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Art Beat: Gifts of the Magi inspire concerts

The Three Wise Men and their gifts provide the theme of the Choral Gifts Concert by A Cappella Strait and Choralations Children’s Choir, to be performed twice this weekend, on Friday, Dec. 6 at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt, at 7 p.m.
a cappella
The A Cappella singers will again join the Choralations Children’s Choir for this year’s Christmas concerts.

The Three Wise Men and their gifts provide the theme of the Choral Gifts Concert by A Cappella Strait and Choralations Children’s Choir, to be performed twice this weekend, on Friday, Dec. 6 at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at Highland Centre in Roberts Creek, also at 7 p.m. Janice Brunson conducts the vocalists in compositions by William Byrd, Benjamin Britten, Jonathan Dove, Gustav Holst, Francis Poulenc, Chris de Burgh, and Bruce Sled. Tickets at Strait Music in Sechelt, The Blackberry Shop in Lower Gibsons, and at the door. Adults $20, students and seniors $15, children under 12 free. 

Oh Joy 

Award-winning Sunshine Coast writer David King’s play Comfort and Joy is the work in this month’s Off the Page reading-performance at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons. The story: Gini has invited new boyfriend Mitch to Christmas dinner with her well-to-do family. Mitch usually marks the occasion at his working-class mom Joy’s place, so Gini invites her along to her parents’, too. Joy feels uncomfortable with people she doesn’t know, but agrees to go, and seems intent on spreading her discomfort to one and all. Featuring Janet Hodgkinson, John Payne, Ange Cruikshank, Ivy Lock, Ross McKeachie and Wanda Nowicki. Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. Admission by donation. 

Small but snappy 

A group of nine Sunshine Coast artists presents a Power of Paint exhibition, showing at The Kube Studios in Gibsons until Jan. 2. “Small but snappy, with a variety of styles, we put together this collection of artwork in the hope to entice and warm your sensibilities through the winter solstice.” The nine are Morley Baker, Josefa Fritz Barham, Todd Clark, Greta Guzek, Carol LaFave, Kim LaFave, Ian MacLeod, Cindy Riach, and Nadina Tandy. There’s an opening reception on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Craft fairs 

The Kube also presents its second annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “A curated showcase of handmade goods. Shop lovely offerings from local artisans.” 

Local artisans also are offering wares at the Arts & Crafts from the Hood exhibition and sale at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt, Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday the 7th, it’s the Shining Star Christmas Bazaar at Holy Family Catholic Church on Nickerson Rd. in West Sechelt. 

At the pubs 

Sip some local brew and take in some modern renditions of traditional fiddle-and-guitar tunes and songs from Gabriel Dubreuil and Jennifer Mauel, at Persephone Brewing in Gibsons on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. 

The Sofa Kings kick out the dance tunes at Gibsons Legion on Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 8 p.m. 

Also on Saturday, Legion of Flying Monkeys play their singalong folk rock on wooden horns, drums, bass, accordion and ukulele at Roberts Creek Legion, 8 p.m. “Yes, you will have an opportunity to sing along, no pressure.”

This Sunday’s Jam Session at the Clubhouse Restaurant at the Pender Harbour Golf Club is hosted by Simon Paradis and Joe Stanton. Admission by donation, Dec. 8, 2 to 6 p.m. 

Bonar Harris sings at Gibsons Public Market on Saturday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. On Sunday afternoon at the market, you can hear Heidi and Bud Kurz perform Celtic, classical, baroque and jazz tunes as the duo Double Treble. 

Nutcracker 2019

Good tickets are still available for this year’s Nutcracker at Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt. The Sunday matinée has sold out, but seats still can be had for the five other performances: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Monday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Call 604-989-6050.

Dance of life 

The charming and inspiring documentary Mad Hot Ballroom is the final film in the Sunshine Coast Film Society’s fall series. It profiles elementary classes from New York’s inner-city schools as they compete in a city-wide ballroom dancing competition. “As much about life in general as about dancing.” Monday, Dec. 9 and Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.) at Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons. 

Denzel as Biko 

Richard Attenborough’s Cry Freedom tells the story around South African freedom fighter Steve Biko’s death in custody at the hands of the country’s security police during the time of apartheid. Denzel Washington plays Biko while Kevin Kline plays a journalist whose world view is forever altered after meeting Biko in person. Monday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt. Free. 

Submissions 

If there’s an event you’d like considered for Art Beat, please let us know by 11 a.m. Tuesday at arts@coastreporter.net. Space is limited and, regrettably, we can’t list everything. Also check Coast Reporter’s Coast Community Calendar for more music and events.