Art, science, history - it all started with a big bang. Those, of course, are the lyrics to the theme song for The Big Bang Theory television show. And the Barenaked Ladies got the lyrics and song just right. Yes, we are still unraveling the mysteries of the universe and use all that we have learned in history and science to create art.
Arts Club Theatre Company is bringing back Red Rock Diner, the Dean Regan vehicle that recounts the early days of Vancouver's legendary DJ, Red Robinson. Red Rock Diner has played to cities across Canada, and when Arts Club presented this show in 1998, a young and "undiscovered" Michael Bublé starred in this production. It was on the Surrey stage. Did you see it then? If not, or if so, here is another chance for you to catch this bit of rock 'n' roll history.
Go back to 1957, when young Robinson plays the biggest hits of the time. Five teens come of age to the background of the great tunes. Take a moment to explore our own history: Robinson began his broadcasting career at the age of 16 with CJOR. He was one of the first DJs to play Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and other rock 'n' roll artists on regular rotation in Canada. Audience favourite Zachary Stevenson (Buddy in The Buddy Holly Story) stars in this new production, directed and choreographed by Valerie Easton.
Red Rock Diner plays at the Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston St., Vancouver) from June 19 to Aug. 2. Tickets start at $29 via 604-687-1644 and Artsclub.com. And if you are looking for a big bang for your buck, you might even meet the legend himself: "You can count on Carole and I being on hand for many of the performances," Red Robinson stated. "I would love to see you in the audience during its run."
Visual art is another vehicle to reflect our culture and history. No, really? OK, I know that is stating the obvious, but work with me a bit on this theme. On view now until Aug. 9 at Surrey Art Gallery is Change: Contemporary Ismaili Muslim Art.
In this exhibit, nine established and emerging B.C.-based members of Ismaili Artists Canada, an independent organization that promotes and supports visual media artists, show the humanistic approach of Islam and share their experiences through paintings, photographs, calligraphy and ceramics. Works include images of local scenes, landscapes of Africa and India, symbolic works that express ideas of peace and harmony, and abstract compositions that explore the ideas of change and cycles. This showcase draws from Islamic history and the Ismaili tradition, and inspires the artists to seek out the sacred as they go beyond the physical form. Interesting. It's history of Islamic tradition presented in visual art.
Admission to this exhibition is free. Everyone is invited to the opening reception (June 27, from 7 to 9 p.m.), celebrating all of the gallery's summer exhibitions.
In White Rock, Illuminating the Darkness is the current art exhibition on display at the city's community centre. The artist is Karen Santos, a Mexican artist with a BFA from UBC and a BA in Opera and Performance at the Vancouver Academy of Music. Her work is inspired by art, music and psychology.
This exhibit is about the darkness we experience when everything in our lives seems to be going wrong and the turning point when we discover the light at the end of the tunnel. Moments. Not everything in life is a big bang, you know. Sometimes it is just a gentle discovery of our history, our culture and how music and art can both entertain and educate. The exhibit's opening reception is Saturday, June 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at White Rock Community Centre, located at 15154 Russell Ave.
We can always use a little more history. Surrey Heritage Services welcomes back The Re-enactors heritage re-enactment troupe. This troupe brings to life Surrey's true stories during the period of 1872 to 1945. Meet Eric Anderson and hear how he sailed the world before deserting whaling life to settle in Surrey, eventually selling his land to make room for the BCER railway. Engage in political debate with T.J. Sullivan, Surrey's longest standing reeve, as he campaigns for the development of the Surrey Dyking System and the International Peace Arch. Get a lesson from adventurous maverick Miss Mary Jane Shannon while trying out an old-time slate board and hearing her tales of teaching at Clover Valley School. Be sure to line up for an immunization from Doctor Fredrick Sinclair, as he informs you about his duties as Medical Health Officer and advocates for a hospital in Surrey. Performances by the troupe are part of Doors Open on Saturday, June 21. Doors Open is a staggering staging of arts, culture, recreation and heritage in Surrey. This is definitely a big-bang event - not just a theory. Plan to participate.
melminty@telus.net