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A&E column: Highland dance winners; Shake, Shimmy and Shop; Ukrainian pianist back; art exhibit

A taste of what’s happening in Cowichan arts and entertainment

Two Cowichan Valley dancers will be representing the province at the Highland Dance Canadian Championship this summer. Breanne Smith, 16, and Cassidy Propp, 13 competed on May 25 at the BC Highland Dance Provincial Championship, each placing second runner-up in their respective age categories. This qualifies them to represent B.C. at the national championship in July.

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The Shake, Shimmy & Shop: Middle East Inspired Dance Bazaar in Nanaimo this Saturday is raising funds for a cause close to home in Cowichan.

The event, which will feature Middle Eastern dance performances by locals, free mini-dance workshops and the chance to purchase handmade, imported or gently used unique clothing, jewelry and accessories, is raising funds for Cowichan Women Against Violence.

The event takes place June 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Church Hall, Nanaimo (379 Fitzwilliam at Wesley Street). Entry is $5 for adults and free for children under 12.

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Ukrainian pianist Sasha Luchkov is headed back to Cowichan and Victoria for a pair of shows following a great audience reception to concerts he performed last summer.

“Sasha Luchkov stunned audiences in Cowichan and Victoria with his beautiful, virtuosic performances of extremely difficult music, played with a maturity far beyond his years,” said a press release of the now 19-year-old.

Luchkov, who has been studying at UBC under Australian professor David Fung, will be performing a concert of masterpieces by Debussy, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Isaac Albéniz, and Canadian composer, Marc-André Hamelin.

The first concert is Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m., at St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church, 1806 San Juan Ave., Victoria.

The following day, Sunday, June 9, he performs again, this time at 3 p.m., at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 5800 Church Rd., Duncan.

Doors open a half hour before concert time. Entry is by donation. All donations will go toward helping Luchkov further his studies at UBC.

There will be a “Meet and Greet” following each of the concerts.

“Music lovers are urged to come and support this brilliant young musician…not many people, of any age, achieve what he already has,” said the release.

“Prepared though you may be to be astounded, and even moved to tears, you will find his musicianship surpasses your expectations.”

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The Cowichan Public Art Gallery in Duncan is featuring an exhibit called Clifford Webb: a life in the details until June 20. Webb was one of the foremost book illustrators in England and his work is found in the British Museum, the Ashmolean Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, according to the gallery.

He was famous for his art lithographs and fine woodcut carvings. He also painted wall murals and screens and was a popular teacher, “yet he sank into obscurity despite his innovations in engraving.”

Check it out from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.