Tri-City visual artists, musicians and arts-based groups have scored more than $63,000 in grants from the BC Arts Council.
Last week, the B.C. government announced its latest round of funding with $4.7 million awarded to 430 individuals and organizations. The grants were bestowed following a peer-review process between July 1 and Sept. 30.
“It is immensely rewarding to see the creative excellence of our province’s artistic community be nurtured and celebrated through the important work carried out through the BC Arts Council,” said BC Arts Council chairperson Merla Beckerman, in a news release.
The Coquitlam winners are: Saromi Kim ($6,000 scholarship); Florence Mak ($6,000 scholarship); and Zebulon Zang ($24,360 studio arts).
Mariela Shuley of Port Coquitlam also snagged a $3,900 scholarship while Port Moody residents Anna Levy (Yarilo Music Ensemble) won a $10,000 grant for tour initiatives and Kaya Szlachetka took a $6,000 scholarship. The Yarilo Contemporary Music Society also clinched $7,000 for professional projects.
SECOND PLACE
Starlet Jaime McLean took silver — for the second year in a row — at the Youth Talent Search BC finals in her hometown of Port Moody last month.
The nine-year-old girl performed Naughty from the stage musical Matilda, besting 23 other finalists in the competition that was won by 17-year-old dancer Albert Saguil of Langley.
Saguil, who goes by the stage name “Alone,” clinched the overall trophy plus a headshot session and a consultation with a top film/TV agent, among other things.
The audience favourite prize went to the Coquitlam jazz group Clavinova Nights, made up of 17-year-olds Jamie de Guia, Anthony Maljevac, Kalen Dofher and Steven Pringle.
The finals took place Nov. 22 at the Inlet Theatre in PoMo.
Meanwhile, McLean is now preparing to play Jemima next year in the Align Entertainment show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
And, until Dec. 24, adult tickets for the musical will be discounted by $5. To purchase, go to vtixonline.com and enter the promotion code “Truly.”
The production, which runs Feb. 5 to 20 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby, also includes Tri-City actors Ryan Purdy and Joanna Kovats.
FUNK IT UP
A favourite at the PCT Summer Sunday Concerts series in Port Moody will bring its blend of blues, funk and R&B to Coquitlam on Friday.
For the second year, Brickhouse will play a Christmas show at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Tickets for Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree on Dec. 4 are $35/$30/$15 by calling the box at 604-927-6555 or visiting evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
IN HARMONY
Acoustic Groove will be the special guests at a Christmas show by the Harmony Women’s Vocal Ensemble in Port Moody.
The 2 p.m. concert at Heritage Woods secondary school (1300 David Ave.) on Sunday will feature festive tunes such as The Christmas Song, Sleigh Ride and O Holy Night. Formed in 1989, the 14-voice group is based in Coquitlam and regularly performs around the Lower Mainland. Tickets for the Dec. 6 recital at $20 are at the door or email [email protected].
MUNCHKIN
A Port Coquitlam girl is in Gateway Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz this month.
Allison James, eight, plays a Lullaby League Munchkin and is in the ensemble for the musical, which is based on the classic motion picture.
Directed by Barbara Tomasic with musical direction from Christopher King and choreography by Dawn Ewen, the show runs at the Richmond facility (6500 Gilbert Rd.) from Dec. 10 to Jan. 3.
Call 604-270-1812 or visit gatewaytheatre.com for tickets.
HAWAII CALLING
If you’ve got a ukelele and are looking for some festive fun, join the CUTIEs in Coquitlam on Sunday.
The Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instrument Enthusiasts — or CUTIE — will host their annual Christmas ukelele strum-and-sing-along in the rehearsal hall of the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Bring a non-perishable food item for the Share food bank (for a chance to win a present) and bring $3.50. Visit cutiecircle.com.
