This weekend is packed with ways to celebrate the arts in our community, so join in the cross-Canada Culture Days fun by checking out loads of free events with the whole family.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26
KEEP SINGING CASSIDY
Cayla Brooke brings the music of Eva Cassidy to life in the production Eva Cassidy: How Can I Keep from Singing at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). An American singer and guitartist, Cassidy died at 33, just four years after releasing her first album. Brooke was inspired by the singer's life story and crafted a tribute narrative that has won rave reviews in West Vancouver and the Gabriola Theatre Festival. The show runs to Sept. 27; tickets are available at 604-927-6555 or www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
CULTURE DAYS
It's a nation-wide celebration of the arts and culture that are being produced studios, theatres, cafes, galleries and kitchen tables alike and, here in the Tri-Cities, Culture Days offers a wealth of activities and events. From a scavenger hunt at the Port Moody Station Museum to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Evergreen Cultural Centres theatre and studios, an acting workshop and musical performances celebrating Burrard Inlet's aquatic life, Culture Days is packed with free offerings for the whole family. Hop on TransLink's free "culture shuttles" linking the Tri-Cities' five arts hubs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Visit www.culturedays.ca for a full listing of events.
HAPPY 15th
The Crossroads Hospice Coffeehouse toasts 15 years by bringing together at least nine of its most successful coffeehouse acts for an evening of music, friends and fun. The celebration kicks off at 7:15 p.m. (no open stage) at the Gathering Place at Leigh Square (1100-2253 Leigh Sq., PoCo). Visit www.crossroadshospice.bc.ca for more info.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
CHOP-A-BLOCK
Celebrate Triumph Taekwon-Do's ninth anniversary at an open house featuring a free self-defence seminar for youth and adults, demonstrations including board breaking, a free "try taekwon-do" class, hot dogs and drinks in exchange for food bank donations, prize draws and a bouncy castle for kids. The open house runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Triumph Taekwon-Do (#312-1515 Broadway St., PoCo). Visit www.triumphtkd.com for more information.
SAFETY FAIR
Teach your kids some valuable safety lessons in a fun, family-friendly environment at the Port Moody Pedestrian Safety Fair (in the parking lot behind city hall, 100 Newport Dr.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can learn important tips for crossing the road, collect reflective strips to put on their clothing and take part in Pedalheads bike safety demos. There will be prizes and refreshments, too. Visit www.portmoody.ca for more info.
SILENT VOICE
Join Port Coquitlam artist Colin Craig for a guided tour of his retrospective exhibit at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Sq., PoCo). Featuring a collection of his detailed landscape paintings, the exhibit depicts Craig's lifelong love of nature. Guided tours run from noon to 4 p.m. as part of the three-day Culture Days celebration. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare for more information.
DANCE OFF
Mellado Dance Elite (#101-1730 Coast Meridian Rd., PoCo) hosts an open house to celebrate their 15th anniversary. From noon to 3 p.m. the facility throws open its doors to the community to enjoy entertainment, a raffle draw, door prizes, food and more. Visit www.melladodanceelite.ca for more info.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28
RIVERS & TRAILS FEST
Explore Port Coquitlam's natural beauty at the annual Rivers and Trails Festival. The fun begins at Lions Park (2300 Lions Way) at 10 a.m. with activities, live music and loads of food from This Little Piggy food truck. Release salmon smolt and join the guided group bike ride, then hop on a shuttle bus to Peace Park (1470 Kebet Way) for paddle wheeling, kids' games and more music. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca for more info.
TREE PLANTING
Make Easthill Park (800-block Washington Drive, PoMo) a greener place to play by volunteering to help plant more than 140 trees at the TD Tree Days event. Starting at 9 a.m. volunteers will be at the park to plant trees in areas of the park where natural selection and dieback are affecting plant diversity and slope stability. For more information and registration visit www.tdtreedays.com.
FAMILY DAY AT PDA
Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) hosts a special Family Day at PdA: Culture Days Edition from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The whole family can tour three stunning exhibits, then check out several all-ages art activities based on the themes in the shows. Visit www.placedesarts.ca for more information.
APPLE OF MY PIE
Watch pie makers duke it out at the Coquitlam Farmers Market (624 Poirier St., Coquitlam) pie contest. Host Diane Thorne (a former MLA) leads the way as celebrity judges including columnist and culinary instructor Chef Dez, Wilbur's Christina Sepidoza-Walter and Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart nosh their way to deciding between first, second and third-place pies. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the contest kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for more info.
