Writers, it's time to pick up those pens - or start up those laptops, as the case may be.
The Burnaby Writers' Society has announced its 47th annual writing contest.
The contest invites everyone to write one page on this year's theme: wood.
"In traditional Chinese culture, wood is described as the 'fifth element,' one that bridges the animate and inanimate world," a press release notes.
Writers are free to interpret that theme in any way they wish, in either prose or poetic form.
Prizes of $200, $100 and $50, as well as honourable mentions, will be awarded for the best one-page submissions of either prose or poetry - the only stipulation is that the work must be complete on one page.
It's $5 per entry, or $10 for three entries, and the deadline is May 31. Check out www.burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com for all the details.
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A group of artists from North Burnaby is inviting everyone to come check out an upcoming art show.
The Gamma Garage art show is running Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13.
It features the work of members Dianne Yard, Wilma Cook, Pat Sexsmith and Sheila Chowdhury, along with special guest artist Robin Timms.
The show runs noon to 5 p.m. both days, and everyone is welcome.
To check out the show, stop by 232 North Gamma Ave. in Capitol Hill.
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Top-calibre music with a good lunch?
Doesn't get much better than that.
The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is continuing its A Little Lunch Music series on Thursday, March 27.
The series includes noon-hour concerts at the Shadbolt's Encores Café, running from noon to 1 p.m., with a special buffet lunch running from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This week's concert features Afro-Cuban jazz with Toto Berriel, Danny Sinclair and Ilhan Saferali.
Berriel is a traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist and vocalist who hails from Matanzas, Cuba. He began his professional music career at the age of 16 in Los Yumurinos and was then invited to join the world-renowned rumba group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.
He's now a musician in Vancouver and also an accompanist at the Shadbolt Centre.
The April 24 edition of A Little Lunch Music will feature the Tim Hearsey Blues Band.
For more, check out www.shadboltcentre.com.
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New Westminster Christian Reformed Church is calling all artists to take part in a recreate Art show on April 26.
The church recently posted some information about the show, noting it's calling for contributions from local artists, both amateur and professional.
"Pull out your paintings, quilts, sculptures, pottery, photographs - whatever medium you work with - and register to show them for free," the church invitation says. "You can make something new or display something you've had for some time."
Performing artists can also take part in a showcase that evening.
The visual art exhibition, including demonstrations and live music, will run from noon to 4 p.m.
In the evening, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., there will be performances and poetry readings, along with hors d'oeuvres, for a $10 cost.
The church is at 8355 13th Ave. in Burnaby.
Any artist wanting more information can find details and a registration form online at www.nwcrc.ca/recreate-art.
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Did you ever sing with the British Columbia Boys' Choir? Do you know someone who did?
The B.C. Boy's Choir is holding its 45th anniversary reunion weekend May 17 and 18 in Vancouver. The weekend culminates in a gala concert on the Sunday afternoon at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
All alumni are invited.
Check out www.bcboyschoir.org for all the details.
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Kevin Takahide Lee is building bridges in song.
Lee is leading a Newcomers' Choir in Burnaby, rehearsing Saturdays in the daycare portable at Marlborough Elementary School.
The choir is designed to help people practise their English-language skills, and it's open to singers of all ages and backgrounds aged 13 and up. (Those under 17 must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian.)
The choir meets Saturdays at 3 p.m.
For more information or to join, check out Lee's website at www.miusc.ca (yes, that's M-I-U-S-C - "music with a twist," as Lee says) or email him, [email protected].
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Do you have an item for Lively City? Send ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
