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LEXI COLUMN: VIDEO: Harold Joe doc on APTN, art shows in Crofton and Duncan, blues by twos at festival

Lots to see, hear, and learn and that’s just scratching the surface in our exciting Valley

Dust n’ Bones, a collaboration of Less Bland Productions and Cowichan First Nation filmmaker Harold C. Joe, makes its Canadian national broadcast premeiere on Tuesday, May 7 at 11 on APTN.

A thought-provoking documentary that examines the legal issues, political controversies and historic mysteries that threaten the preservation and rededication of First Nations artifacts, burial sites, and remains, this is a feature that hits home in the Valley. Framed around the impending transfer of funerary artifacts from the Royal BC Museum to traditional Cowichan territory, these themes are realized through Joe’s perspective. Complementing both the personal and professional journey of Joe are the perspectives of the archaeologists, elders, professors, and museum curators he encounters through his work. The insights of these subjects are told through one-on-one interviews hosted by Joe, as well as through dramatic recreations, archival and creative location footage that speaks to their experiences.

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Wafting up with the wind from Crofton last Saturday was a note from the Crofton Art Group.

A Show and Sale: Celebrating 65 Years, is being held on Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Crofton Seniors Centre, 1507 Joan Ave., (close to the ferry terminal.)

Refreshments will be served, so why not drop by, enjoy a chat with these talented artists about their work?

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The Duncan Showroom’s Blues Festival runs from May 12 to 18, 2019. https://www.showroomproductions.ca/

The Kingmixers and the Shake ‘n’ Cor Trio turn the temperature to “Cool” at the Duncan Showroom on May 16.

Longevity John Falkner says, “Think high end harmonica. These two island ‘blues’ trios have well respected harmonica players, both originally from the Winnipeg blues scene, and both now live here to give you a taste of their blues. Each have a 50-minute set and what a treat!”

So, who’s on first? The Kingmixers Trio features Gary Preston on keyboards, harmonica, vocals and Anita Bonkowski on bass, drums, vocals with Lon Koch on guitar and vocals. Check them out at https://www.garypreston.ca/blues.html

The Shake ‘n’ Cor Trio features Corry Suter on vocals, snare and brushes, Shakey Reay Suter on keyboards, harmonica, and vocals, and Blue Ray Luxemburg on electric guitar, and vocals. They can be found at http://shakencor.com/

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

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And from my friends, the Cowichan Valley Music Teachers Association, this note:

“The David Walden Memorial Scholarship has been presented to Jizelle Balae. Presented to a graduating music student of a CVMTA teacher member (Ann Mendenhall), Jizelle, 17, will be pursuing a degree program in music attending UVic in the fall. She was accepted immediately upon auditioning.

“David Walden was a very successful musician and pianist who lived here in our valley. The cheque was presented by Greg Finnegan (David Walden’s widower).

“Jizelle represented Cowichan at the provincial music festival last year in Intermediate Piano classes and will again, this year, as the senior rep in piano. Her ARCT piano exam will be taken this June so before the presentation, Jizelle performed three solos including ‘Chopin’s Nocturne Opus 27 No 2’, Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’, and ‘Ballade’ by Debussy. Jizelle began piano lessons with Connie Masson. She is graduating from Frances Kelsey. Her ultimate goal, after getting her undergraduate degree in piano, is to go into medicine.”

As someone who remembers David Walden very well, I think he’d be delighted to see this legacy of support for young musicians continue. Congratulations, Jizelle.

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Ann Mendenhall, Greg Finnegan, and Ron Kilian congratulate Jizelle Balae. (Submitted)