Feeling crafty? The Burnaby Public Library is giving kids and families a chance to get their hands on some holiday art.
This coming Monday, Dec. 7, youth in grades 6 to 9 are invited to a DIY night. This do-it-yourself night is a free drop-in event that gives kids a chance to try their hand at making holiday greeting cards. It runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the program room at the Metrotown branch. Call 604-297-4809 for more info, or just drop in.
On Saturday, Dec. 12, families are invited to drop in to the Metrotown branch anytime between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for some festive winter crafts. You don’t need to register ahead, and different options will be available for different ages. Adults must accompany kids younger than 10.
Then, on Saturday, Dec. 19, kids aged five to 12 are invited to a Christmas bunting banner craft session running 2 to 3 p.m. at the Cameron branch. It’s free, but register by calling 604-421-5454. Caregivers must accompany children aged 10 and under.
See www.bpl.bc.ca/events for all the details of these and other library programs.
Shopping with meaning
A Burnaby jewelry artist is part a show that’s striving to make Christmas shopping more meaningful.
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy (www.shinyfuzzymuddy.com) is an annual curated show that’s aimed at giving people a chance to buy gifts directly from the artist or maker. It takes place at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St. in Vancouver, and it draws together more than 25 artists.
Among those is Joanna Lovett of Burnaby, who brings her unique jewelry designs to a show that also includes glassware, shoes, textiles, ceramics, metal work and more.
It’s on Dec. 12 and 13, running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 per person. Funds are earmarked for an emerging artists scholarship that will help a new artist join next year’s event.
Burnaby native at theatrical helm
A Burnaby Central grad turned award-winning director is at the helm of the next outing by Blackbird Theatre.
Johnna Wright is directing Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals, running Dec. 28 to Jan. 23 at the Cultch. It stars Gabrielle Rose as the famous character Mrs. Malaprop – whose tendency to mix words and metaphors led to the introduction of the term “malapropism” to the English language. She’s joined by a cast of acclaimed talents including Scott Bellis, Duncan Fraser, Martin Happer, Luisa Jojic, Emma Slipp, Kirk Smith, John Emmet Tracy and Jenny Wasko-Paterson.
The plot revolves around the romantic Lydia Languish, who is appalled when her beloved – who she thinks is a poor ensign - turns out to be a well-connected captain.
Wright and her father, John Wright – artistic director of Blackbird Theatre - are Burnaby natives. Wright went to high school at Burnaby Central, where she performed in shows with the drama department, and then went on to study theatre at UBC.
See www.blackbirdtheatre.ca for more on the show or to buy tickets.
An early music celebration
A Burnaby resident is part of the excitement when Early Music Vancouver presents its holiday concert at the Chan Centre.
Marco Del Rio, a baritone with the Laudate Singers, is onstage for the Festive Cantatas – Praetorious Christmas Vespers performance on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.
Early Music Vancouver is partnering with the Portland Baroque Orchestra, Early Music Guild of Seattle and Early Music Society of the Islands for the program – which recreates a Christmas Vespers service as it might have been heard in 17th-century Germany. The selections will include works from throughout Praetorious’ career and will also give the audience a chance to join in a selection of familiar early Christmas carols.
David Fallis will direct an ensemble of more than 50 performers – including the Laudate Singers and La Rose des Vents ensemble - for the occasion.
Del Rio, who studied music at Capilano University before transferring to UBC’s bachelor of music program, is also frequently seen onstage with VanDeca – a locally based choir of which Del Rio is a founding member and co-director. He has also performed with the Celtic folk band Elsay and hard rock band Dalziel.
Tickets for the Christmas Vespers start at $17.50; see earlymusic.bc.ca or call 604-822-2697.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment suggestions to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
