By Wendy Elliott
Art in Jack’s Gallery
Keshena Williams’ paintings are proving popular at Jack’s Gallery in the lobby of the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville.
She said, as a child and young adult she spent many weekends and summers camping and exploring different places in Nova Scotia with her family, so landscapes are a favourite topic.
“The love of nature and appreciation of its beauty that these experiences fostered in me continue to be sources of ideas and inspiration in my paintings,” the Nova Scotia native said.
Williams studied art at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, graduating in 1992. After completing an education degree at Acadia in 2001, teaching “enabled me to travel and live in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
“Throughout my academic studies and time overseas,” she said, “I never stopped painting and drawing as I filled sketchbooks of images and ideas and worked to develop my skills as an artist.”
Eventually Williams and her husband moved back to Bedford where they could be close to family and the familiar landscapes they love. She is busy now raising two children, while working on her art and building a portfolio.
Her paintings will be on display until mid-February.
Try auditioning
The Nova Scotia Choral Federation is now accepting applications to audition for the 22nd season of the Nova Scotia Youth Choir. Auditions will be held Feb. 4 in Wolfville. Visit the Nova Scotia Choral Federation website, www.nscf.ns.ca, for detailed information and to register for an audition. You can also call the federation office at 423-4688 (toll free in Nova Scotia 1-888-672-3969) or email office@nscf.ns.ca.
At Union Street
This Friday, Jan. 20, Mike Aube will host the Open Mic Kitchen Party at the Union Street Café in Berwick. It starts at 8:30 p.m. and there is no cover charge.
Friday, Jan. 27 Open Mic Kitchen Party with The Catupa Trio is scheduled and on Feb. 3 the party will feature Micah O'Connell.
The Saturday, Feb. 4 Songwriters' Circle has the Hupman Brothers, JD Edward and Ian Sherwood all lined up. It starts at 9 p.m. $20.
Acting workshop
CentreStage Theatre in Kentville has two acting workshops coming up. Andrew Kasprzak will be back Jan. 21 to teach an all day workshop. It will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $20 per person. There are 15 spaces available, and you must reserve your space in advance.
Marlowe Krueger-Kaufmann (the kids only performing arts centre) will be doing a workshop at CentreStage Feb. 4. She will be providing an acting workshop for youth Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $20 per person, working on improv skills, characterization/character development, and setting scenes.
Contact Mindy Vinqvist-Tymchuk mindyvt@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Burns event
The Valley Scottish Dancers are holding their annual Burns Night on Saturday, Jan. 21. It will take place at the Lion’s Hall in Port Williams. The formal dinner starts at 6 p.m., followed by dancing.
At the Whittle
Fundy Film screens My Week with Marilyn, a fascinating dramatized glimpse into Marilyn Monroe's time in England shooting one of Hollywood's most challenging productions. Based on a memoir, the film recounts a young man’s experiences as assistant to director Laurence Olivier and the personal relationship he shared with the fragile screen icon.
Sunday, Jan. 22, 4 and 7 p.m.
Next week Fundy Film screens Le Havre: A multiple international award winner (Cannes included), this delightful dramedy portrays bohemian-artist-turned-shoeshine-man, Marcel, who extends a helping hand to an illegal African immigrant. An intricate dance ensues when Marcel and his friends use their ingenuity to hide the lad while the nefarious Inspector Monet keeps hot on the trail.
Sunday, Jan. 29, 4 and 7 p.m., Al Whittle Theatre, 450 Main St., Wolfville.
Tickets ($8) 30 minutes before screening. Info: www.fundyfilm.ca or 542-5157
Rising star here
Internationally acclaimed piano virtuoso Ang Li, whose performance credits and talents reach well beyond her years, will visit Wolfville on Sunday, Jan. 22, to give a recital in the Acadia Alumni series of classical chamber music concerts, Sunday Music in the Garden Room. The concert, which is free, occurs at 2 p.m. in the Irving Environmental Science Centre.
In her Wolfville concert, Li will perform Mozart’s Fantasie in C sharp minor, 7 Fanatasies by Brahms, three Schubert songs arranged for piano by Liszt, a Chopin Nocturne, and a Liszt Ballade.
One-night fest
The second annual Banff Mountain Film Festival will take place Tuesday, Jan. 24 starting at 7 p.m. in the Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville. The festival is an international film competition and an annual presentation of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports and environment. Tickets are $15.
Crescendo concert
Crescendo Gala with James Hill is set for Friday, Jan. 27. This gala promises to be a stellar concert of world-class talent, which also acts as one of the major fundraisers for the Wolfville School Band.
This year world famous ukelele virtuoso James Hill stars with his musical partner, Anne Davison on cello. The concert is rounded out by various Acadia University School of music students and faculty and one of the Wolfville School musical groups.
The Acadia Percussion Ensemble, directed by Mark Adam, features a huge a array of music written for percussion and was a hit at last year’s Crescendo event. Present and past students in this ensemble have performed in the National Youth Orchestra and Canada’s Band of the Ceremonial Guard as well as gone on to residencies at the Banff Center for the Arts and master’s degrees at various distinguished schools.
The Acadia String Quartet is directed by Christoph Both and features string students from the Acadia School of Music and dedicate themselves to exploring a range classical string repertoire.
Having Acadia students involved in this type of concert is important, Adam said, because while Hill brings his incredible skill to Wolfville, the Acadia students represent a very clear path for students in the Wolfville Band who may want to continue with music.
“Many Annapolis Valley young people have come through the School of Music and many have gone on to very successful careers in music.”
There will be auctions and giveaways. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m., auction items can be viewed at 7 p.m. Cost is $20, $15 for students/seniors.
Celebrate Burns
Burns Night Ceilidh Dance, Wolfville Curling Club, 7 pm. on Jan. 28. A night of Scottish and Irish music and dance with performances of Burns songs, piping, and demonstrations from Irish and Highland dance schools.
Although he lived more than 200 years ago, Robert Burns is known as Scotland’s national bard and his birthday, Jan. 25, 1759, is celebrated every year across the world. Instead of a typical Burns supper, which involves much recitation of Burns’ works; the piping, address to, and cutting of the haggis, this event will focus more on the social side of Burns’ life, music, dancing and general merriment.
On hand will be award-winning piper, Scott Henderson, who will both play with the North Mountain Ceilidh Band and accompany the Highland dance demonstration. Niamh Wesbter, of Tir na nOg Irish Dance Academy, will call the dances for all to join in on, keeping everyone’s feet light and heading in the right direction. Dancers from the Irish dance academy will also demonstrate and there will be door prizes and a cash bar available.
No Burns Night is complete without some of the bard’s master works being uttered, so expect some of Burns’ songs to be performed by the band with Scotsman Andy Webster or Webster’s Guitar Academy waxing lyrical and playing bouzouki and guitar.
There is no age limit for this event. Families, elderly, students, and babies are welcome to attend.
Valley Ceilidhs next, and possibly last ceilidh of the season, will be their Eve of St. Patrick’s Day Ceilidh on March 16 at the curling club in Wolfville. For more info on ceilidhs in the Valley look for Valley Ceilidhs on Facebook.
Tickets are $10 in advance at Box of Delights, $12 at the door. Age five and under free. Contact for family and group rates. Info: 582-1786 or info@tirnanogacademy.com
AC/DC Tribute Night
‘A Dirty Deeds Valentines’ will take place Feb. 10 at Dooley's in New Minas. This event features the band, Dirty Deeds, considered by some to be the No. 1 AC/DC tribute in North America. These guys rocked over 10,000 folks at Apple Blossom and now, two years later, they are ready to bring back the rock to New Minas, but there won't be room for tens of thousands at this event.
Tickets are $12.50 if you buy two, or $15 each in advance, available at Everlasting Ink, Dooley's New Minas, Fanfare, Box of Delights, Mama Sofia's and Moe's Place. Tickets at the door will be $20 each, with $5 off if you bring a food bank donation.
There Goes the Bride
CentreStage Theatre in Kentville is staging the comedy There Goes the Bride. The show is geared towards teens and adults.
The play runs each Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. until Feb. 11. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 22 and Feb. 5. There is no longer a Thursday preview night. To make reservations, phone 678-8040. www.centrestagetheatre.ca.
See Jump
Inspired by John Hughes’ Brat Pack movies from the ‘80s, this original musical is set during one zany semester of high school when the girls from Fairview Academy are forced to attend the boy’s school-George Downing. Among the teenagers are a group of rebels, a band of jocks, a ‘nice guy/girl’, some preppy glee club students, cheerleaders and a few awkward geeks. Ruling over the school is the ultra uptight vice-principal and the laid-back hippy principal of George Downing. The show was written and directed by Kerri Leier, with choreography by Tracy Fritz Nasson, and musical arrangement by Melissa Viditio. Jump! features the iconic music of Heart, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper and other ‘80s hits. Mounted five years ago to sold out crowds, the show has gotten a face lift.
Jump! runs Feb. 8 to 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 11 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville. Tickets are children 16 and under $10,
adults $12, or $15 at the door or groups of four $45.
You can purchase tickets by calling 697-2515 or emailing jump_musical@hotmail.com.
Concert time
Andy Duinker and Donna Rhodenizer will be giving an adult concert on Saturday, Feb. 18 at CentreStage Theatre in Kentville.
Doors will open at 7:15 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert.
Both are Juno nominees, ECMA winners and well-loved Valley performers. Their mix of music and stories, wit, charm and top-quality musicianship are just the right recipe for chasing away the winter blues. This performance will highlight songs from their adult recordings Fine Company and Musically Yours. Call 678-8040 to reserve ($20/person).
At the galleries
- Until March 29 Valley Regional Hospital, Art Gallery featured artist is Beverly Smith.
- Linda Barkhouse Cafe Central: Winter & Water, Kentville.
- Acadia Art Gallery’s non-juried art exhibition features the diverse work of gallery members and celebrates the visual creativity in the community.
The popular exhibition runs until Feb. 16.
-Jack’s Gallery in Wolfville is showing paintings
by Keshena Williams until mid-February.
- Monika Wright’s work entitled Anticipating Spring will be on display until Jan. 31 at the Designer Cafe in Kentville.
-Jane Rovers’ work ‘Layered landscapes’ is on display at CentreStage Theatre in Kentville until Feb. 11.
Send arts news to welliott@kingscountynews.ca
