This weekend is brimming with arts and culture — from live music to great theatre, dancing to opera — so be sure to dive right in and enjoy as much of it as possible.
Friday, Jan. 29
HARMONICA JAZZ
Keith Bennett and Blair Lewis join forces for a musical evening at the Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke St., PoMo). Bennett coaxes his harmonica to new heights while Lewis riffs on jazz standards and originals on the guitar; a pre-show dinner is at 6:30 p.m. ($12), music is at 7:30 p.m. ($12). Come back tomorrow night for Those 2 Girls — guitarists and singers Jo and Michelle — as they blend folk, rock, country and more ($10). Call 604-937-0998 to reserve for either show. Be sure to check out David Carey’s photo exhibit as well; it’s on to Feb. 28.
SWEET FAMILY STORY
Sometimes new love and family connections emerge from the most unlikely starts, much as it does for Ava and her daughter, Frankie, in the Arts Club on Tour production of In a Blue Moon. The play, on at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) until tomorrow night, finds the mother and daughter arriving at an inherited cottage in Kamloops only to discover Ava’s late husband’s brother is already living there. From tense beginnings come a tender love story and a treasured bond between child and uncle, not to mention a whole new take on family. Shows are at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, with 4 p.m. on Saturday as well; tickets are $39/$30/$15 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
Saturday, Jan. 30
AT THE OPERA
The next best thing to soaking up the magic of an Italian opera house is, of course, experiencing all the drama Puccini has to offer right here at Coquitlam’s SilverCity theatre (170 Schoolhouse St.). Forget ball gowns and tuxes — keep it casual, cosy and close at this local screening of Turandot, starring soprano Nina Stemme, at 9:55 a.m.
TIME TO CHA CHA CHA
Shake what your mama gave you at tonight’s salsa and Latin dance night at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Instructors will school you on how to cha cha, starting at 8 p.m., followed by a licensed dance party until 12:30 a.m. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more details.
Sunday, Jan. 31
MARKET MORNING
We can’t say that spring is in the air just yet, but if your grocery list needs a bit of perking up there’s no better place to get inspired than the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market (300 Ioco Rd.). Make good on that New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, and pick up fresh-from-the-farm produce, or indulge in some fresh-from-the-oven bread and gooey cheese. There’s entertainment, kids’ activities and sustenance by way of a food truck. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; visit www.makebakegrow.com for info.
KIDS’ THEATRE
Here’s a show the whole family can enjoy — the Axis Theatre Company presents Hamelin: A New Fable at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) in a matinee show at 2 p.m. A cast of six professional actor/musicians retells the classic Pied Piper of Hamelin using masks and puppets, garnering plenty of laughs as plucky twins Celeste and Ralph teach the highfalutin mayor of the medieval Hamelin Town a lesson how to look out for their residents. Tickets are $16/$12 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
