This weekend marks the start of spring break — all two weeks of it — and there are plenty of ways to kick it off on the right foot right here in the Tri-Cities.
Friday, March 11
FILM FEST
The Port Moody Film Society’s 16th annual Canadian Film Festival is in full swing, with two outstanding films slated for the next two nights before the Sunday finale. Tonight’s films are Felix and Meira (7 p.m.), the story of a young woman struggling to find some measure of freedom in her Hasidic Jewish enclave in Montreal, and Bang Bang Baby (9:30 p.m.), a sci-fi/musical/dramedy about a small town singer whose life becomes dramatically more vibrant after an accident at a nearby power plant. Saturday’s line-up features Guantanamo’s Child (7 p.m.), a documentary exploring the controversial Omar Khadr, and Sleeping Giant (9:30 p.m.), which turns the summer coming-of-age genre on its head. Sunday’s finale is the award-winning Room (7 p.m.), for which actor Brie Larson won the Best Actress Oscar, followed by a wrap party and the People’s Pick contest winner. All films are preceded by a Canadian short film. Tickets are $7 per film, available at the Port Moody Inlet Theatre starting at 6 p.m. (cash/cheque). Visit www.pmfilm.ca for more info.
STRAPLESS UNSTRAPPED
It’s a series of 22 sketches — the voiceover audition from hell, a butchership quartet, a Strapless Riverdance and much more — that will have you laughing ‘til it hurts at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Strapless Comedy, featuring Sidika Larbes, Jackie Blackmore, Lauren Martin and Iva Kapsikova, first performed at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in 2013 and have been wowing audiences with their smart, sassy comedy ever since. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $35/$30/$15 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
Saturday, March 12
READY, SET, PLAY!
It’s going to be a fun-filled family afternoon at the Pinetree community centre (1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) with loads of activities to get your hands on. Try out a game of badminton, soccer, basketball or tennis, and check out the brand new gymnastics equipment. The event, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. is geared for kids aged three to 12.
MUSIC & A SHOW
Deanna Rayne returns to the Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke St., PoMo) for a night of great live music starting at 8 p.m. Get there early for the set dinner menu at 7 p.m.; tickets are $12 for each. Call 604-937-0998 to book and visit www.gallerybistroportmoody.com for more info.
Sunday, March 13
HOCKEY TOURNEY
Cheer on the Coquitlam Chiefs in the BC Bantam Tier 1 Championships kicking off today at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex in Coquitlam. The locals face off against the North Shore Winter Club at 10:30 a.m. and against Prince George at 8 p.m. The action continues until Wednesday, with the final game starting at 8 p.m. Visit facebook.com/BantamT1Champs for full details and schedule.
