From exhibit openings to Coquitlam 125 activities, this fall in the Tri-Cities is packed with arts and culture fun.
Last week, The Tri-City News asked community arts leaders to send us their three “must see” events for next season. And here’s what they offered:
SEPTEMBER
Evergreen Cultural Centre season launch party, Sept. 16: It’s been 20 years since the Coquitlam arts venue opened its doors and it’s marking the occasion with rockin’ performances by Brickhouse and the SweatPea Swing Band. Visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Community Heritage Picnic, Sept. 17: Go back to the future — to 1891, to be precise — when Coquitlam became incorporated as a municipality. To honour its 125th year, the city invites residents to play traditional games (tug-of-war, potato sack races, and ring and bean bag toss) during an afternoon at Blue Mountain Park. Don’t miss out on the group photo to recreate the historical picnic picture snapped at Booth Farm. Visit coquitlam125.ca.
Flotsam and Jetsam, Sept. 20 to 24: Learn about B.C.’s west coast, its people and places through a musical revue set against a multimedia backdrop. Leading the journey will be Ross Desprez and Tobin Stokes, the duo behind Good Timber - Songs and Stores of the Western Logger. Visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
(un)Natural Selection: Adapting to an Urban Environment, Sept. 24: PoCo Heritage opens this exhibit, the second display in the annual Carol Hubbard Memorial Natural History series that focuses on wild animals in our community — and the effects on residents. The show also includes an exhibit from the Hyde Creek Watershed Society. Visit pocoheritage.org.
Ioco Ghost Town Day Festival (part 1), Sept. 25: Port Moody Heritage Society teams up with the Expect Exceptional Theatre Company for its fourth annual radio show, with a performance of The Green Hornet and the Great Carny Caper, at Inlet Theatre. Visit portmoodystationmuseum.org.
Coquitlam Rises, Sept. 27 to Oct. 2: A production by Evergreen Cultural Centre, this showcase for Coquitlam’s 125 birthday includes a mix of singing, dancing, acting and martial arts by Tri-City youth. Visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Culture Days, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2: There’s plenty going on during this national celebration including Port Moody’s scavenger hunt of public art. Organizers have designed two routes for participants to track down clues. Dress up in a costume and take a selfie with an artwork for more chances to win prizes. Visit portmoody.ca.
OCTOBER
Oktoberfest, Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 and Oct. 6 to 9: “Party like you’re in Bavaria” is the slogan for the first annual Port Moody Oktoberfest, which will serve up the original München Oktoberfest beer, Paulaner, as well suds from Brewers’ Row plus typical German fare such as pretzels, wieners, bratwurst and more. Music and dancing will also flow at Port Moody city hall. Proceeds support the Eagle Ridge Hospital and Port Moody Curling Club. Visit oktoberfest2016.ca.
N.O.T.A!, Oct. 1: Place des Arts in Coquitlam hosts its second annual Night Of The Arts, an adults-only free event led by professional art teachers that’s part of the Culture Days series. Participants can choose one block of two classes (pottery, dance, visual arts, musical theatre, etc.) Visit placedesarts.ca.
Ioco Ghost Town Day Festival (part 2), Oct. 2: Celebrate the history of the Ioco — an abbreviation of Imperial Oil Corporation — that once housed its refinery workers on a townsite north of Port Moody. This 15th annual free event includes pony rides, tours, games and entertainment. Don’t forget to bake a pie for the Ioco church’s pie contest. Visit portmoodystationmuseum.org.
Chelsea McBride and Jamie Hicks, Oct. 7: Vancouver native Chelsea McBride is a composer and jazz musician who now calls Toronto home, and will bring Jamie Hicks with her for a show Port Moody’s Gallery Bistro. Visit gallerybistroportmoody.com.
Bare Bear Bones, Oct. 13 to 16 and Oct. 19 to 22: Written by Michael Grant and directed by Dale Kelly, this comedy is the season launch for Stage 43 Theatrical Society, a Coquitlam company that has a production lineup paying tribute to the country’s 150th birthday next year. Visit stage43.org.
A Concert for Autumn, Oct. 15: Welcome the fall with Place des Arts’ music faculty members Anne Stride (violin) and Frank Bond (guitar) as they perform classics by Bach, Kreisler, Jobim and Chick Corea. Visit placedesarts.ca
Girls Night Out, Oct. 21: Port Moody Arts Centre hosts its 12th annual fundraiser at the Inlet Theatre that features comedy, beauty tips and bevvies. Visit pomoarts.ca.
Art Focus Artists Association Fall Show, Oct. 22 and 23: Get some original art pieces — at a decent price — when the Port Coquitlam arts club hosts its annual fall sale in The Outlet at Leigh Square Community Arts Centre. The reception is Oct. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit myartclub.com.
John McLachlan, Oct. 22: This Hornby Island-based singer/songwriter returns to Metro Vancouver — after a 15-year hiatus from music — for a show at the Gallery Bistro in Port Moody. Visit gallerybistroportmoody.com.
All Aboard the Ghost Train, Oct. 27: Historian and PoCo Heritage volunteer Bryan Ness shares spooky tales from the city’s past at this free show. Visit pocoheritage.org.
Port Moody Rock & Gem Club Show, Oct. 29 and 30: Seeking Sulphur — From Resource to Precious Stone is the theme for the 38th annual show and sale at the Kyle Centre in Port Moody. Visitors can learn about the history Element No. 16 in B.C. and how the city’s big employer, Pacific Coast Terminals, uses sulphur to make everyday products. Visit portmoodyrockclub.com.
NOVEMBER
Blue Moon Marquee, Nov. 3: Enjoy some tapas as this gypsy blues act kicks it up at the Gallery Bistro in Port Moody. The ensemble was the most requested band for 10 jazz festivals across the country this year. Visit gallerybistroportmoody.com.
Port Moody Art Association 49th annual Show and Sale, Nov. 4 to 6: More than 1,000 visitors attended last year’s event at the Port Moody recreation complex. It offers original paintings and art cards from the group’s 100-plus members. Visit myartclub.com.
Teen Day at PdA!, Nov. 20: Place des Arts hosts this new event designed by teens, for teens. This year’s Youth Arts Council has organized exhibitions and activities specifically geared for youth aged 13 to 17. Visit placedesarts.ca.
Christmas in Leigh Square, Nov. 26 to Dec. 23: The city of Port Coquitlam hosts a number of festive and artistic events and workshops during the holidays, starting with the winter artisan market on Nov. 26 and 27 and the Christmas kickoff on Dec. 3. Visit portcoquitlam.ca.
DECEMBER
Christmas Tree Festival, Dec. 3: PoCo Heritage launches its fourth annual tree fest, its biggest event of the year with festive trees scattered around the city that are decorated by sponsors. Visit pocoheritage.org.
Holiday Tea on the Train, Dec. 18: Climb aboard the decorated train car at the Port Moody Station Museum and enjoy the Christmas tunes, tea and treats. Visit portmoodystationmuseum.org.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
