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Lively City: Summer buskers, artist talk and a whole lot more

What’s better on a summer’s day than a little outdoor music and art? The UniverCity summer busker series has returned for the season, with performers on hand in the UniverCity town square every Wednesday.
Stringz Aloud
Stringz Aloud performs at UniverCity town square on Wednesday, June 11 as part of the summer busking series. Buskers will be out in the square every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through the summer.

What’s better on a summer’s day than a little outdoor music and art?

The UniverCity summer busker series has returned for the season, with performers on hand in the UniverCity town square every Wednesday.

Today (Wednesday, June 17), you can check out the talents of singer-songwriter Francis Henson, and next week (June 24), it’s fiddler Caitlan Read.Stringz Aloud is on tap for July 8.

Check out the whole list of performers at www.univercity.ca/events.

While you’re up on the mountain, you can also check out the new public art at UniverCity. The new Eco So Mo series by Matthew Soules was set to be unveiled last night (Tuesday, June 16) after press time.

“Inspired by the Rosetta Stone, Eco So Mo (Eco Social Modular)derived its storytelling from members of our own community, whose stories were brought to life in inscriptions of text, graphics and markings,” a write-up about the art says.

Eco So Mo incorporates a series of various sculptural forms along the walking paths of University High Street. Check out www.univercity.ca for all the details.

 

Artist talk at gallery this weekend

Want to learn more about the current exhibition at Deer Lake Gallery?

Artist Vanessa Lam will be on hand on Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. for an artist talk in connection with the ongoing Scrapyard Chronicles exhibition.

Check out www.burnaby
artscouncil.org for more on the gallery, or just drop in to 6584 Deer Lake Ave. to see it for yourself. The gallery is open noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and admission is free.

 

New info for opera fans in Burnaby

Heads-up for opera fans: I have some updated information about the Burnaby Lyric Opera concert this weekend.

A previous column mentioned the company’s Opera for a Sunday Afternoon concert this weekend – Sunday, June 21 at 3 p.m. at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

That’s all correct – but, contrary to previous information, the concert will feature a Potpourri of highlights from past and present seasons. Among the songs will be excerpts from La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, La Bohemeand La Spartana Generosa.

Apologies for the confusion, as I had some outdated info in my possession when I wrote it.

And do stop in to the Shadbolt Centre to see this amazing young talent at work. Tickets are only $15, and you can book at 604-205-3000.

 

Summer films and barbecue at Nikkei

Films and all-you-can-eat barbecue? That sounds like a pretty good plan for a summer weekend.

The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre is offering a Japanese film and barbecue weekend on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27.

The schedule includes three movies: Pale Moon (Friday at 7 p.m.), Twilight Sasara Saya(Saturday at 2 p.m.) and Snow on the Blades (Saturday at 7 p.m.).

It also includes a garden barbecue on Saturday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $10 for a single bill ticket ($8 for members) to $30 for a double bill and barbecue. Check out www. centre.nikkeiplace.org for all the details.

 

On the hunt for summer fun for kids

Looking for arty summer fun for kids in Burnaby? So am I!

I’m currently compiling a list of arts-related fun for kids and teens in the city for the summer, so if you or your organization is offering a camp or program our readers should know about, be sure to send me an email.

Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, jmaclellan@burnabynow.com or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.