Have you had a chance to check out Luminescence II yet? The exhibition of two- and three-dimensional works celebrating light is on at Deer Lake Gallery until tomorrow (Saturday) – and there’s a special gala closing tonight to sign off.
Closing festivities are set to run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the gallery, at 6584 Deer Lake Ave. Everyone’s welcome to stop in for the free fun, which will include entertainment by singer-songwriter Carolyn Neapole.
It’s a family-friendly exhibition – kids will particularly have fun with Robert Turriff’s Pulse Quasar, which sets lights in motion according to the dancing, jumping and other movement of viewers on a pad below, and with Ross Hayduk’s light-based sculptures that respond to touch. Not to mention the black light room in the basement, where the artworks (and the visitors) glow in the dark.
Another talking point of the exhibition is the major installation in the back room, All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace, by Ben Z. Cooper and Stuart J. Ward.
All told, some 30 artists have work in the exhibition, which spans every part of the gallery (yes, even the washroom) and the outdoors.
The gallery is also hosting two final artist talks on Saturday, April 8, with Nick Gregson at noon and Chris Taylor at 2 p.m.
Check out www.burnabyartscouncil.org, or just stop by the gallery to join in the fun.
MOTOWN MELTDOWN
The annual musical extravaganza, held at the Commodore Ballroom, raises funds for Seva Canada, a non-profit that works to restore sight and prevent blindness in developing countries.
The co-musical director for the evening is Burnaby’s own David Sinclair – a well-known guitarist who has toured with such luminaries as Sarah McLachlan and k.d. lang and who has been a studio guitarist for such stars as Michael Bublé and Bryan Adams. He also plays in the band that will accompany the singers.
Also part of the evening’s lineup will be Burnaby’s Stephanie Standerwick, who brings classic rock sounds to life with a modern twist.
They’re joined by a list of 25 talented vocalists bringing favourite soul tunes to life. Audiences can enjoy performances by such familiar names as Joani Bye, Linda Kidder, Khari Wendell McClelland, Jane Mortifee, David Steele and many more.
Motown Meltdown is MC’d by Tom Lucas, with hosts David Wills of Stonebolt and Angela Kelman. Steve Hilliam is Sinclair’s co-musical director.
Tickets are $32.50 plus service charges, or $44 at the door, available through www.ticketmaster.ca.
You can get all the details at www.seva.ca/motownmeltdown.htm.
MURRAY MAGIC
If you happen to be a reality TV fan, you may catch Burnaby’s own celebrity magician front and centre on The Twins – Happily Ever After.
Yes, I'm talking about Murray SawChuck, headliner at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, who is featured on the upcoming April 3 episode of the ABC show (which, for the uninitiated like myself, follows the exploits of twins Haley and Emily Ferguson, fan favourites from Ben’s season of The Bachelor).
In the episode, the twins took on Vegas and auditioned to be Murray’s assistants on the Las Vegas strip.
“Emily and Haley Ferguson are such sweethearts, and it really was a pleasure meeting them,” Murray said in a press release.
Will they make it? You'll have to catch the April 3 episode to find out.
BENEFIT CONCERT
A concert featuring organ, panflute and choir is coming to Burnaby to raise money for a good cause.
New Westminster Christian Reformed Church is hosting a benefit concert on Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
The concert features the talents of Liselotte Rokyta on the panflute, along with Andre Knevel on the organ. The Gloria Dei Chorale will also be featured on the program.
Admission is free, with an offering taken to help families in need in Albania. The church is at 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby. Call 604-521-0111 or see www.nwcrc.ca for details.
LEARN BOOKBINDING
Is there anything quite as gorgeous as a beautifully bound book? If you’re among those who treasure the look of books, you may want to check out a new course at Burnaby Art Gallery.
The Art of the Book, open to people aged 16 and up, is set to run Fridays from April 21 to May 12, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day. The class combines printmaking and bookbinding techniques to allow participants to create two unique art books.
It costs $85. Check out www.burnabyartgallery.ca or call 604-297-4422 for information.
LIVE MUSIC
Music lovers, don’t forget that Tuesday, April 18 is your next day to enjoy live music at the Shadbolt Centre.
That’s the day for A Little Lunch Music, with a special buffet lunch at Encores Café starting at 11:30 a.m. and free concert starting at noon. (The buffet costs $12.) This month’s event features the Celtic sounds of Blackthorn.
Then, in the evening, you can turn out to enjoy – or play along with – the Jazz Jam, led by saxophonist Cory Weeds and open to folks of all ages and abilities. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
Check out www.shadboltcentre.com or call 604-291-6864 for information about the music events.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
