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Here's what's up on Burnaby's arts and entertainment scene

ON NOW To Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 echoes, an exhibition at Burnaby Art Gallery, featuring the work of six artists from across the continent. Gallery open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Nearly Neil
Nearly Neil entertains for a Valentine's Day fundraiser for Burnaby Family Life.

ON NOW

To Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020

echoes, an exhibition at Burnaby Art Gallery, featuring the work of six artists from across the continent. Gallery open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Special events in connection with the exhibition include a Stewardship Workshop and an Upcycled Art Making Workshop for kids (aged five to 16, with parent) on Saturday, Jan. 18, and a panel discussion on Sunday, Jan. 19. For full details, see www.burnabyartgallery.ca. The gallery is at 6344 Deer Lake Ave.

 

To Sunday, Jan. 26

History in Relief, an exhibition of wood relief cuts by Raymond Tayler, depicting iconic New West landmarks, scenes and events, on at the Gallery at Queen’s Park, Centennial Lodge. Gallery open Wednesdays from 1 to 8 p.m., and Thursdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Info: www.acnw.ca.

 

To Friday, Jan. 31

A Lived In City, an exhibition of photography by Tyler Wilson, in the Plaskett Gallery at Massey Theatre,735 Eighth Ave. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m., and during performances at the theatre. Info: www.masseytheatre.comor 604-517-5900.

Sunrise in the Closet, an art exhibition featuring the work of artist Lilly Em, on the art wall at Burnaby Neighbourhood House North House, 4908 Hastings St., open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open house set for Friday, Jan. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.

 

To Sunday, Feb. 2

Cartooney, an exhibition at the New Westminster New Media Gallery, featuring works by six international artists exploring the impact of animated cartoons on our society. The gallery, on the third floor at Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.), has free admission. Info: www.newmedigallery.com.

 

To Saturday, Feb. 29

Three Echoes: Hope and Transformation, a mixed-media exhibition by three immigrant artists: Sidi Schaffer, Sorour Abdollahi and Devora, at Amelia Douglas Gallery (fourth floor, Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.), with opening reception Jan. 16 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., artists’ talk on Jan. 21, 6:30 to 6:30 p.m. Info: www.douglascollege.ca/artsevents.

 

To Saturday, April 4

Seriously Surreal, an art exhibition by Artists in the Boro at the Art in the Atrium gallery at Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave. Info: www.artistsintheboro.ca.

 

To July 2020

Nikkei, a year-long exhibition at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, explores the personal stories of individuals and families of Japanese descent: unique stories of arrival, heroism in the face of racism, the resilience of community and the experience of generations. The core exhibit will rotate through more than 30,000 photographs, 35 metres of textual records, 500 oral history recordings, 100 film reels and more than 2,500 artifacts and artworks. The Nikkei Centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres. See www.nikkeiplace.org for details.

 

UPCOMING

Saturday, Jan. 18 to Saturday, Jan. 25

Something for Everyone, a pop-up exhibition featuring the work of artist Gary Liemen, at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave., with opening reception Jan. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. Info: www.burnabyartscouncil.org or 604-298-7322.

 

Sunday, Jan. 19

Songwriter Sessions, a workshop and discussion group led by Glenn Wootton and Lavana La Brey for songwriters of all levels, 6 to 8 p.m. at the New West Artists Gallery, 712C 12th St. Info: woottongg@gmail.com or Lavana, 604-525-4566.

 

Monday, Jan. 20

Hosanna, by Michel Tremblay, a staged reading of the play at 7:30 p.m. at Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., part of the theatre’s Queerly Canadian play reading series. Free, open to all. Info: www.masseytheatre.com/queerly-canadian-a-play-reading-series-2/

 

Monday, Jan. 20 to Saturday, Jan. 25

Burnaby Photographic Society print display, in the lobby at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Info: www.bpsphoto.ca.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Sound Bites, with concert plus refreshments in the Studio Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., featuring the instrumental folk group Portiia, with performances at noon and 2 p.m. Tickets $5 in advance, $10 at the door, tickets.shadboltcentre.com.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Stepping Stones, a live performance by singer-songwriter Cory Mae Omega, 7 to 9 p.m. at The Gallery at Queen’s Park, Centennial Lodge, featuring special guest multi-instrumentalist Abe Lagrimas Jr. Book at www.eventbrite.ca.

 

Thursday, Jan. 23 and Friday, Jan. 24

Mama’s Boy, presented by Mike Delamont in the Studio Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., 8 p.m. Tickets: 604-205-3000 or tickets.shadboltcentre.com.

 

Saturday, Jan. 25

Burnaby Photographic Society 24th annual showcase, audiovisual show at 7 p.m. in the James Cowan Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets $20, contact showcase@bpsphoto.ca or phone 604-318-9369, or see www.bpsphoto.ca.

Music at Queens concert series features Van Django, acoustic string ensemble, 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave., New Westminster. Tickets $25 regular, $20 students/seniors, $10 for children (kindergarten to Grade 7). Info: musicatqueens@gmail.com or 604-522-1606, or see more at www.queeensavenue.org.

Duo Solisti performs at 7:30 p.m. at Anvil Centre Theatre as part of the Vancouver Chamber Music series. The duo features cellist Brannon Cho and violinist Yoojin Jang. For tickets and information, see www.anvilcentre.com.

International Guitar Night, 7:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., featuring four top guitarists from around the world. Info and tickets: www.masseytheatre.com.

The Marvels of Flash Fiction, a workshop with Karen Schauber, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., in Room 417. Cost $15 for Royal City Literary Arts Society members, $25 for non-members. Info: www.rclas.com.

SFU Pipe Band hosts its annual Robbie Burns Dinner at the Executive Plaza Hotel Metro Vancouver, 405 North Rd., Coquitlam, with dinner featuring haggis and all the trimmings, plus piping, dancing and music. Tickets $80 per person. See www.tinyurl.com/SFURobbieBurns2020.

 

Saturday, Jan. 25 and Saturday, Feb. 1

New Media Gallery presents 3D for Seniors: HOME, a two-session workshop running 1:30 to 4 p.m. each day, introducing seniors to 3D technology. Full info: www.newmediagallery.ca/programs.

 

Monday, Jan. 27

All is True, screening for Last Mondays at the Movies at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Movie at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $9 general, $8 for students and seniors. Info: www.acnw.ca/movies.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 29 to Saturday, Feb. 1

The Believers Are But Brothers, onstage at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., in the Studio Theatre. Tickets $36, or $15 for students ($15 for Wednesday opening night): tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000.

 

Thursday, Jan. 30

In Their Words: Royal City Reading Series, 6 to 8 p.m. at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., in Room 417, with host Ruth Kozak. Featuring Sherry Duggal reading the work of Mary Oliver, Lauwo George reading the work of Yewande Omotoso, and Franci Louann reading the work of Elizabeth Bachinsky. Info: www.rclas.com.

 

Friday, Jan. 31

Begonia onstage at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets $25, buy through tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000.

 

Friday, Jan. 31 to Friday, Feb. 15

Shrek the Musical, presented by Align Entertainment at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave., Burnaby. Info and tickets: www.alignentertainment.com.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 29 to Friday, Jan. 31

Shakespeare’s Em, a workshop performance by Pi Theatre. The company is working on a new adaptation of Othello, based on the point of view of the character Emilia, and the public is invited to observe, respond and contribute as part of the PuSh Festival performances at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. Runs noon to 5 p.m. daily, with scene presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 31. Free. Info: www.pitheatre.com/tickets.

 

Saturday, Feb. 1

The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Elton John, featuring performer Ryan Langevin, 7:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets $42 to $53, see www.iloveeltonjohn.com.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 4

What You Won’t Do for Love, a PuSh Festival in-development workshop presentation of the casual, conversational piece of theatre by David Suzuki and his life partner, Tara Cullis, 8 p.m. at Anvil Centre. Available only to PuSh pass and package holders. See www.pushfestival.ca.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 5 to Saturday, Feb. 8

God’s Lake, a Castlereigh Theatre project, onstage at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets: 604-205-3000 or tickets.shadboltcentre.com.

 

Thursday, Feb. 6 to Sunday, Feb. 9

Monday Nights, presented by 6th Man Collective and the Theatre Centre (Canada) as part of the PuSh Festival at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., with 8 p.m. shows Feb. 6 to 8, and 2 p.m. shows Feb. 8 and 9. Tickets $9, buy through www.pushfestival.ca or call 604-449-6000.

 

Thursday, Feb. 6 to Saturday, Feb. 29

Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act, presented by Vagabond Players at Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen’s Park, with shows Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $17, or $15 for seniors and youth, with $12 previews on Feb. 6 and 7. Tickets: Call 604-521-0412 or see www.vagabondplayers.ca/tickets.

 

Saturday, Feb. 8

Nikkei Mubi: Japanese Canadian Home Movies from the 1930s to 1970s, a screening at Nikkei National Museum, 6688 Southoaks Cres., 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tickets $5, includes museum admission, $4 for seniors, or free for members and students. Info: www.nikkeiplace.org.

 

Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9

The Shoplifters, an Arts Club on Tour production at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets at tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000. Info: www.artsclub.com.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Jazz Evensong presents Maria Ho, with Bob York, piano; Marcos Flo, bass; Buff Allan, drums; 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary in Brentwood, 1600 Delta Ave. Refreshments and drinks will be served before and after the concert. By donation, with part proceeds to B.C. Cancer Foundation. See bccancerfoundation.com/events/jazz-evensong-presents-maria-ho-quartet for details.

 

Friday, Feb. 14

Emilie-Claire Barlow performs at the Studio Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets at tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000.

Burnaby Family Life fundraising dinner and dance, featuring Nearly Neil, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Burnaby Firefighters’ Club, 6515 Bonsor Ave. Tickets $50 for dinner and entertainment. See www.bflgrowscommunity.org/nearlyneil.

What-a-Theatre presents Now or Never, in the Maple Room at Cameron Recreation Centre, 9523 Cameron St., free. Info: 604-297-4453 or sue.mcintyre@burnaby.ca.

 

Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15

Under the Rainbow Family Weekend at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., celebrating diverse families. Screening of The Wizard of Oz (costumes encouraged) on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.; Vancouver Opera/Pacific Opera Victoria production of The Flight of the Hummingbird on Feb. 15 at 11 a.m.; and Parents are a Drag show on Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. All welcome. Tickets go on sale Jan. 17 at www.ticketsnw.ca.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 18

Sound Bites, with concert plus refreshments in the Studio Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., featuring rockabilly guitarist Paul Pigat, with performances at noon and 2 p.m. Tickets $5 in advance, $10 at the door, tickets.shadboltcentre.com.

Kim’s Convenience, an Arts Club on Tour production at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., 7:30 p.m., www.ticketsnw.ca.

 

Saturday, Feb. 22

Let’s Have a Playdate, a VSO Tiny Tots concert with Let Your Music Shine! With Lisa and Linda, featuring the music of Johannes Brahms, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St. Tickets: www.ticketsnw.ca

 

Saturday, Feb. 22 to Saturday, Feb. 29

Madama Butterfly, presented by Burnaby Lyric Opera in the James Cowan Theatre at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets: tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000. Info: www.burnabylyricopera.com.

 

Sunday, Feb. 23

Global Tea Room, part of the Massey Theatre’s international music and tea series, hosted by Cassius Khan and featuring Bosnian violinist Zelko Krakan, 3 to 5 p.m., free. Theatre is at 735 Eighth Ave. Info: www.tinyurl.com/GlobalTeaRoomFeb.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 26 to Saturday, Feb. 29

Beauty and the Beast, presented by New Westminster Secondary School’s musical theatre program, onstage at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., www.ticketsnw.ca.

 

Saturday, Feb. 29

Viano String Quartet performs at 7:30 p.m. at Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St., part of the Vancouver Chamber Music Series. Info: www.anvilcentre.com.

Magnificat, a concert by Amabilis Singers, featuring soprano Erin Sutton, organist Lin Kim, violinist Andrea Siradze and string ensemble, directed by Ramona Luengen with pianist Ingrid Verseveldt, 8 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby. Tickets $25 regular, $15 for secondary school students, free for children under 12, available online at www.eventbrite.ca or by calling 604-897-7258. Info: www.amabilissingers.org.

 

Wednesday, April 8

Lilies, by Michel Marc Bouchard, a staged reading of the play at 7:30 p.m. at Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., part of the theatre’s Queerly Canadian play reading series. Free, open to all. Info: www.masseytheatre.com/queerly-canadian-a-play-reading-series-2/

 

Monday, June 8

Swollen Tongues, by Kathleen Oliver, a staged reading of the play at 7:30 p.m. at Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., part of the theatre’s Queerly Canadian play reading series. Free, open to all. Info: www.masseytheatre.com/queerly-canadian-a-play-reading-series-2/

 

ONGOING

Musical open mic nights, first Monday of the month at 100 Braid Street Studios, 7 to 10 p.m. Sign-up list starts at 7 p.m.; 10 spots available for eight minutes apiece. All ages welcome, solos and groups. Concession available, pay what you can (suggested donation $10). Info: www.100braidststudios.com.

 

Call for exhibition proposals from artists or art collectives (minimum three people) to display at the Anvil Centre Community Art Gallery in 2020. Exhibitions are two months in duration. Indigenous and emerging artists, and those who have not participated in the past, are encouraged to submit proposals. Provide names and contact information of all artists; three to five jpeg or PDF images of proposed artworks by each artists; list of artworks identifying artist names, work titles and dimensions; exhibition statement; and current CV for each artist. Submission must be in by 4 p.m. on Jan. 23. Email Todd Ayotte, tayotte@newwestcity.ca.

 

Spoken word open mics, third Monday of the month at 100 Braid Street Studios, 7  to 10 p.m. Sign-up list starts at 7 p.m.; 10 eight-minute slots are available. All genres welcome. Concession available, pay what you can (suggested donation $5). Info: www.100braidststudios.com.

 

Call for proposals for artists in residence at The Gallery at Queen’s Park in 2020. Both established and emerging artists, living and/or working in New Westminster, are invited to apply. This is an artist development program, and no experience is needed. The arts council will offer the chance to use the Lower Studio space for free, in exchange for a weekly public programming event to engage the community. The opportunity is open to both individual artists and arts organizations. Deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on Jan. 31. For full details, see www.acnw.ca(under News).

 

Literary and visual artists (creative non-fiction, poetry, photography) sought for a new exhibition, Changing the Conversation: Reflective Empathy and Public Discourse on Social Housing, coming to the Amelia Douglas Gallery and Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College in March 2020. Arts Council of New Westminster has an open call for submissions until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Artists with lived experience of homelessness, poverty and substance use are particularly encouraged to submit. Info: www.acnw.ca (under News) or 604-525-3244.

 

Meditation at the Gallery, sessions every Sunday from 8 to 9 a.m. at The Gallery at Queen’s Park, led by Lyn Sakari. By donation, with suggested donation of $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Info and registration through www.tinyurl.com/MeditationQP2019 or www.sitwithsakari.com.

 

Call for committee members: Seniors Expressions Through the Arts, to volunteer with the Arts Council of New Westminster alongside the seniors coordinator. Committee members must be aged 55 and up. For all the details and application information, see www.acnw.ca under News.

 

Spoken Ink reading series, hosted by the Burnaby Writers’ Society, is at the Deer Lake Gallery on the third Tuesday of the month (except July and August). For info and writers’ news, see www.burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com.

 

Children’s handbell choir invites new ringers in grades 3 to 7 to take part. Group meets Mondays from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave., New Westminster. Children from New West and surrounding areas are welcome; no charge. Info: musicatqueens@gmail.com.

 

The Flame New West seeks storytellers for a new season of storytelling evenings at the Plaskett Gallery – new storytellers, veteran performers and all in between are welcome to apply. Two more sessions are coming up on Sunday evenings: an “adult” edition on March 1 and a regular evening on June 14. Email flamenewwest@gmail.com with questions, pitches and more.

 

Love to sing? The Maple Leaf Singers are inviting people to audition for the dynamic show chorus. All voices welcome. Call 778-245-4445 or email joinus@mapleleafsingers.com. For more on the choir, see www.mapleleafsingers.com.

 

Spoken Ink reading series, the third Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave., presented by the Burnaby Writers’ Society, with featured readers plus open mic. Info: burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com.

 

Writers meet-up, hosted by the local writing organization The Other Eleven Months, which has been hosting write-ins around the Lower Mainland for 12 years. Sessions run Wednesdays from 5 to 8:50 p.m. at the Tommy Douglas library branch (7311 Kingsway) for writers of all kinds. Drop in, no registration required. Info: www.bpl.bc.ca/events.

 

Drop in and do art, at the New West Artists Gallery, 712 C 12th St., Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring your own art supplies and paint, draw, sketch, doodle, colour or whatever you like, $2 or by donation. Info: www.newwestartists.com.

 

Calling all artists: New Westminster Environmental Partners is calling for artists to create work inspired by the Brunette River and its tributaries, for an exhibition at the Plaskett Gallery in March 2020. Artists working in all mediums are invited to submit. For info, email the.nwep@gmail.com.

 

New Westminster Photography Club meets on the first and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 7 p.m. at Centennial Lodge, Queen’s Park. Info: www.nwphoto.org.

 

Gentlemen of Fortune Chorus is looking for new men to join the a cappella group, focused on singing in barbershop harmony style. The chorus has moved to Burnaby and now meets Tuesday evenings at 7:25 p.m. at Cliff Avenue United Church, 1600 Cliff Ave. Interested potential singers and guests are always welcome at rehearsals (enter rehearsal hall from rear parking lot). See www.gof.bc.ca for details.

 

Life drawing sessions, Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the New West Artists/Royal City Arts Alliance gallery at 712C 12th St. Bring your own drawing tools and paper; cost $2. Hosted by Lavana La Brey. RSVP at 604-525-4566 or email lavanalabrey6@gmail.com.

 

Artists in the Boro is seeking applications for six-week exhibitions in the Art in the Atrium gallery space at Queensborough Community Centre. For submission information and to apply, see www.tinyurl.com/ArtInTheAtrium2019.

 

Queens Avenue United Church Bell Ringers welcomes new adult members who can read music. The group meets Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Call Virginia at 604-597-3894 or email musicatqueens@gmail.com.

 

Circuit Fridays, featuring underground house music with DJ’s Darius Kramer, Dezyman and Hixz, with special guests, the second and last Friday of the month at Magnetiq Nightclub, 27 Church St., $10 at the door, doors 9:30 p.m.

 

Burnaby International Folk Dancers, meets Tuesdays at Charles Rummel Centre, 3630 Lozells Ave. Info: 604-522-7468 or burnabyfolkdance.org.

 

Queen’s Academy offers a non-profit musical theatre program in Burnaby for children aged two to 12. Registration now open at queensacademy.weebly.com.

 

Volunteers required to help the Burnaby Arts Council in a variety of capacities, including gallery attendants for Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. Info and application: www.tinyurl.com/BACGalleryVolunteers.

 

Dance and laugh the night away with round dance and/or square dance lessons. Round dancing is choreographed ballroom dancing done in a circle; lessons Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Charles Rummel Hall, 3630 Lozells Ave. Modern square dancing is done to modern music with groups of eight people in a square; lessons Tuesdays from 7 to 8:20 p.m. at the Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts St. Couples and singles welcome, no special clothes required. For info, contact Pat at 604-521-7497.

 

Poetry New Westminster, presented by Royal City Literary Arts Society on Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. (except holiday weekends) at the Heritage Grill back room, 447 Columbia St. Each Sunday features two poets and an open mic. Search for Poetry New Westminster on Facebook for the latest schedule.

 

Paint and Sip Nights at 100 Braid Street Studios, offering a night of beverages, refreshments and a chance to receive step-by-step instruction from a professional artist to create your own painting. Each night costs $35, or $60 for two adults registering together, and runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A variety of upcoming themes are offered. See www.100braidststudios.com.

 

Email entertainment listings to jmaclellan@burnabynow.com.