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Creative Current - Plein Air this week

Nadine Davenport's bi-monthly column of arts and theatre in the region.

Artists descend on Ashcroft May 22-23

Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society cordially invites you to participate in the 2nd Annual Plein Air Paint-Out in Ashcroft on May 22-23. Ashcroft and the surrounding area, will once again see a number of painters creating works of art from various vantage points around our community. The event saw 34 artists visit our community last year and more are expected this year.

The Society looks forward to welcoming those from near and far to celebrate the beauty of what is often described as a “stunning and unique landscape” where inspiring views and vistas abound. Artists of all levels of experience are welcome. Once again, the focus will be on gathering like minds to enjoy the sheer pleasure of painting. There will be plenty of opportunities to paint as well as gatherings for meals and conversation.

After two full days of glorious painting, all Painters, Organizers and any curious Community members are most welcome to attend a Celebration of event which will include prizes for ‘Artists Choice’ and a BBQ Supper at St Albans Hall on Thursday, May 23 from 5-8:30 pm. Display and Sale of the freshly painted works will be from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Come and join in the fun - incomparable scenery, gracious hospitality and fellow artists await you! There is still time to register or for more info please visit www.windingriversarts.ca or email or to register email ashcroftpleinair@gmail.com

AES Fun Fair this Thursday!

Have fun, bring the kids and support the fifth Annual Ashcroft Elementary School Fundraising Fun Fair on Thursday, May 23 from 4-8 pm at AES school grounds (711 Hill St.) and gymnasium. Outdoor stage with performances from local artists and group demos and a special all appearance from Uncle Chris the Clown.

Enjoy this year’s six inflatables: Pirate Ship Single Slide, Inflatable Wrecking Ball, Princess Palace Bounce & Slide, Iron Man Obstacle Course, Gladiator Coliseum Jousting, Alien Invasion Bounce & Slide.

Jam packed live entertainment featuring; Uncle Chris the Clown, the local Karate Club, demos of local Zumba family fitness and live music on the outdoor stage - sponsored by Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society (WRAPS).

There will also be games and activities in the gym including Rock Band & Wii games, lots of Raffles to choose from including; eight large themed baskets, ‘Big’ ticket items, Cake/dessert walks, plus multiple food vendors on site. An Outdoor and gym preschool play area (sponsored by StrongStart and Make Children First). All inclusive event – access to inflatables and activities by donation.

Bringing our Community and School District together to honour, celebrate, and support our school. Please join us for a great evening of family fun and fundraising. Organized by the AES Parents Advisory Council. All are welcome! See you there!

Escape from Planet Earth

The Village of Cache Creek presents another fun Family Movie Night at the Cache Creek Community Hall. The feature movie this month is the animated pre-DVD release of Escape From Planet Earth on Saturday, May 24. Admission at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the Movie starting at 7 pm. Door prizes and a surprise pre-movie short.

Popcorn and goodies are  available for purchase at the concession supporting Cache Creek Elementary School’s Parent Advisory Council. No outside food or drinks, please. Children must be supervised and remain seated and quiet during the movie please.

Here’s a sneak peek of what the Movie is all about; Astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is considered a national hero on planet Baab by the blue alien population. Scorch and his quiet, by-the-rules brother, Gary (Rob Corddry), head of mission control at BASA, pull off astonishing feats.

When BASA’s strict chief Lena (Jessica Alba) tells the brothers about an SOS from a planet known to be dangerous planet, Scorch ignores Gary’s trepidation about traveling there and sets off on what he believes will be another exciting mission.

UnderWRAPS’ Acting Workshops ready to start

Winding Rivers Arts And Performance Society presents ‘UnderWRAPS Acting Classes’. There is still time to come and get caught in the act and learn some basics for stage acting in a fun, creative, and encouraging environment! Local actor extraordinaire, Gareth Smart, is teaching seven classes, starting May 13 and ending June 24. Open to all ages! Classes are held in the Ashcroft High School Library. For enrolment, costs, or if you have any questions, please call Gareth Smart at (250) 457-0538, or email garethsmart0@gmail.com

Ashcroft’s ‘Music In the Park’ summer line up

Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society presents 2013 Music In The Park Summer Concert Series in Ashcroft. The popular evening Concerts at the Gazebo in Heritage Place Park on Railway Ave. are held throughout the Summer in June, July and August and are every second and fourth Wednesday night from 6:30-9:30 pm.

Music in the Park is a series of live musical performances featuring an eclectic mix of musical genres and styles that appeals to a wide range of audience tastes. Everything from single and duo folk performers, blues and roots artists, soul and even good old rock’n’roll.

This season promised to be extra special. Not only will we be treated to the music some of the greatest artists in Canada - from the youth-oriented pop/rock of the Michael Wood Band to the soulful and hip sound of the Jackie Treehorn Band, or Clinton’s own Arlen Park with some great original country music, to the jazzy blues of Andrea Smith and much more - but we will also be proudly showcasing our magnificent home-grown talent as well!

Here’s the complete line up:  Don’t miss the Michael Wood Band who plays Youth Orientated Pop/Rock Band on June 12. June 26 will feature Clinton’s very own Arlen Park with his own soulful styling of original country music songs and some awesome covers! On July 10 get your soul boots on for the Jackie Treehorn Band. Look forward to a high energy mix of Funk & Soul. The Mark James Fortin duo comes to town on July 24. Mark is a gifted Folk Singer Songwriter who plays acoustic guitar with his wife Lorna on cello. On Aug. 14 hear the sweet soul/blues sounds of the Andrea Smith duo. Andrea is a velvet-voiced blues, roots, rock and jazz singer falling somewhere between Bonnie Riatt and Kathleen Edwards with hints of Eva Cassidy. Our last show of the season will feature the Benny Walker Band, on Aug. 28. Benny plays an effortless blend of blues, roots and acoustic folk.

The WRAP society hopes everyone enjoys the music all summer long! Look for posters around town and take home one of the small handouts that will be available at local retailers. Also why not check out www.windingriversarts.ca for info on all the upcoming artists and their music. So bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner or buy dinner from one of our food vendors. Pass-that-Hat donations encouraged. Come early - the park fills up fast.

Nadine Davenport