Last week I wrote about time and space, and effectively disseminating information. Got a nice email from Barbara Cooper, music chair for Semiahmoo Arts (the arts council in White Rock and South Surrey). She wrote, "Thank you so much for your most informative and to-the-point column on press releases." She also added something her wise aunt used to say: "Time is the only thing you can't get back. Spend it wisely." I love that.
And Semiahmoo Arts certainly is spending time wisely with all the performing arts events, workshops, art exhibitions and whatnots they support, promote and organize.
This Saturday, Jan. 17, Semiahmoo Arts presents South End Summit: A Big Bands Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Wheelhouse Theatre at Earl Marriott Secondary (15751 16th Ave., Surrey). And just who is performing in this concert? Glad you asked. It's the senior jazz bands from local secondary schools Earl Marriott (directed by Rodger Owens), Elgin Park (Rob Leeder) and Semiahmoo (Dagan Lowe), in this fifth annual fundraiser. In fact, it's more than a fundraiser; these musicians are serious about their music and need a showcase that is more than a school concert.
While not everyone who plays in a high school band ever goes on to professional performer, there are always some famous alumni from these programs. Guest artist Ben Henriques honed his chops on sax, clarinet and flute at Semi under former band director Dave Proznick, who takes on emcee duties at the annual concert. Vancouver's King of Swing, Dal Richards, will also be on hand to present his generous scholarship. C'mon, what else do you need to convince you that this concert is time well spent? This is blast from the Big Band past. Tickets are available at Tapestry Music and via Semiahmoo Arts - $20 general admission and $15 for students and seniors. For details, call 604-536-8333.
There is no secret that I like to spend quality time at Surrey Arts Centre.
But wait, back up. Delete "quality." Time is time, it has no definition of quality. But most everything I have ever attended at Surrey Arts Centre has certainly been time well spent. I have learned to "Fear No Art," appreciate contemporary art and understand the concept behind conceptual art. That doesn't mean I always like everything in every exhibit, but we are given the opportunity to expand our horizons and help us achieve a more open mind. You understand. It is often through expression in an art form that we achieve freedom of expression. Yes, Je suis Charlie. We don't have to agree with what is written, painted, performed or expressed. We can disagree and express an opinion, and we are free to attend whatever theatre event we desire. Yes.
Arts Club Theatre Company brings The Odd Couple to Surrey Arts Centre from Jan. 14 to 24 - shows Tuesday to Saturday at 8 p.m., also Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $29 to $46, including all fees, via 604-501-5566 and Tickets.surrey.ca.
"The one-liners are rapidfire and nonstop, yet it still manages to tell a touching story of two best friends trying to work out their differences," notes director John Murphy.
This year, Surrey Art Gallery is celebrating its 40th anniversary with exhibits about Surrey and its region, starting with an opening reception this Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. There are many more projects and exhibitions available at Surrey Art Gallery. Spend some computer time wisely and check out Surrey. ca/artgallery. Remember, you may not like everything you see, hear or read. You may find it crude, rude or boring. You may not even want to call it art. But we are free to express our thoughts.
Je suis Charlie.