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A&E column: Art, auditions, and music

The latest in Cowichan Valley arts and entertainment
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Jordan Blackstone’s painting of an eagle has won the People’s Choice Award at the Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show in 2022. (Jordan Blackstone artwork)

The final prize from the Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show has been awarded. The People’s Choice Award has been given to Jordan Blackstone for her painting of an eagle.

Blackstone is a former architect, according to a press release from the Cowichan Valley Arts Council that ran the show. She moved to Vancouver Island in 2017. She is a wildlife photographer based in Qualicum Beach and she does some teaching online as well as working on wildlife tours out of Campbell River.

“Our annual fine arts show is an exceptional event that really touches people who are impressed with the variety and depth of talent as well as the wonderful curation in our great venue,” said CVAC President Janet Magdanz. CVAC jurors handed out six other awards at the show.

CVAC is celebrating the show as a big success, having had close to 2,000 people view the show, with many new viewers online. It can still be viewed online at cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/cowichan-valley-fine-arts-show-2022-gallery/

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The final Chemainus Classical Concerts performance of the season is Instruments of Change, the long-awaited program by the KeyWinds Trio.

Yvonne Gillespie (piano), Marg St. Cyr (horn) and Annick Richardson (clarinet) were scheduled earlier this year, but their performances had to be postponed twice for COVID-related reasons, “so we are especially pleased that they can finally perform their program for you,” noted Chemainus Classical Concerts artistic co-director Rykie Avenant.

“These Cowichan musicians play to very appreciative audiences all over Vancouver Island and are known for their strong ensemble playing and warm stage presence.”

The program on Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus features trio works by Heinrich von Herzogenberg, Max Bruch and Carl Reinecke. Their concert will highlight the evolution of their respective instruments during the 1800s. Tickets are $25 at the door, $10 for under 18. Tickets can be reserved in advance for $20 by calling Eleanor Montour at 250-748-8383.

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The Cowichan Valley Arts Council is following up the Fine Arts Show with a fibre show and sale, on now at the CVAC gallery in the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan.

Current Threads 2022 will run until June 30. It features more than 100 pieces by B.C. fibre artists. It is hosted by the Vancouver Island chapter of the Surface Design Association.

“Works display high-quality hand-dyed materials and stitching,” says a press release for the event. “The work is varied in themes: pages from a French Larousse dictionary are embroidered in a whimsical depiction of an alphabetic traveller’s vocabulary; a glass bell jar with fibre trees inside is called Heat Dome, by Victoria artist Michele Sirois Silver. Other wall-hung pieces are colourful abstracts.”

“My work is always joyful and life-affirming,” said artist Elizabeth Carefoot. “My mantra is to embrace the wonky.”

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Cowichan singer Malakai has a show in the Discovery Series running at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. His show is scheduled for June 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Malakai is a 13-year-old Grade 7 student who caught the attention of James Taylor in 2020 during a streaming show from the Duncan Showroom. He is described as a “multi-instrumentalist with powerfully soulful vocals. As an emerging songwriter, he produces ballads that take the listener on a compelling journey.”

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for members and $15 for students.

For more information see www.porttheatre.com/events/discovery-series-malakai/

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Hot off of Beauty and the Beast, the Cowichan Musical Society is setting their sights on their next show coming in February 2023: Shrek the Musical.

Auditions for the show will take place on June 28 with callbacks on June 29, and those interested are encouraged to start preparing their materials. Find detailed information at www.cowichanmusicalsociety.org/auditions, or email cowichanmusicalsociety@gmail.com

The show will be directed by Gregg Perry, with Grant Mellemstrand assisting. Connie Masson will act as vocal coach, while Olivia Boudreau and Andrea Wickhan will choreograph.

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The Cowichan Valley Arts Council gallery is home to a fibre arts show until the end of June, 2022. (Photo courtesy of CVAC)