Comox Valley Echo

Praised by the Vancouver Sun for “his luscious tone and...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:43:42 -0400

Praised by the Vancouver Sun for “his luscious tone and technical prowess,” acclaimed Canadian cellist Ariel Barnes returns to the Sid Williams Theatre on Monday morning, April 2nd. Joining him on the stage for this fourth and final concert in this season’s Mattina Musica series will be pianist Sarah Hagen.

Selected as one of six cellists across the nation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Barnes recently recorded J.S. Bach’s D minor suite for CBC’s new online streaming project, The Portal. Actively involved in the creation of 21st century art music, his new project Couloir, with harpist Heidi Krutzen, focuses on the development of new works and interdisdiplinary collaboration. An ardent chamber musician, Barnes is a former member of the Borealis String Quartet, Trio Accord and has collaborated with many fine artists such as the St. Lawrence String Quartet, Musica Intima, Jonathan Crow, Martin Chalifour, Ian Parker and Daniel Bolshoy, among many others.

In addition to his solo and chamber music performances, Barnes is principal cellist of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, and a member of the Turning Point Ensemble. He is also an active teacher on faculty at the Vancouver Academy of Music, the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific and the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre. His recordings can be heard on Atma Classiques, Skylark Records, Universal Music and

Centrediscs, as well as many live concerts recorded and broadcast on CBC Radio.

From the Comox Valley, pianist Hagen has been heard in concert halls and on the airwaves to critical acclaim throughout North America and Europe. Since her recent move last summer to an artist loft in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Hagen has become deeply involved with intricate projects inspired by urban vitality. Highlights of her 2012 season include an evocative production onstage with Ballet Victoria which opened to rave reviews in March, a new Pro’ject Sound exposition with photographers from Howe Sound, and stimulating collaborations with artists and musicians from around the globe.

Comrades on and off the stage, Barnes and Hagen are thrilled to play together again, sharing a passion for seeking out the heartfelt meaning of each note and fusing the cello and piano into one musical entity. Their programme includes Beethoven’s fifth Sonata for piano and cello as well as Debussy’s Cello Sonata.

Individual tickets are $20. Coffee and tea is served at 10 am and music begins at 10:30. For more information on the Mattina Musica series and other upcoming performances, visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com or call 250 338 2430.

Luke Blu Guthrie Release Party at The Flying Canoe Throw on your...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:41:52 -0400

Luke Blu Guthrie Release Party at The Flying Canoe

Throw on your coonskin cap, gumboots and plaid on Saturday March 31st and head down to The Flying Canoe to celebrate the release of Luke Blu Guthrie’s newest record “Routes & Blu”.

A locally grown and harvested effort (and recorded mostly live) this album features some exceptional local talent. Several tracks from the record have already seen radio play and the fan response to the album has been fantastic, says LBG.

2012 is looking like a busy year for Luke. He has been nominated for ‘Male Songwriter of the Year’ at the Vancouver Island Music Awards which take place on April 21st. Late May will find Luke visiting St.John’s for s string of shows where his music has been attracting some enthusiastic fans.

Several friends/musicians will be jamming with Luke on the 31st including Corwin Fox on banjo, Anela Kahiamoe on guitar, Blaine Dunaway on violin, Jim Guthrie on bass and Jenn Forsland on vocals.

Prizes will be given away for best “Canadian Roots” costumes- need ideas? check out the window display at Too Good To Be Threw in Courtenay for inspiration.

Luke’s last two records are also available on Itunes. Check out lukebluguthrie.com for news and dates.

Kytami Album Release with Georgia Murray and Ashleigh Eymann and...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:40:23 -0400

Kytami Album Release with Georgia Murray and Ashleigh Eymann and DJ DWhizz

Friday, March 30, 2012

The Waverley Hotel, Cumberland

Join us in celebrating Kytami’s solo album release. Past member of Delhi 2 Dublin.

$12 Advance $15 Door

Tickets available at Bop City, the Waverley Hotel or by phone (250) 336-8322.

Doors at 9:30pm

KYTAMI:

Kytami is a violinistextremist. Perhaps Canada’s most diverse and engaging fiddle player. Kytami bounds between classical and fiddle styles and matches them to heavy bass and electronic dance beats creating an incredibly high energy show that packs dance floors and melts minds. With her abilities, style and devilish smile, she has won over audience after audience, appearing at most major festivals across Canada and in the Western U.S. as well as performing overseas in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany and Dubai. Kytami has appeared on albums by The Swollen Members, Sweatshop Union and The Rebel Spell and has also co-written two albums and toured extensively with the multi-cultural, award-winning band Delhi 2 Dublin. This year Kytami dropped her own self-titled album, which she co-wrote and co-produced with Steven Mek and was recorded in Toronto over the spring and summer of 2011. The album also features guest appearances by vocalists geneva.b, Mista Chatman, Ndidi Cascade and OSC.

GEOGIA MURRAY:

Georgia was recently chosen as one of Canada’s top 8 bands competing for a recording contract and $100,000 on CBC’s, Cover Me Canada and just won the 2011 Times Colonist’s “Fan Favourite” music award. Georgia is an incredibly engaging and emotional performer and has opened for great acts such as KRS One, Talib Kweli, Jurassic 5, K-OS, Shad and The Canadian Tenors amongst others. She has performed privately for Warren Buffet, Michelle Pfeiffer and William Shatner, sang anthems for numerous NHL and NBA teams and has played many of Victoria and Vancouver’s best live venues with a sound labelled Alternative/Soul. ET Canada has called her “Canada’s own sweet singing sensation” and she was chosen as The Province’s “Monthly Musical Pick” twice in the last year.

ASHLEIGH EYMANN:

Ashleigh Eymann is a soul singin, rap slingin, multi-instrumentalist and collaborative artist and one of the fortunate PEAK Performance Project’s Top 20 for 2011. Ashleigh’s style and expertise has garnered her attention from the who’s who of the BC Hip Hop scene. She has worked with Jeff Spec, Just B, Ishkan, Moka Only & Fatty Down to name a few. As a member of the hip-hop collective group, The Current (DJ Murge, Ishkan, JustB), Ashleigh has performed in Vancouver and across Vancouver Island and has opened for many artists including Jurassic 5, Brother Ali, One Self (DJ Vadim, Yarah Bravo, Blu Rum), and The Beatnuts. Ashleigh has added to her impressive resume and delved into the role of emcee with the Vancouver based hip hop collective INDIGO KIDS while continuing to write her soulful ballads.

**These incredible female performers will be joined by Victoria’s own, legendary Hip Hop DJ, D Whiz. D Whiz has rocked shows alongside the biggest names in the DJ world including Mixmaster Mike, A-Trak (Kanye West), Lil’Jaz (Nelly Furtado), DJ Wax, DJ Cash Money, DJ Jam (Snoop Dogg), Roc Raida and more. He has opened for the Beatnuts, Ice T, Blackalicious, Pharcyde, KRS One, Jully Black, Maestro Fresh Wes and Kardinal Offishall to name a few. D Whiz produced and DJ’d many of Victoria’s most popular college and commercial hip hop radio shows alongside his partner Degree One and won numerous remix contests as well as placing 2nd in the Vancouver Island DMC’s. D Whiz also appeared on CBC’s, Cover Me Canada as apart of Georgia Murray’s band and is currently Georgia’s producer and co writer.

For more information on each artist please visit

http://www.georgiamurray.net

http://www.kytami.ca

http://www.ashleigheymann.com

Jason Buie In The Garage March 31st Vancouver based guitarist,...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:37:31 -0400

Jason Buie In The Garage March 31st

Vancouver based guitarist, singer and songwriter Jason Buie wlll be performing live at Joe’s Garage on Saturday March 30th. Since the age of sixteen he has honed his skill as a premium blues performer. Over the last fourteen years he has been playing throughout Canada, the U.S.A. and Japan. Along the way he has shared the stage with such artists as blues legend Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, The Jeff Healey Band, John Mayall, The Powder Blues Band, Big Dave Mclean, Jimmy D. Lane, Wild T, Johnny Ferriera and Jerry Doucette. With the Release of his critically acclaimed CD “Urban Blues” his profile continues to grow. Jason’s second C.D” “Live at The Blue Gator” was released in 2009. Jason did Spring and Fall European tour’s in 2009 with great success.

Jason was born and raised in Victoria, BC. As an adolescent he explored the roots of American Blues along with other forms of music that spawned from it. Growing up in an artistic home, Jason had the freedom to explore his passion and talent. His love for the blues really blossomed when he witnessed Albert Collins in concert at fifteen years old. “I worked at the local grocery store and I borrowed one the older guy’s id. to get into the show. Albert was amazing; there will never be anyone like him.” From that point on Buie was hooked. Jason has taken his influences and sculpted them into a style of his own. His music remains a well-seasoned gumbo of blues, funk, rock and soul with influences that originate in the Southern States and inner cities of America. Jason’s from the heart vocals and fiery guitar work combined with a charismatic stage presence have caused listeners and critics to take notice. His passion and honesty always comes through in his live shows.

Jason’s debut CD is “Urban Blues”. The recording reflects Jason’s love of various blues styles from uptown horn arrangements, funk, Texas shuffles. And traditional blues. Two of Jason’s songs have also been featured on Vancouver’s crime drama TV show “Cold Squad”. Jason’s show offers a diverse blend guaranteed to satisfy!!

Tickets are limited so be sure to get yours early. They are available at Bop City Records in Courtenay for an advanced price of $15 or on a first come basis for $20 at the door.

Joe’s Garage is a restaurant venue with limited seating. The kitchen opens at 6:30pm with the show starting at 8:30 pm. Reserved seating is for dinner patron only.

View our menu on line at www.joeson5th.ca Book your dinner reservations at milo@joeson5th.ca or call (250)-702- 6456 for information.

Get Ready to Elevate the Arts!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:36:10 -0400

There is a buzz building about an exciting cultural event scheduled for May 5th in the heart of Courtenay. “Elevate the Arts” is a grassroots celebration of all things arts and culture that is gaining some serious momentum. Perhaps it’s because they’ve hit a nerve in our community. With so much discussion about how to keep our downtown’s vibrant, this group seems to be grabbing the issue by the horns and stepping up to celebrate arts, culture and community in the core of Courtenay.

This 100% volunteer initiative aims to very simply “elevate the arts”. It’s being championed by a passionate group of local professionals, artists, musicians, businesses and community non profits. Their objective is to do more than celebrate the ‘bricks and mortar’ of the downtown Cultural District. They want to illuminate the people, businesses and organizations who contribute to the arts in so many ways.

“A vibrant arts and culture community relies on more than the artists to succeed. It’s also the commitment of businesses, non profits government, educators, local professional and volunteers that are at the root of a dynamic arts scene.” says Elevate the Arts co-chair and Comox Valley Community Arts Council Vice President Bobby Herron.

“This event is about giving the arts a place of respect in our community. People are quick to turn to artists to support fundraisers with donations of art or performance and artists are consistently generous with their talents. We also like to talk about the ‘economic benefits’ of the arts as a way to give them “value”. However, arts and culture should also be valued as an integral part of our lives. Art and culture makes life worth living and helps to illuminate the beauty, mystery, sadness and irony of every day life.”

Organizers are focused on a single day event for 2012 but there are no shortage of activities planned for this one day cultural experiment. A quick scan of their websites connects you to opportunities to be part of all kind of creative undertakings! There are opportunities for visual artists, musicians, dancers, street performers, crafters and artisans, kids activity coordinators, photographers, videographers, social media crew, volunteers or sponsors.

Activities scheduled so far range from art and photography exhibits, concerts, an ‘underground craft fair’, roof top performances, participatory art projects in downtown alleys, screen printing demos, culinary arts activities, a healing arts fair, an iphone photo show, a mini writers festival, an “Elevate Film Festival and so much more.

“Our focus over the next few weeks is all about engaging the creative spirits of our community and communicating about all the ways to be involved.” says media coordinator Meg Cursons. “We encourage everyone to check out the website, complete one of the “calls for entry” or message the team directly about sponsorship or programming partnerships.”

Just a few of the community partners to date include the Comox Valley Community Arts Council, Comox Valley Art Gallery, Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association, City of Courtenay and Sure Copies. Check the website for the full list of businesses and organizations who are getting ready to ‘elevate’ the local arts scene.

To find out more about this exciting cultural collaboration or to get involved check out www.elevatethearts.com today!

Ballet Victoria returns to the Sid with Four Seasons After their...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:29:23 -0400

Ballet Victoria returns to the Sid with Four Seasons

After their successful tour of Carmen last spring, Ballet Victoria returns to the Sid Williams Theatre on Friday March 30th with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Other Works, a uniquely west coast interpretation blending music, poetry, visual art, and dance.

Buoyed by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons score, new and exciting choreography from Ballet Victoria’s Artistic Director Paul Destrooper weaves classical music with First Nation legend as the audience follows two ravens through the seasons of a mystical relationship.

“It’s the spirituality and mythology of the West Coast,” Destrooper says, “It’s a story about relationships.”

“In autumn, there’s the harvest and feasts in the tradition of the potlatch. The chill of winter follows the honeymoon stage and there’s some fighting. Then spring brings nature and love back to life. In summer, all the women give birth and families build,” he explains.

Inspired by the work of four First Nations visual artists - LessLIE, Rande Cook, Tom Hunt, and Dylan Thomas - Destrooper’s choreography sees each season personified by a dozen costumed dancers and their seasonal colours contrast with the white and black ravens, depicted by Destrooper and Sandrine Cassini.

The paintings of the four First Nations artists, all from Vancouver Island, are projected in an introductory montage ahead of each season. The multi-layered performance is rounded out by Lieutenant Governor Steven L. Point’s narration of haikus by Victoria poet Linda Rogers.

Founded in 2002, Ballet Victoria has transformed over the last three years into a first-class professional arts organization. Under the artistic direction of Paul Destrooper, the company has become a cultural asset to Victoria and the province, receiving accolades in national and international media. Destrooper has created works, taught and coached for professional companies and schools including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Northwest Professional Dance Project, Ballet Kelowna, Ballet BC and the Okanagan Summer Dance Intensive. Destrooper’s choreography focuses on ballet as an “Art of Light” — shaping light with movement to reflect musicality and trigger emotion.

This is the only North Island stop on Ballet Victoria’s tour of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Other Works.

Ballet Victoria’s performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Other Works at the Sid Williams Theatre on Friday, March 30th at 7:30pm in Courtenay. Tickets are Regular $50.00, Members $45.00, Students $25.00 and can be purchased at the Sid ticket centre, by phone 250-338-2430 or online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.

A TRUE CANADIAN PEARL! 54-40 Saturday, March 31 at the Sid...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:26:09 -0400

A TRUE CANADIAN PEARL!

54-40

Saturday, March 31 at the Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay (250-338-2430)

Tickets are $42.50 (Plus Facility Fee & Service Charges) available at the Sid Williams Theatre Box Office. Charge by phone (250-338-2430), toll free (1-866-898-8499)

or online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com

One of the most important popular music groups to emerge from the Canadian cultural landscape, 54-40 is celebrating their thirty-year anniversary. The band has an unbelievable catalogue of hit songs, including “Assoholic”, “She-La”, “Miss You”, “Baby Ran”, “I Go Blind” and “Ocean Pearl”. Led by Neil Osborne, 54-40 has carved out a legacy of gold and platinum albums and an outstanding reputation for their live performances. The secret to their longevity is their ability to redefine and reinvent themselves, picking up new young fans on the way. To experience 54-40 in concert is to experience how songs have touched and continue to touch people’s lives.

From their first gig on New Year’s Eve 1981 at the Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret, 54-40 has its roots in Vancouver. They were immersed in the MuchMusic video craze of the 1990s and the growing digital worlds of CDs, MP3s, and websites. They have embraced it all, now releasing their very own mobile phone application.

54-40 is the winner of The Western Canadian Music Awards - Hall Of Fame Award (2011) along with numerous other awards and almost a dozen Top-10 hit singles. You do not want to miss this show!

For more information on this evolutionary group, please visit www.5440.com

Art in the ear of the beholder Music named Arts Council’s ‘Trash...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:23:10 -0400

Art in the ear of the beholder

Music named Arts Council’s ‘Trash Art’ theme

When the Arts Council talks trash, they’re not thinking Jersey Shore.

They’re focusing on fine art, as in the group’s annual Trash Art Challenge.

Following years of amazingly diverse creations with themes such as function and masks, this year the subject is ‘musical’.

“This area is full of musicians and we wanted to engage their participation,” says Lori Kenney, an Arts Council member who founded the TAC and has participated every year. “The Arts Council is about all the arts, so opening up the challenge to include another art discipline should stimulate even more people to participate.”

The entry criteria are not exactly strict.

“We want to leave it as open to the imagination as possible, but entries to this main category should be able to create sounds that someone, somewhere might consider music,” said Dallas Stevenson, executive director at the Comox Valley Community Arts Council. “As visual art is in the eye of the beholder, music too is open to interpretation.”

A second category, with lesser prizes, allows for even more open expression – any sort of art from any sort of trash. And there are categories for youth (18 years and under).

Deadline for entries is April 3 and the show is to run April 5 – 28 in CVCAC’s Muir Gallery, on Anderton Avenue, next to the blue bridge in Courtenay. The show opening is set for Thursday, April 5, the day before the Easter long weekend.

“Creative-mind gears are already whirring,” said CVCAC president Jamie Bowman. “I expect this will top even other years, when I have been amazed by the absolute genius of submissions.

“This is a chance to make a statement, through art, about the masses of trash our society creates and to be inspiring in dealing with it creatively.”

In Trash Art, artists “innovate, embellish, assemble, reuse, re-invent, salvage and or construct objects for the home environment with recycled materials,” said Kenney.

The idea is to repurpose discarded items and make them into something beautiful and meaningful, ranging from cute to strange to whimsical to unusual. All submissions must be constructed from materials recycled from a previous use.

Although a fundraiser for the Muir Gallery, There are a variety of prizes available to be won for categories, including

· Best Use of Materials,

· Best General Trash Art Entry

· Musicality, Best Functioning Piece

Trash Art fits well with the Arts Council’s mandate to “facilitate and animate the arts in the Comox Valley … promoting the Comox Valley as a creative and dynamic arts-producing centre.”

Forms and more details are at www.comoxvalleyarts.org. To make alternate arrangements for drop off, contact CVCAC at 250-334 2983 or at info@comoxvalleyarts.org . Out-of-town submissions will be received anytime before the April 3 deadline by mail, courier etc.

The works will be for sale at the gallery.

Lensmen at Zocalos, Friday, March 23 The Lensmen collectively...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:21:27 -0400

Lensmen at Zocalos, Friday, March 23

The Lensmen collectively bring a lot of years of experience to recreate music that has been around a long time. The group’s repertoire reaches back to just about the turn of the century, 1900 that is, and through the 40’s. They have also been known to play a little jazz beyond the Big Band era with Len Wilkie crooning a la Frank Sinatra and are not ashamed to say even a little country. Some of the oldies but goodies that will be on the program are “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”, “Harlem Nocturne”, “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home” and “Satin Doll”. The Lensmen are Noel Thomas - cornet, Mike Eddy - piano, Len Wilkie – drums, and Greg Sumner – Bass. Greg is the founder of the Cure All Jazz Band and is an encyclopedia of performance knowledge about the traditional style of jazz starting from the 1920s.

Art Talk at Comox Valley Art Gallery this weekend

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:18:16 -0400

Comox Valley Art Gallery invites you to join us for an afternoon Art Talk at 2pm-3pm on Saturday March 24 in the main exhibition space. Exhibiting artists Clive Powsey (Cumberland), Tony Martin (Courtenay) and Gordon Greenhough (Comox) will give a talk and slideshow concerning their process, materials and subject matter.

The three artists are currently showing their distinct style of watercolour paintings in the CVAG Community Gallery. Opening to a packed crowd a few weeks ago, this exhibition displays Powsey’s ethereal mountain landscapes, Martin’s colourful photo-realistic urban scenes and Greenhough’s light and shadow filled depictions of natural locales.

Gordon Greenhough is a graduate of the University of Calgary where he pursued his career in Education and Fine Arts. For twenty seven years, he taught Fine Arts to secondary students in Calgary.

Tony Martin was educated at St. Martin’s School of Art (now Central St. Martin’s) and Alberta College of Art (Post Grad Painting), and recently retired as Director / Curator of Comox Valley Art Gallery, Courtenay, BC after 19 years.

Clive Powsey studied drawing, painting and printmaking at the Ontario College of Art, graduating in 1980 and has exhibited his work regularly since 1981 in group and solo exhibitions. He has also worked in animated film and television with screen credits as an art director and background artist/stylist.)

Admission is free or by donation. CVAG is located in downtown Courtenay at 580 Duncan Ave.

Harmonica Spring arrives on Denman Island March 23/24

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:15:36 -0400

The inaugural Denman Audio Arts Collective Music Mini-Festival, Harmonica Spring 2012, is set to kick off on March 23rd 2012.

The Denman Audio Arts Collective, a local society dedicated to providing opportunities for community musical artists to perform and improve their skills, initially produced Musical Chairs in 2006, an eclectic CD of local musical and spoken word artists. For the past four years, the Collective has primarily sponsored a once a month Open Mike where local musicians and poets of all ages have strutted their entertaining stuff.

The first of Harmonica Spring’s three elements will occur on Friday, March 23rd, when Harmonica Virtuoso Keith Bennett engages grades 4-7 students from Denman Community School in a fun, hands-on afternoon colloquy of the “Harmonikatz.”

On Saturday, March 24th, in the Denman Island Community Hall, the second element will have Guitar Master David Sinclair leading a three hour guitar workshop in the morning and Keith Bennett conducting a three hour Harmonica seminar that afternoon. This will be a unique opportunity for registered participants to learn from two of Canada’s top players.

To learn more about these two consummate musicians go to http://www.keith-bennett.com/ or http://www.davidsinclairmusic.com/

The fee for each Saturday workshop will be $30.

The festival will wind up Saturday evening with the final element, a one-time only Community Hall concert featuring Keith and David and the incomparable Hornby Thatch Band. Admission will be $15 at the door.

For more information, check out the Audio Arts Collective website at http://www.denmanaudioarts.com/gigs . To register for either workshop, call 1-250-335-9188 or e-mail: harmonicaspring2012@gmail.com

Many magical moments of stage and screen are pictured here. The...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:14:27 -0400

Many magical moments of stage and screen are pictured here. The Co-Val Choristers will reveal these “magical moments” when they perform March 23, 24, 25th at the Old Church Theatre. For further information and tickets call 250-334-2992.

Rocky Mountain Rebel Music Friday, March 23, 2012 The Waverley...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:11:54 -0400

Rocky Mountain Rebel Music

Friday, March 23, 2012

The Waverley Hotel, Cumberland

Voted ‘Victoria’s Favorite Band’ by Monday Magazine, this toddler is just getting warmed up.

$10 advance, $15 door

Tickets available at Bop City, the Waverley Hotel or by phone (250) 336-8322.

Doors at 9:30pm

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBEL MUSIC has expanded to include 10 members from across the globe to bring a unique variety of musical experience and expertise. This diverse collective talent accounts for the band’s high energy and full sound as well as its broad range of musical influences. Charged by Reggae, Rock, Funk, Dub, Dancehall, Punk, and World Rhythms, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music delivers an original sound that defies comparison. Shredding guitars, bubblin’ keys, smooth horns, hand percussion, drums, and heavy bass form the rough and rugged foundation upon which vocals rise and fall like the tide on Vancouver Island’s rocky coast.

http://rmrm.ca/

http://www.reverbnation.com/rmrm

Jim Moffatt Brings A Taste of Musicfest to Joe’s Garage On March...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:07:46 -0400

Jim Moffatt Brings A Taste of Musicfest to Joe’s Garage

On March 24th we will be treated to a taste of a great show to come at Vancouver Island Musicfest when the stage will be featuring the talents of singer/ songwriter Jim Moffatt.

Jim was born in Chatham Ontario and took to the road of adventure after his education years. After a stint as a Zodiac pilot for Geenpeace Jim found a calling to music and his first sortie into music was a success winning awards and recognition. It is said; “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” and so it was with Jim. After a 10 year hiatus he found his way back to music and located on the west coast.

That return to music is good news for us all as Jim’s maturity has brought out a talent for writing and playing his special fusion style of Folk Rock and Blues. Whether he is singing the humorous ‘Boss on a Spit’ or the soulful ‘Blues Man’ he can relate life shared experience with any audience.

Jim has played on the stages of some very prestigious festivals including our own Musicfest and will be returning to that stage On Friday July 6th.

In the meantime you can catch him in a small intimate venue at Joe’s Garage on Saturday, March the 25th, show time at 8:30. Tickets are available at Bop City for $15 advanced or $20 at the door if available.

Remember that Joe’s is a small restaurant venue so be sure to reserve for dinner to be assured seating. Dinner sitting starts at 6:30. For reservations or more information call Milo at 702-6456. Or go to joeson5th.ca

This Saturday, March 24th, ImageFest will fill the screen at the...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:04:00 -0400

This Saturday, March 24th, ImageFest will fill the screen at the Sid Williams Theatre.

The show, produced by the Comox Valley Camera Club, is the culmination of months of preparation by members of the local organization. This feast for the senses includes slideshows set to music, with themes ranging from the streets of Courtenay to the wilds of the Serengeti, from human interest to Mother Nature’s fury, and more.

A display of print photography will also be available for viewing by members of the audience – featuring a variety of images which will be available for sale following the event

ImageFest played to a full house in 2011, and organizers expect a good turnout this year, as well.

Tickets are still available online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com or at the Sid Williams box office and further information is available on the camera club’s website at www.comoxvalleycameraclub.org

Harpdog Brown Returns with Graham Guest Joe’s Garage has the...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:58:32 -0400

Harpdog Brown Returns with Graham Guest

Joe’s Garage has the privilege of once again hosting blues legend Harpdog Brown. He will be appearing on Friday March 23rd with keyboard artist Graham Guest.

If you are moved by blues and roots music this show is a must. On his own “Dog’s” reputation as one of Canada’s top blues artists has brought him recognition at home as a Juno nominee and abroad. He is the only Canadian to have won the world’s most prestigious blues acknowledgment the “Muddy Award” given by the Cascade Blues Association and named for McKinley Morganfield known as Muddy Waters.

Harpdog will be joined on the stage with Edmonton’s go to keyboard genius Graham Guest. This combination is a must see event. Graham is a musician, singer, songwriter and producer. This artist has played with many of Canada’s leading blues performers and has been nominated for some of our country’s top blues awards including the Canadian Maple Blues Award. He is also a host on radio CJSR in Edmonton.

When Harpdog starts wailing on his harmonica and singing those amazing blues with that deep soul charged voice and is joined with the talented keyboard of Graham Guest there will be magic in the air. That deep down soulfulness inside every blues lover will rise to the occasion.

Tickets are limited so be sure to get your tickets early so you won’t be disappointed. They are available at Bop City for an advanced price of $20 or if there is space $25 at the door.

Joe’s Garage is a restaurant venue. Seating for dinner starts at 6:30 with the show starting at 8:30 PM. It is advised to pre-book for dinner and assure your seating in advance.

Call Milo for reservations at (250) 702- 6456.

Vanier Performing Arts presents Legally Blonde March 20-24,...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:53:51 -0400

Vanier Performing Arts presents Legally Blonde March 20-24, 7 pm with additional matinee Saturday, March 24 at 2 pm. Venue: Mark Isfeld Secondary on Lerwick Rd., Courtenay. Tickets $16, available at Laughing Oyster book store (Courtenay), Alley Cuts (Cumberland), Videos N More (Comox), G.P. Vanier office (250) 338-9262.

Eagle nest downed in windstorm: Eagles that have kept an eagle...

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:00:11 -0500

Eagle nest downed in windstorm:

Eagles that have kept an eagle eye over the site of the almost complete Gas’n’Go service station on Comox (Dyke) Road have been battered by nature. A long-established nest in a tree on adjoining property was hit by the windstorm on the weekend, and much of it collapsed to the ground. Some of the nest lining was left in place, and early indications are that the eagles are attempting to rebuild it. (Before and after pictures courtesy M. Harris)

Man missing in Courtenay

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:40:23 -0500

The Comox Valley RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing 55-year-old man.

Gordon Rasmussen was last seen at 2 p.m. Saturday in the area of Pidcock Avenue in Courtenay.

Rasmussen is mentally challenged. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket with fur around the hood, a brown toque, glasses, a reflective vest, a gray bicycle helmet and was riding a blue Mongoose bicycle with a big basket on the rear.

The RCMP are asking anyone who has seen Rasmussen or knows of his whereabouts to contact them at 250-338-1321.

RCMP search rural property for evidence of a missing youth reported over 18 years ago

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:48:14 -0500

Members of the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment, with the assistance of a Forensic

Identification Specialist from Headquarters, conducted a search December 6th and 7th of a rural property in Royston.

The search was prompted by a tip from the public that was received after the September 2011 press conference held in regards to the 1993 disappearance of 14-year- old Lindsey Nicholls.

The search was conducted with the cooperation of the current property owner. There is absolutely no link between the current owner and the owner of the property in the early 1990’s. The cooperation provided by the current owner was tremendously helpful in enabling the search to be conducted.

No additional information was obtained as a result of the extensive search of the property.

Judy Peterson, Lindsey’s mother was aware that the RCMP was conducting the search and provided the following comments about the most recent information involving the investigation:

“This has been a very difficult week, but it means so much to our family that so much effort went into following up on this tip. We would like to thank the team Paul West put together. They worked so hard on this search, and I know it wouldn’t be easy - emotionally or physically.

“We are so very grateful to the person who had the courage to come forward with this

information. I only hope that anyone who can add anything about Lindsey’s disappearance would do the same.”

“The dedicated members of my team will continue to take the lead on this missing persons case and would like to point out that the Comox Valley RCMP remain committed to this investigation. Eighteen years has passed since Lindsey’s disappearance, and we will continue to pursue information that is brought to our attention,.” said Sgt. Paul West.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Lindsey Nicholls is asked to contact Sgt. Paul West of the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-242-TIPS or 1-800-242-8477.