Friday, Feb. 24
COFFEEHOUSE TUNES
Join beloved performer Tony Prophet as he takes the stage at the Crossroads Coffeehouse at PoCo’s Gathering Place at Leigh Square. Prophet guarantees a good time with an energetic set list full of favourites, from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door; contact 604-945-0606 or [email protected] for more info.
THERE BE WRITERS
Six scribes share their stories at the Writers in our Midst at PoMo’s Gallery Bistro. Hear from Joyelle Brandt, Ian Soutar, Linda H.Y. Hegland, Aline LaFlamme, Andrew P. Blaber, Jessica Sall and A.J. Devlin as they present their craft. Come early for a set-menu dinner at 6:30 p.m. (tickets are $12); the readings at 7:30 p.m. are free. Call 604-937-0998 to reserve a seat.
CABARET HITS
Enjoy a show filled with Broadway hit musical numbers and help students pursue their dreams in the theatrical arts at the same time by catching Moving Mirror Productions’ Broadway Cabaret at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Proceeds support Moving Mirror’s after-school program in North Burnaby, which will showcase Aladdin Jr. in the spring at the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody. Tickets for Broadway Cabaret at 8 p.m. are $20 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
ROCK OF AGES
Hum along to the likes of Joan Jett, REO Speedwagon and Van Halen as PoCo’s Riverside secondary swings back to the ’80s in Rock of Ages. Graduating BFFs Maraya Franca and Meg Ursaki share the lead role of small-town girl Sherrie, who has dreams of making it big in Los Angeles after graduation, much like the actors themselves. The cast of 54 is directed by drama teacher Nicole Roberge, who also provides choreography with Shelby Simmons, while Krista Wallace leads the musical direction. The show runs tonight and tomorrow night, and again next weekend. Tickets are $12/$10 at the door.
Saturday, Feb. 25
BE KIND
The Coquitlam Kinsmen launch their KINDness day project with a food drive at the Sunwood Square Safeway in Coquitlam from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Kin Canada project unites clubs from across the country in a single day of serving the community; the local effort will benefit the Share food bank.
IN THE NEWS
Drop by Chapters in Pinetree Village to hear Gleneagle secondary graduate Rob Taylor read from his book of poetry, called The News, from 1 to 3 p.m. The PoMo native won the Vancouver mayor’s arts award in 2015 as an emerging artist; his book of poetry chronicles his wife’s pregnancy.
UP, UP AND AWAY
The Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble is letting go of its earthly tethers and setting its sights on the glory of the sky and exploring the mysteries of the celestial plane in Soaring, a concert at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. The band will be joined by more than 40 players from the Greater Vancouver Youth Music Academy. Tickets are $12/$15/$20 at 604-927-6555 or www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Sunday, Feb. 26
WINTER BLUES?
Chase them away at a music and dance festival at PoCo’s Riverside secondary, hosted by the Rotary Club of Port Coquitlam. On the lineup are a host of talented performers, including some of the top blues, R&B, soul and funk acts from throughout the Lower Mainland. PoMo’s Diane Lines, a musician in the late Dal Richards Orchestra, headlines the show. Also performing are Steve Sainas — the founder of Terry Fox secondary’s Rock School — along with Incognito and the R&B Allstars. Proceeds from the event benefit the Starfish Pack initiative, which gives food-filled backpacks to students in need for a weekend of family meals. Tickets for the Winter Blues Festival, which runs from 2 to 9 p.m., are $45 through http://tinyurl.com/hcxadzy. There will be food served by Riverside’s culinary students, as well as a cash bar.
