They’re turning 40, and they’re throwing themselves a party. Er, a concert.
The Confederation Senior Choir is holding a concert on Wednesday, May 25 at Confederation seniors’ centre, starting at 7 p.m. And not just any concert – it’s a special 40th anniversary bash and the first concert they’re holding at Confederation for the general public.
Maggie Ford, who emailed to let us know about the event, notes the group is a multicultural one made up of volunteers who practise on Saturdays and entertain at seniors’ homes and hospitals on most Tuesdays for nine months of the year.
In its ranks are some folks who’ve been with the choir a long time – includingPat Cameron, who’s been a member for 29 years, and Margaret Burkett,who has been singing for 34 years this year and also organizes and chooses the music.
One of the singers, Shunoi Fung, has joined the ranks of the city’s centenarians, having reached the 100 mark on Nov. 11, 2015.
Everyone is invited to join the choir in a program of lively music – including classic show tunes, big band music, ballads and more – to mark the anniversary. Confederation centre is at 4585 Albert St., North Burnaby. Call 604-297-4810.
ARTS STUDENTS WIN AWARDS
Some of Burnaby’s top arts students have been given a helping hand with their education, thanks to the Michael J. Fox Theatre Society.
The society has announced the winners of the 2016 Michael J. Fox Family Scholarships, and five Burnaby high school students are receiving awards this year.
Winners are Arthi Chandra from Cariboo Hill, Ivy Chu from Byrne Creek, Franco Ferrari of Moscrop, Danae McLean of Burnaby South and Rose McTavish of Alpha.
The money, which ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, is used to help students pursue post-secondary studies in an arts or arts-related area.
Money for the scholarships, by the way, was originally provided by Michael J. Fox himself, and it’s now managed by a committee with support from corporate and personal donations, grants and revenue from the theatre’s concession.
Kudos to all the winners – and we’ll look forward to seeing those names in the future.
PAPERBOYS, YUKON BLONDE AT FESTIVAL
Any fans of the Paperboys or Yukon Blonde out there?
Be sure to get yourself over to the European Festival at Swangard Stadium on May 28.
The two bands are headlining the festival’s main stage, with the Paperboys set to perform at 6 p.m. and Yukon Blonde at 8 p.m.
The Paperboys, for those who haven’t discovered them, are a self-described “multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-generational, multi-lingual, multi-instrumental, genre bending, co-ed band” that mixes Celtic and bluegrass sounds with traditional Mexican music. (I heard them years ago at a Harmony Arts Festival in West Van, and two of their albums have been in regular rotation on my playlists ever since.)
Popular Candian indie rockers Yukon Blonde are coming to the stage in Burnaby before kicking off a U.S. tour with the Zolas.
The stages at the festival are packed full of entertainment for both Saturday and Sunday, with vocal, dance and instrumental groups representing a wide range of cultures. Whether your preference is for Hungarian dancing, a Croatian orchestra, a Czech choir, a Russian folk group, or something else altogether, you’re bound to find it on the program.
The festival is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. A weekend pass is $10 at the gate
Check out www.europeanfestival.ca for all the details.
DANCE MUSIC BY THE BONFIRE
Electronic music fans, here’s a heads-up: the Ember Skies dance music festival is returning to the Scandinavian Community Centre for its Midsummer Eve kickoff party.
The festival is set for Friday, June 17, and festivalgoers can enjoy live DJs and electronic beats around the bonfire – with Hijinx of Finaldn, Volodicus of Sweden/Norway, Fiksupoika of Finland, Phonofile of Finland/Sweden, and Canadians Starbauck and Rich Haughton.
The Scandinavian Community Centre is at 6540 Thomas St. Tickets are $15 at the door. Call 604-340-8186 for information, or see www.facebook.com/SPLENDUB.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
