capable hands of Tim Tucker, with choreography by the ever-reliable Carol Seitz.
Tickets ($27.95, $22.95 students and seniors, $11.95 all ages on Wednesdays and Thursdays) are available from 604-501-5566.
Alice in Wonderland
White Rock Players Club’s next production will be Alice In Wonderland (Dec. 1-28) – a free adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic to suit the requirements of a Christmas pantomime by director Lisa Pavilionis and her frequent writing collaborator, her sister Sara.
For ticket reservations and showtimes, call 604-536-7535, or visit www.whiterockplayers.ca
Orchestral Christmas
The White Rock Community Orchestra Christmas Concert, under the direction of new Maestra Paula DeWit, will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church 1480 George St.
Special guests will be soprano Michelle Koebke and the Belle Voci a cappella ensemble.
Tickets ($15) include refreshments.
For information, call 604-535-8949 or visit www.wrco.ca
Christmas sing-along
The popular Hazeltones band will present Songs of the Season, a Christmas-themed sing-along, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at Sunnyside United Church, 15639 24 Ave.
Admission to the event, which features refreshments, is $15 for adults, with children admitted free.
To reserve tickets for this popular annual event, call Pat at 604-531-6558.
Classical Coffee
Surrey Civic Theatres presents the return of its Thursday Classical Coffee Concerts (part of the Surrey Spectacular series) with new hosts Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann – also known as the Bergmann Piano Duo – at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave.
Renowned for their dazzling playing skills, eclectic programs and extraordinary storytelling skills, the Bergmanns will continue to bring their talents to the intimate and casual series Dec. 8, 11 a.m., with Christmas Fantasies; Feb. 5 with From Bach To Brubeck (3:30 p.m. concert); March 23, 11 a.m. with Three’s A Crowd…Not!, and April 23 with L’histoire du Tango (3:30 p.m. concert).
Tickets are $30 per concert, or $75 for three concerts.
To book tickets, or for further information, call the Arts Centre box office at 604-501-5566, email surreycivictheatres@surrey.ca or visit tickets.surrey.ca
Singers wanted
Pacific Showtime Men’s Chorus, based in Ocean Park, rehearses Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 12953 20 Ave.
The small community chorus of experienced singers is currently seeking new members for all vocal ranges: lead, tenor, baritone and bass.
Offering a big sound in a variety of musical styles, Pacific Showtime has been featured at a many different Lower Mainland events, including show productions, concerts and private functions.
The repertoire is designed to include songs and a singing style that appeal to a wide variety of music preferences, with emphasis on entertainment value, and chance to develop singing skills while having fun and enjoying camaraderie.
Male singers are invited to attend rehearsals to check out the group and, hopefully, join in.
For more information, call 604-536-5292 or email leighand@shaw.ca
Orchestral recruits
The more than four decades–old White Rock Community Orchestra, now led by newly-appointed conductor Paula DeWit, welcomes new musicians of all experience levels, and is currently seeking violin, viola, oboe, bassoon and saxophone players.
For details, call president Don Miller at 604-807-0560 or email papadon1812@hotmail.com, or visit http://whiterockcommunityorchestra.org
Call for symphonists
Now celebrating its 30th concert season, the Fraser Valley Symphony is seeking new members in the violin, viola, and percussion sections, but also welcomes inquiries from other interested professional-calibre musicians.
Performing alongside world class instrumental and vocal soloists, the orchestra provides an opportunity for auditioned musicians to present a variety of music to audiences throughout the region.
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, in Abbotsford.
Contact info@fraservalleysymphony.org or call 604-859-3877.
Sunshine at night
There’s something special about open mic evenings – not only are you likely to hear a variety of music that most venue programmers can’t present, but you might just catch an early performance by a rising star, or a surprise appearance by an established performer trying some new material.
Semiahmoo Peninsula open mic king Dennis Peterson – a man with a good eye for White Rock and South Surrey’s growing pool of experienced and developing talents – is offering a regular show, 6-9 p.m. most Saturdays at The Good Day Sunshine Cafe, #100-2950 King George Hwy.
With dinner, drinks and dessert also on the menu, it’s a good venue to settle in for an evening of unexpected musical treats, and there’s no restriction on taking pictures of the performers (although Peterson asks that anyone wanting to video record a performance seek advance permission of the artist).
Morrison Music Nights
Morrison Cafe’s Morrison Music Nights, is a regular monthly dinner/concert series in Ocean Park, offering a three-course fine-dining-with-music experience in the licensed venue.
On music nights, dinner is served from 5 p.m., followed by the concert, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets for the monthly presentations ($40) are available at the cafe, at 12855-16th Ave.
The series is being coordinated by well-known musician Randy Schultz (Swamp City), who said it fits in with his long-standing objective of developing local venues capable of providing viable showcases for chronically under-valued professional musicians, rather than simply offering the more usual ‘open mic’ opportunities.
For more information, call 604-531-3636 or 604-721-0872.
