An impressive cornucopia of artistic treats awaits art lovers as the holiday season approaches. How often have I heard people wish, sometimes with a trace of envy, that they had more art in their lives? I’m reminded of the old English proverb “What, a cat may look on a king, ye know!” I may not have the finances to purchase all the art I would like to have hanging on my walls, but I can definitely attend art openings, studio tours, gallery … [Read more...]
Art Walks, Shows and Sales for the 2012 Holiday Season – Victoria BC
November 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Bounce Dance Cabaret Returns – November 24, 2012
November 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Bounce Dance Cabaret is back and I couldn't be happier. Mariko Ihara, Kimberly Tuson, Stacey Horton, Jung-Ah Chung, Lisa Milloy, Lori Hamar, Hugh MacPherson photo: Michael Barnes Treena Stubel, award winning dancer and choreographer, founded Bounce! in 2009 to support new work by independent dance and physical theatre artists. As a long time collaborator and friend of Victoria’s Atomic Vaudeville cabaret, she was inspired to create a … [Read more...]
Open Cinema hosts: “Play Again” – November 7th, 2012
November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Open Cinema hosts the thought-provoking and gently funny documentary PLAY AGAIN Wednesday November 7th, in partnership with the Habitat Acquistion Trust, and asks the question – “What are the consequences of a childhood removed from Nature?” As a child, growing up on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island in the 1960s and early 1970s, I spent hours exploring the woods and beaches surrounding my community. It wasn’t unusual for me … [Read more...]
A Fall Staycation at the Harbour Towers Hotel in Victoria BC
November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Who doesn’t love a staycation – that brief vacation away from all the weekend chores, an indulgence to celebrate a special anniversary, or simply the chance to experience Victoria as outsiders do? We make it a practice to schedule regular staycations during the year, and in October had the opportunity to experience a recent weekend at the Harbour Towers Hotel and Suites. Readers may not know that I spent 15 years in the hospitality industry, … [Read more...]
Babes Go Bare Calendar 2011
November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Babes Go Bare Calendar 2011 I first met Trish Caddy of Babes Go Bare for Cancer in October 2009 through my son, Christopher Loran, community events coordinator with the Q! radio station. Chris had been approached by Stephanie Whitaker, one of the original babes, to see if there was anything the Q! could do to help promote the 2010 calendar. Chris called me since he knew I had some experience with fundraising events In rapid order I told … [Read more...]
Envisioning the World at the Royal BC Museum, Oct 4 2012 – Jan 27 2013
November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
If you've ever pored over an old atlas, or traced your fingers from Point A to Point B on an antiquated road map, you might have the same interest that sparked a life-long passion for Henry Wendt. It’s as a result of this passion that the Royal BC Museum is able to present a most unique exhibition Envisioning The World: The First Printed Maps, 1472 – 1700 in association with the Sonoma County Museum. … [Read more...]
Theatrical Treats for Halloween in Victoria BC
October 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Since time immemorial people have gathered together at this turn in the seasons, as night falls earlier and earlier, and conversation around campfires, hearths and living rooms has turned to spooky and scary tales. Victoria theatre companies have seized upon this desire for the frightful, and propose a panoply of plays for your viewing pleasure. In addition, the ever popular Ghost Bus Tours narrated by local historian John Adams, a fundraiser … [Read more...]
Cage 100 Festival in Victoria BC – a fine arts collaboration
October 25, 2012 By 3 Comments
I’m always looking to extend my cultural horizons beyond tried and true choices. The Cage Festival, November 8th – 22nd has definitely piqued my interest. Four Victoria arts institutions - the Victoria Symphony, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, University of Victoria (School of Music) and Open Space - are celebrating the 100th anniversary of John Cage’s birth by hosting a series of concerts, art exhibitions and special retrospectives … [Read more...]
Popular Belfry Theatre fundraiser Crush – cancelled – due to LCLB decision
October 22, 2012 By 1 Comment
Just as I was about to update my readers on a number of popular arts fundraisers, the Belfry Theatre is forced to cancel their popular CRUSH - A Fine Wine Affair, due to a Liquor Control and Licensing Board decision. This last minute decision has far-reaching implications for others arts groups as well. Ivan Habel, General Manager, announced this afternoon (October 22nd, 2012) that Crush, the Belfry’s fundraising event scheduled for Sunday, … [Read more...]
The Hobbit at William Head on Stage (WHoS) – a review.
October 19, 2012 By 1 Comment
It’s a fair journey through the country roads of Metchosin for William Head on Stage’s production of The Hobbit, but definitely not as epic as the one travelled by the intrepid band of thespians interpreting Tolkein’s classic for our viewing pleasure. Now in its 31st year (The Hobbit is their 51st), WHoS started as a final exam for prisoners taking the University of Victoria’s drama course, and is the only inmate-initiated, inmate-run theatre … [Read more...]
