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Lexi Bainas column: A columnful of Oktoberfest, musicals, books, galleries, and more. Down the hatch!

It’s an exciting autumn and events are ‘falling’ on us from every angle this week.

Wow! Just returned after time off and found my email box exploding with exciting A&E items for a splendiferous fall season.

One of my favourite folks, Michelle Vogelgesang, the cheerful marketing and sales director at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, has sent a note telling me about works that are currently on display in the gallery and through the theatre until Oct. 6.

“For every program in our season lineup, our gallery manager, Lorna Rivard, thoughtfully selects local artisans to feature alongside the current show. For Glorious!, Rivard has chosen Jeanette Jarville. ‘It was originally Jeanette’s figurative pieces that attracted me.’ Rivard told me. ‘The bold use of color combined with romantic shapes is appealing — reminiscent of Modigliani, with a hint of Picasso. I am convinced she is an excellent fit for the gallery and theatre.’”

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Stop the presses! Just received an email from Brentwood College’s tireless Edna Widenmaier that the school has secured West Side Story for its musical blockbuster.

Tickets are coming online in December — just in time for Christmas gifting — and the show roars onto the stage Feb. 27, 2019.

“We’re really excited to be doing this. One of the most important and powerful musicals of all time. The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical: one of theatre’s finest accomplishments.”

Mark your calendars now.

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While we’re on the subject of musical theatre, the Cowichan Musical Society wants you.

A whisper from the wings says there is still room in the chorus of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. And, some key roles are yet to be determined. You could still be in the show.

Libretto, vocal, and piano scores can be viewed and downloaded at auditions. The script will be posted there, too, when it’s available.

Not keen on strutting the boards? They also need production support: backstage, costumes, makeup, sets, props, and more. If you’re interested, email cowichanmusicalsociety@gmail.com or contact Irwin Killam at 250-710-0010.

Note: All cast must be members of the Society to participate. Fees are $35 for adults, $25 for students, and $75 for a family.

Show up on Friday, Oct. 5, at 6:20 p.m. at the Celtic Rhythms studio at 371 Brae Rd. and you can Succeed, too.

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If you’re in a beer-drinking, stein-lifting, noisy-singing, good-time-sharing state of mind, the Rotary Club of Duncan has an Oktoberfest Celebration for you tomorrow — Saturday, Sept. 22 — at the Cowichan Exhibition.

This is the club’s first annual Oktoberfest at Mellor Hall at the Ex.

Music is by The Rhineland Band. There’s great food, fun games and, of course, beer. Your ticket includes admission, tasty German food and your first glass of beer (or wine). This is a fundraising event which will help the club support their many local youth programs, including Pregnancy Food Connection — a program that provides healthy food options for low income mothers in the Cowichan Valley.

The fun runs from 6 p.m. to midnight. General admission is $30 per person. Get your tickets today (Friday) at eventbrite.ca. Sales end at 6 p.m. Sept. 21.

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But if your tastes follow an easterly star, try the Indo-Persian Artistic Bazaar at the Duncan Showroom on Sunday, Sept. 23.

According to Longevity John, “Jamie Hamilton on the sitar brings his friends together: Steph Khoury on tabla, Lara and her belly dancing skills, plus a middle eastern singer as a special guest to take us on a most wonderful, exotic, musical journey. Priced to entice at $15/door or $12/advance.”

Slide on in at 7:30 for a unique experience.

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Cynthia Lockrey has notified us that her next book, Your Child’s Voice, was released on Sept. 18.

“There has been a lot of excitement and interest from parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals as many people have stories to tell about challenges raising children with special needs,” she says.

“Of interest to you, this book features interviews with a number of Cowichan region medical professionals, therapists and parents. You’ll likely recognize all of them. Even though it’s written for a global audience, and available internationally, it has a strong Cowichan connection.”

Volume One is hosting a book signing event on Saturday, Sept. 29 for this book, Your Child’s Voice, as well as her first book, Bed Rest Mom.

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And finally, this.

One of the emails greeting me on return was an invitation to join one of two cruises — not for free, mind you — for Arias on the High Seas.

I could either chose Opera in the Eastern Mediterranean or Shubert and Schumann in Japan.

Ah, to be spoilt for choice. Maybe a lottery win is in my future. As Jean Luc Picard always said: Make it so!