Whether it’s admiring a pottery exhibit, hooting and hollering at a hockey game or dancing the night away, this weekend promises a wee something for everyone.
Friday, Jan. 15
MUCK SISTERS
The Muck Sisters have moved in to Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Sq., PoCo), with an opening reception tonight to celebrate their new exhibit. Laura G. and Ninna Sniders, both members of the Tri-City Potters Group, will talk about their Leigh residency from 4 to 6 p.m. and their studio is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FREE FUN
Practise your crawl, take a dive or bob in the waves at the Westminster Savings free swim at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) tonight, from 7 to 9 p.m. Follow it up with a free skate and helmet rental at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.) on Saturday from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Wristbands are distributed 30 minutes before the skate; maximum 200 participants per session.
I LOVE YOU
Stage 43 presents the musical comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) this weekend. The stage hit is a multiple award winner and, here at home, is the premier event to be sanctioned by the Coquitlam 125 anniversary committee. From a couple’s first butterfly-filled date to the humdrum days of married life with children, the play explores the dynamics of a relationship through a series of vignettes. Shows are at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $22/$18 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
FAMILY HOCKEY FUN
Take the kids to a hockey game that won’t break the bank, right in your own back yard, and help kids in need at the Coquitlam Express family fun night. Kids can live it up with a bouncy castle, face painting, giveaways and more, while parents will enjoy the fast-paced hockey action and beverage area. The event supports the Coquitlam Starfish Backpack program, which provides backpacks full of food for kids who would otherwise go without over the weekend. Tickets are $10 ($6 goes to Coquitlam Starfish) at accountant Sharon Perry’s office (2662 Austin Ave., Coquitlam), or $13 at the door. The Express play Langley at 7 p.m. at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.).
Saturday, Jan. 16
BANNER PAINTING
Get a sneak peek at the colourful banners that will go up on the streets of Port Moody at the 13th annual StreetArts Community Banner Painting Festival. Watch local artists and PoMo residents bring the banners to colourful life, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Galleria at city hall (100 Newport Dr.). The banners are on display at the Galleria until Jan. 28 before they head outdoors in the spring.
BURNS IT UP
Celebrate all things Scottish with a dinner and concert at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). Music faculty member Rosie Carver and Celtic band Blackthorn, along with a guest piper, team up for an evening in honour of the famous poet Robbie Burns at 7:30 p.m. (dinner is at 6 p.m.). Tickets are $35 (dinner and concert) or $15/$13 (concert only) at brownpapertickets.com or 604-664-1636. Visit www.placedesarts.ca for more information.
BACHATA BEATS
Heat up your mid-January weekend with the Hot Salsa Dance Zone’s Latin dance night at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Learns some bachata moves at 8 p.m. and stay for the licensed party, featuring a variety of Latin music styles, until 12:30 a.m. No experience or partner are required. Admission is $10/$8. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more information.
Sunday, Jan. 17
COVER CROP
The deep dark of winter isn’t usually the time we look to the garden, but Coquitlam’s Inspiration Garden is always a good source of intel. Take a meander through the garden (corner of Pipeline Road and Guildford Way) and see what winter plants are thriving and how they might work in your own yard, and learn about the value of cover crops to reduce soil erosion and slow weed growth.
TEACHERS’ SHOW
Spend your Sunday getting a dose of creative inspiration from none other than the Port Moody Arts Centre’s (2425 St. Johns St.) talented group of instructors. The biennial exhibit features several works in a variety of media, including Clive Tucker’s pottery, acrylics by Jeff Wilson, ceramics by Pauline Doyle and much more. The exhibit runs to Feb. 11; visit www.pomoarts.ca for more information.
