If you've got talent, then the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre wants to hear from you.
The centre is taking applications until May 31 for Nikkei's Got Talent – a talent show that will be held in conjunction with its Nikkei Matsuri family Japanese festival.
Performers will take part in auditions on three consecutive Sundays: June 29, July 6 and July 13.
Twenty applicants will be chosen for the semifinal, which will take place on the first day of Nikkei Matsuri on Aug. 30. Ten will then advance to the finals the next day.
The grand prize is $500, with $200 to the runner-up.
Any talent is welcome – last year there were street dancers, hip hop artists, singers and many others.
Performers can compete individually or as a group (up to 10 members per group).
To apply, check out the details at www.nikkeimatsuri.ca, email [email protected] or call 604-777-7000.
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Wesburn Community Centre is getting a new mural, and community members are being invited to get involved.
The city's community arts team is holding brainstorming sessions to seek community ideas for the creation of the new mural.
All ages are welcome to take part, and no experience is necessary.
The sessions are all free. One was held May 22, and the next sessions are coming up Thursday, May 29 and Thursday, June 5.
In July, the centre will hold painting sessions where community members can join in.
The previous mural was painted in June of 1977, and the community was involved that time around too.
To get involved this time, call the city's community arts coordinator at 604-297-4532.
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Don't know where to start for your summer reading list?
Burnaby librarians can help.
The McGill branch of Burnaby Public Library is holding a Librarians' Choice – Best Books for Summer event on Thursday, June 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Librarians will offer up quick reviews of their picks for summer reading.
It╒s free, but space is limited. Register online at www.bpl.bc.ca/events, call 604-299-8955 or drop in to the library at 4595 Albert St.
Check out www.bpl.bc.ca for all the details about what the Burnaby Public Library has to offer.
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I know there's a choir director out there somewhere who'd love this one!
The Bonsor seniors' choral group is looking for a choir director to lead their group, which meets Friday afternoons at the Bonsor Recreation Complex.
The choir is a four-part-harmony group open to seniors over the age of 55. It performs two programs a year – Christmas music in December and golden oldies in May – at seniors' residences and care homes.
It's a volunteer-run choir, so the position is a volunteer one.
The director should have strong leadership and choral conducting skills, with education and experience in training senior singers and the ability to conduct from the piano when required.
For information, call Christine Leston at 604-516-0277.
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Music students at Burnaby North Secondary School are ending their year in style.
The students are holding their Sweet Swingin' Spring concert on June 3 and 4.
The jazz bands and choir will be featured on June 3, with the concert bands, orchestra and marching band on June 4.
Concerts will start at 6:30 p.m. both days, either in the north gym or - if weather allows it - outside in the courtyard.
Admission is by a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Burnaby North is at 751 Hammarskjold Dr.
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Do you know an interesting local artist or performer who deserves to be in the spotlight?
I╒m always searching for people to be profiled in our Fill in the Blanks series – which gives interesting folks from the arts and entertainment scene a chance to introduce themselves to the community.
All you need to do is fill out a questionnaire (I can email it to you) and have a photo taken.
If you╒re interested or you know someone who would be a good subject, email me, [email protected], with name and contact details.
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Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
