City’s calendar filled with entertainment
Every now and then it’s easy to forget that we live in a small city, just based on the number of high quality arts events that happen over a short period of time. This coming week is one of those moments.
My schedule is jam-packed with events this weekend. Plus, it’s that time of the month – another Pro-D Day – which means there’s cool programming choices for kids too. Then, add on all the craft fairs, the Festival of Trees, and the free talks and lectures – sometimes it really is hard to believe we are a city of only 73,000 people.
So to start, we have the much-awaited opening of Theatre NorthWest’s It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play. One of the holiday seasons most recognizable stories, this adaptation puts the audience inside a fictional 1940’s radio station. It’s a perfect play for the whole family and runs until Dec. 13. The Tuesday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday have 2 p.m. matinees. Tickets are available at
Inspiring Women Around Us is a twoweek event that runs until Nov. 29. I encourage you to experience at least one of their sessions. Coming up on Friday is the Indigenous Women, Indigenous Leaders, Leading the World Panel happening at 2 p.m. at UNBC Room 7-158. This free event will explore how Indigenous women have always been a powerful force in their communities and in the wider world. Speakers will include Chief Jackie Thomas, Councillor Alison Johnny, Councillor Jasmine Thomas, Councillor Marlene Quaw and Council- lor Priscilla Mueller. For more information visit
Friday is also a Pro-D Day. So lots of fun things for the kids to do.
Two Rivers Gallery is presenting their Mighty Jungle themed Creativity Camp. Students will explore the landscapes and animals of the jungle through art. The program is for students in Grades 1 to 7. Call 250-614-7800 for more information.
Studio 2880 will be presenting a Mexican-themed arts and baking camp, featuring Mexican music, art and cooking classes. The program is open to students in Grades 1 to 6. Call 250-563-2880 for more information or visit
to register. Exploration Place provides a 50 per cent discount on admission on Friday and offers hands-on activities for preschoolers and adults in the morning, and activities for elementary aged students in the afternoon. All activities are free with admission. For more information visit
An exciting new event is happening on Saturday for local youth. The Teen Art Showcase will be held at the P.G. Library. This afternoon event is open to students in Grades 8 to 12. From 1 to 3 p.m., students will be joined by some of the city’s top professional artists, including Michael Kast, Elmer Gunderson, Shirley Babcock, Carla Joseph, Cher French, Christina Watts, Heidi Veldman and more. This is the first in a series of free events, that will culminate in a month-long exhibit and competition of local teen artists’ work at the library in February. To join the workshop this Saturday, just come down to the Bob Harkins Branch at 1 p.m. Bring your ideas and samples of your work and receive professional-level mentorship in the arts.
I am really looking forward to the PGSO Classic Treasures concert on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Not only will we be hearing one of my favourite Beethoven symphonies (#2), but, we will be finally getting a chance to hear and see Maestro Hall tackle repertoire of real substance. And as a real bonus, Concertmaster Jose Delgado-Guevara will be featured as the soloist performing the Saint-Saen Havanaise. The concert is at the P.G. Playhouse and tickets are available at
And just looking ahead, I want to remind you of just a couple of our annual holiday classics. On Dec. 2, The Nove Voce Choral Society will be performing their ever-popular A Choral Reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Civic Centre, upper floor. There are four performances that day, and tickets are $5 at the door.
And last, but certainly not least, make sure you buy your tickets to Judy Russell’s The Nutcracker, with the PGSO, in advance before they sell out. There are only three performances on Dec. 15-17. Tickets are available at