Experience Disney music on a dynamic scale as the Peninsula Singers present Dreams Come True: The Music and Magic of Disney, Friday to Sunday at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.
The 60-voice choir, with artistic director Lena Palermo, will perform dozens of songs, including top Disney hits Let it Go from Frozen, Like a Friend Like Me, from Aladdin, Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas and others.
The 90-minute show shines a spotlight on vocalist Abby Blecic, who has been accepted into the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Also featured are the Peninsula’s own Allegro Dancers.
The show includes music, sing-alongs, dancing, solos, group performances and even cameo appearances by Frozen’s Olaf and cartoon characters Chip ’n Dale.
Last week, the group performed a special mini concert for residents at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Tickets are $28 adults and $14 children. There are four performances, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney. Tickets available through the box office at 250-656-0275 or online at marywinspear.ca.
For more information, go to peninsulasingers.ca.
Violinist aims for teaching career
Supporters of Sari Alesh, a gifted violinist who arrived in Victoria as a refugee from Syria just over three years ago, are hosting a fundraising concert to help him pay for his education degree and teaching certificate, April 28 at St. Philip Anglican Church.
Alesh has played at many fundraising events for others since he came to Canada. Now it is the community’s turn to support him in his efforts to take the next step in his new life. Starting this summer, he will take prerequisite courses so that he can enter the 16-month post-degree program in September 2020.
He has supported himself so far by working several part-time and on-call jobs, as well as teaching music classes on call at École Victor-Brodeur.
At the concert, he will be joined by Wilf Davies on keyboards, Barrie Hughes on bass and mandolin, and Dave Conway on guitar, as well as Sherry Williams on vocals and other special guests.
They play a wide range of styles, ranging from Arab pop and traditional melodies through Western pop and jazz standards to Celtic fiddle music.
The concert starts at 7 p.m. at St. Philip Anglican Church, 2928 Eastdowne Rd. Tickets are $20 and available in person at the Local General Store, 1440 Haultain St. (corner of Belmont) or online through Eventbrite, eventbrite.ca/e/sari-alesh-and-friends-fundraising-concert-tickets-59675117884.
Spirit Awards fete United Way honourees
The United Way of Greater Victoria will celebrate the highlights of giving in the community at its annual Spirit Awards, Wednesday at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
At the event, awards will be given to recognize the achievements of more than 280 workplaces, donors and volunteers. Special honours will be given to 38 nominees in 13 award categories.
Categories include: Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair under 100 employees; Outstanding Employee Campaign Chair over 100 employees; Outstanding Campaign Committee; Thanks a Million; Leadership Giving; Community Impact; Community Partner; Labour Partnership; Post-Secondary Challenge Cup; Financial Challenge Cup; Municipal Challenge Cup; Outstanding Workplace Campaign; and Chair’s Award of Distinction, presented by Al Hasham, United Way Greater Victoria campaign chair.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Crystal Ballroom of the Fairmont Empress Hotel. For more information, go to uwgv.ca.
Spring Soirée launches ballet season
Ballet Victoria is hosting an exclusive Spring Soirée to launch the company’s new season and fundraise for its productions and community programs, Friday at Riffington Manor.
The premier ballet troupe in Victoria, the boutique professional dance company celebrates its 16th season.
While the company’s mission is to inspire a passion for dance through challenging innovative and classical repertoires, it also offers community programs to help audiences, of all ages and cultures, to appreciate and enjoy fully the art of dance.
The Spring Soirée promises to be a night of entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and libations — along with a silent and live auction. Dress is elegant.
Tickets are $100, with a tax receipt for a portion of the cost. The event starts at 7 p.m. Friday at Riffington Manor, 3175 Beach Dr. Tickets available by phone at 250-380-6063 or at balletvictoria.ca.
Peers getting reno from HeroWork
Peers, an agency that advocates for people currently or formerly in the sex industry, is hosting the Peers Powers Up Party, Thursday at the Odd Fellows Hall.
The agency has been selected for a HeroWork radical renovation to upgrade its kitchen and facility to meet the growing needs of the community. But to do so, it needs to raise $50,000.
At the Peers Powers Up Party, you can enjoy a sumptuous family-style dinner with entertainment, DJ beats and two signature cocktails or mocktails.
Tickets are $75. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Odd Fellows Hall, 1315 Douglas St.
For more information, go to peerspowersupdinnerdjdelights. eventbrite.ca.
Lisa Huus Bursary accepting applications
The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island helps children and youth with health challenges reach their potential with bursaries for continuing education.
One of the funds it administers, the Lisa Huus Bursary, is accepting applications for 2019-20 students.
The bursary, worth as much as $5,000, is open to those with physical disabilities or health challenges who want to pursue post-secondary education across B.C.
It can support applicants with costs related to tuition, textbooks, equipment, transportation, residence and support worker costs.
The fund was established in 1988 in memory of Lisa Pauline Huus, who was a third-year sociology student at the University of Victoria.
Deadline for application is May 31. For more information, go to islandkidsfirst.com/lisa-huus-bursary.
Computers give boost to Cool Aid clients
Last week, the Electronic Recycling Association, in partnership with MLA Carole James, donated 13 refurbished computers to the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
“Cool Aid’s clients will appreciate the opportunity to connect with family and friends, look for housing and more on these computers,” said Nicolas Methot, client engagement facilitator. “We’re grateful that the Electronic Recycling Association are making these 13 refurbished computers available at no cost.”
The Victoria Cool Aid Society is committed to working in a non-judgmental way with adults experiencing marginalization in Greater Victoria.
The Electronic Recycling Association is a non-profit organization founded to address the growing problem of electronic-waste. It offers simple solutions to help individuals and organizations keep operational equipment from premature destruction.
For more information, go to electronicrecyclingassociation.ca or coolaid.org.
Golfers support Strong Kids program
A bunch of friends playing bad golf but good charity has celebrated its 10th year of philanthropy, donating nearly $20,500 to Strong Kids.
The 19th hole is fertile ground, where many good ideas are found. One started with the Friday Boyz at Cordova Bay and their usual jawing about what’s wrong with the world and why more good isn’t happening.
One Friday afternoon, the conversation turned to their weekly bet money. It was determined that, apart from bragging rights, no one really needed the coin. So their treasurer, Richard Savard, suggested they find a charity.
One of the golfers happened to be fundraising for the YMCA-YWCA Strong Kids program.
It started modestly, with about $600 a year. Now the golfers raise $3,000 annually. The money goes to the Kids — as they affectionately call the program.
“I am always amazed, humbled and downright proud of the passion that we have for the Kids,” said Savard. “Helping send them to Camp Thunderbird, helping less fortunate families to enjoy the Y and supporting a women’s shelter. These are good things we do, and love doing them. Here’s to the next decade of bad golf but good charity.”
He hopes their success story would encourage other golfers to follow their example.
Memorial remembers people lost to overdose
Christ Church Cathedral is holding a special memorial event, Hope and Remembrance: Overdose Memorial, for those who have lost family or loved ones through overdoses, Tuesday at the church.
“Easter is a time of hope,” said Nancy Ford, deacon to the city, who will preside at the intimate service. “This memorial is an opportunity to come together to remember and share hope for a changed future for other families.”
A recovery yoga session will be offered after the memorial for those who wish to participate.
The service is open to everyone. It starts at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at Christ Church Cathedral (Quadra at Rockland).
For more information, go to christchurchcathedral.bc.ca.
400 Peninsula artists showcase their work
Find that perfect piece of art that speaks to you at the Saanich Peninsula Arts and Crafts Society Spring Show, Saturday and Sunday at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.
This is the 66th anniversary of the non-profit organization. At this annual event, more than 400 members of the society will showcase their unique works of art — including paintings, mixed-media pieces, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, fibre arts and other fine crafts.
All art, from greeting cards to large masterpieces, is for sale — with price points for everyone.
Take the time to stop to chat with the artists and learn the benefits of this dynamic, friendly and supportive arts society.
Join and become an art patron of the society and enjoy a private evening reception on Friday. It is a chance to see the exhibition, purchase the art, and grab a bite to eat and a glass of wine.
Admission is $5 or $2 for those with a ticket stub from the Peninsula Singers event. The exhibition runs 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, (including a wine and cheese tasting event from 6 p.m. to closing) and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney. The art patron fee of $150 includes a $100 credit toward the purchase of art at this reception. Patron tickets are available at http://spacsociety.com/member-benefits/spring-show/spac-spring-show-patrons. For more information, go to spacsociety.com.
Art expresses healing journey
One woman’s healing journey, expressed powerfully through her art, is the subject of My Soul Is Escaped: Healing Art of Patricia June Vickers, which opens at Christ Church Cathedral, April 28.
The artist, psychotherapist and spiritual director addresses the issue of sexual abuse and intergenerational trauma in her exhibit.
There are more than 30 mixed-media works in the show, with pieces that use acrylic, watercolour and collage to create layers. These abstract images are coupled with written reflections on the artist’s healing process.
“Life is a midden,” said Vickers. “Truth can sometimes be underneath all these layers.”
She began to paint out of an inability to find words to communicate the raw reality.
“It came out of a need to express what I couldn’t say in words,” she said.
The opening reception for the show is at 5:30 p.m. April 28 in the Chapel of the New Jerusalem at 930 Burdett Ave.
The show will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, until May 11.
For more information, go to christchurchcathedral.bc.ca.
