InFocus Magazine

MARCH 27—Crown Isle Resort presents Easter Sunday. Bring the family and come out to the driving range at 8:30am for an Easter egg hunt. Kids 10 and under can search for eggs in the grass with the Easter bunny. Afterward, approved the whole family can come inside the Clubhouse for a Pancake Breakfast, including pancakes, fruit salad and drinks. Entry is by donation with funds benefiting our Community First programs. Suggested donation of $5 per family.

MARCH 28—Easter Eggstravaganza! Easter family events at Marina Park in Comox. Have fun with an Easter egg hunt for all ages, inflatable obstacle course, face painting and charity BBQ. Activities 11:30am-2pm with Easter egg hunt starting at 12 noon sharp!

MARCH 27—Join St. Peter’s Anglican Church in celebration for ‘He is Risen’. Comox Recreation Centre, Comox, Easter Sunday at 10am.

MARCH 30 – APRIL1—Axé Capoeira Batizado and Afro-Brazilian Festival. Come and celebrate Axé Capoeira Comox Valleys first Batizado and Festival of Afro-Brazilian culture! This will be an event you will not want to miss! Four days of intensive workshops from some of the best capoeiristas from Axé Capoeira. A theatrical spectacle presented at the Sid Williams theatre and a belt ceremony with kids performances! 10:00am – 4:00pm, Comox Recreation Centre. FMI www.capoeiracomox.com

MARCH 31—Chamber of Commerce Board Elections Luncheon. Don’t miss your chance to vote for the Chamber’s volunteer board of directors and do a little networking while you’re at it. Kingfisher Resort, Sandpiper Room from 11:45am-1:30pm. www.comoxvalleychamber.com

APRIL 1—Ballet Victoria’s Romeo and Juliet. The drama of Shakespeare and the creativity of Ballet Victoria unite in a passionate fusion. Sid Williams Theatre. 7:30pm. www.sidwilliamstheatre.com

APRIL 1—Joy District. Come support Joy District as they embark on their first cross-Canada tour. The Waverley Hotel, Cumberland. Tickets $15/advance available at Bop City, The Waverley, online at www.cumberlandvillageworks.com  or call 250-336-8322. Doors open at 9:30 pm.

APRIL 5—Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer hosted by Cascadia Liquor Store. Come see what’s new at Cascadia. This after-hours mixer will sell out quickly. Please register in advance. Don’t forget to wear a nametag and bring business cards. 5pm-7pm, Cascadia Liquor Store, Crown Isle Plaza.

APRIL8, 9, 13-16—Courtenay Little Theatre presents The Tempest. A desert island and an unknown sea: one exiled sorcerer, his teenage daughter and their two servants, both magical spirits, one of air and water and the other of earth and fire. 7:30pm at the Sid Williams Theatre. FMI. www.courtenaylittletheatre.com

APRIL 8-10—28th Annual Spring Home Expo. Building, renovation and décor show. More than 100 exhibits, lots of information and ideas. Get inspired by the newest ideas in spring home improvement and decorating so you can create your dream home. Comox Valley Sports Centre. Friday 5pm-9pm; Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. Free admission.

APRIL 9—Pigeon Hole + jprime. Packing dance floors at the Waverley and Atmosphere Gathering, Pigeon Hole returns to Cumberland for some serious spring cleaning. The Waverley, tickets $15/advance available at Bop City, The Waverley, www.cumberlandvillageworks.com  and 250-336-8322. Doors open at 9:30 pm.

APRIL 15—Ben Rogers – he’s the real deal. Great songs, top tier musicians and a vocal style that evokes the maturity of performers twice his age. The Waverley, tickets $15/advance available at Bop City, www.cumberlandvillageworks.com and 250-336-8322. Doors open at 9:30 pm.

APRIL 15 &16—Island Voices chamber choir presents “Our flight Begins in Song”, conducted by Jenn Forsland. April 15 in Comox at the Comox United Church; April 16 in Campbell River at the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre.

APRIL 16-17—Comox 6th Annual West Coast Women’s Show. The West Coast Women’s Show is a lifestyle show for and about women. There will be exhibits showcasing products, services and information of interest to women, as well as informative seminars. There will be something of interest for women of all ages. There will also be lots of opportunities to buy fabulous gifts, jewellery, beauty products, fashion and home decor. Learn about business and financial opportunities, get health and wellness information and much much more! Comox Community Centre , 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox. Sat. 9:30am-4:30pm; Sun. 10-4pm. FMI www.westcoastwomensshow.com.

APRIL 23—Raise The Roof with Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North. We’re bringing back the classic old school dance. Raise The Roof is in support of Habitat’s build initiatives in which we partner with hardworking struggling families to provide safe, decent and affordable homes. Dance the night away with Habitat for Humanity, and help us Raise The Roof on our next housing project. Together we can create a lasting change for two local families. Habitat for Humanity, Building Homes, Building Hope. Music by Time Well Wasted. Native Son’s Hall, Courtenay 7:30pm – 1 am. No host bar. Tickets $25/$30 at door. For tickets and more info go to www.habitatnorthisland.com.

APRIL 24—34th Annual Snow to Surf Adventure Relay Race. Canada’s premier multi sport team relay. event. Race start 8:45am on Mount Washington. FMI www.snowtosurf.com

APRIL 30—Time—A Tribute to Pink Floyd. “Time”, Western Canada’s Premier Pink Floyd Tribute Band is coming to the Sid. With nine talented musicians, Time’s show is second to none as they perform Pink Floyd’s classic hits, choreographed with a laser and video show. When the show starts you’ll be instantly transported back in “Time” to one of the best rock and roll bands ever. Tickets at Sid Williams Theatre, by phone at 250-338-2430 or online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com

MAY 1—International Workers’ Day Bean Supper. Honor the struggle for worker safety and dignity at home and around the wold. This old fashioned community bean supper features live music, stories from Cumberland’s colorful history and a tasty plate of working class food—biscuits, baked beans and slaw. Cumberland Cultural Centre. FMI www.cumberlandmuseum.ca

MAY 7—Orkestar Slivovica w/Demiran Cerimovic. Come celebrate Ederlezi. With Cathy Stoyko and her Romany dancers in the mix, this party promises to be the highlight of our spring season. The Waverley, tickets $15/advance available at Bop City, www.cumberlandvillageworks.com and 250-336-8322.

MAY 8—North Island Rhododendron Society 21st Annual Mother’s Day garden tour. Instead of presenting your favourite mom with a bouquet on Mother’s Day, treat her to thousands of dazzling blooms. The nine beautifully groomed gardens selected this year are in the northern part of the Comox Valley and each reflects the gardener’s special touch with shrubs, trees and flowers. The creative layouts and plant selections are sure to inspire any keen gardener. Tours start at 10am and continue through to 5pm. Tickets ($10 for all 9 gardens) are available at various Comox Valley and Campbell River outlets in April but can also be bought at the gardens themselves. Call Louise, 250-334-2331 or Linda, 250-897-3826 FMI.

MAY 12-16—BC Nature Conference and AGM. CVN is hosting the BC Nature Conference, 4 days of Field Trips, Workshops and nationally recognized speakers and presenters such as Steven Price, Chair of Bird Studies Canada, and Briony Penn, naturalist, writer, and broadcaster. Celebrate the 100 years of Canadian Conservation, and our 50th anniversary. See website for details on events and biographies. 8 am to 10 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm Sunday. Florence Filberg Center, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay. FMI www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/bc-nature-agm/

MAY 15—Touch a Truck. Come and get up close and personal with some awesome trucks. Fundraiser for the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society. Admission $5 per person, children under 2 free. Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, 11am-3pm.

MAY 15—Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk. Courtenay Airpark. Check in time 8:30-9:45am. Start time 10am. Route lengths 3, 7 and 10 km. FMI call Cherie at 250-339-0819. www.mswalks.ca

MAY 17-19—Empire Days Celebrations. Join Cumberland residents for their biggest annual celebration taking place on the Victoria Day long weekend. Empire Days feature sporting events, crafts, live music, a downtown street market, parade and so much more. Activities and enjoyment for all ages. Come and take part in a great community tradition that is over a century old! FMI www.cumberlandbc.org

MAY 21-22—Denman Island Pottery Studio Tour. A wonderful opportunity to explore the island while celebrating the arts! Between 10 am and 5 pm daily 10 unique venues will showcase exciting new works. Pick up a FREE map at the Buckley Bay Ferry booth or at the Denman Island Craft Shop! Info: 250-335-1209 www.denmanpottery2016.blogspot.ca

MAY 21-23—The annual Art and Bloom Festival is focused on presenting a limited variety of art forms. Emphasis will be placed on original works by painters, potters, sculptors, glass blowers, original stained glass designers, garden art and other unique art forms. Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. Saturday and Sunday 0-5; Monday 10-4. www.woodlandgardens.ca

JUNE 2—5th Annual Elevate the Arts Festival. A barrier free, street level arts and culture festival celebrating experimentation, exploration and the Commons! Music, poetry, art, dance, circus, photography, literary antics, urban reclamation and more! With a variety of times and locations. Downtown Courtenay. www.elevatethearts.com

JUNE 10-19—BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival. It’s shucktastic! The BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, the largest in Western Canada, is celebrating its 10th year. 11 days of non-stop tours and charters, seafood chef demonstrations and tastings, gala dinners, educational seminars and contests celebrating British Columbia’s seafood producers, industry and bounty. Stay tuned for event announcements, tickets sales and contests. Save the date and keep on shucking! – Various locations around the Comox Valley. FMI www.discovercomoxvalley.com/shellfish-festival-info

JUNE 18—Butterfly Ball, Comox Valley. The Butterfly Ball is an enchanting evening of magic and entertainment for dads and school-aged daughters. A dinner and dance that celebrates and strengthens the special relationship they share. Crown Isle Resort. A fundraising gala supporting the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. 4:30 to 9:30pm. FMI call 250-519-6722.

JUNE 18—Comox Valley Motorcycle Ride For Dad 2016. The mission of the TELUS Ride For Dad is to raise funds to save men’s lives by supporting prostate cancer research and raising public awareness of the disease. We raise funds through large scale one-day motorcycle, snowmobile, watercraft and ATV ride events and through ongoing public fundraising. TELUS Ride For Dad events take place in multiple cities across Canada, representing every province. FMI call 1-866-594-3243 or email [email protected].

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ONGOING EVENTS

EVERY SUNDAY — Bluegrass Brunch Sundays with Archie Pateman & Friends. 10:30 am. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322 www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

EVERY MONDAY — Senior’s Program, Halbe Hall in Black Creek. Start with an hour-long fitness class, followed by a homemade lunch provided by the Black Creek Community Assoc. $5 drop-in. 250-337-5190 FMI.

EVERY MONDAY — Woolgatherers Club. 11am-3pm, Fallen Alders Hall, Royston@Minto Road. Call Carole, 250-334-4284 or Carol, 250-339-3403 FMI.

EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY — Al-Anon for people concerned about a loved one’s drinking. Mon, Tues and Fri 8 pm; Thurs 10 am. Call 250-334-2392 FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — Fun Euchre, Courtenay Legion, 1:30 pm. Mixed pub darts at 7 pm.

EVERY TUESDAY — Drop-in meditation with Lucas every Tuesday, 7 pm at Ocean Resort, Oyster Bay (by $$ donations to the food banks). Call 250-792-3165.

EVERY TUESDAY — Universal Devotional Chanting and Meditation. Mystic Valley Voices Chanting Community. Little Red Church Healing Centre, 2182 Comox Avenue (at Alpine). 6:45-8:30pm. Everyone welcome! ChantMaster Oliver Clarke, 250-218-1688. Visit www.mysticvalleyvoices.org FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — Regular Drop In Meditation and Teaching with Geshe YongDong at the Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre. By donation. 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY – a Good Yarn Knitting & Crochet Circle meets at the Comox Library, 101-1720 Beaufort Avenue on Tuesday from 6-8 pm year-round. Lessons, refreshments and some supplies are provided. All ages. Drop in. Call 250-339-1240 or email [email protected] FMI.

EVERY WEDNESDAY—Learn how to meditate! Free classes will be held at the Courtenay Library, 300 6th Street in Courtenay. Simple and effective techniques of Sahaja Yoga Meditation will allow you to master stress, improve your health, face yourself and achieve balance in every aspect of life. Ancient knowledge and practices are adapted to modern day needs for people of all ages and walks of life. Visit www.freemeditation.ca or call 250-954-5040 FMI.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Drop-in darts at 1pm. Courtenay Legion.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — The Woolly Mammoth Craft Club is a free, all ages knitting circle ongoing Wednesday nights at Lake Trail School. 6:30-8pm at Lake Trail School (805 Willemar) in the school library. [email protected].

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Regular Drop In Silent Meditation Practice; two sessions: 7-7:30 pm & 7:35-8:05 pm. Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre, 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.

EVERY THURSDAY — Crib & Gucci, Courtenay Legion, 6:30 pm. Men’s darts at 7 pm.

EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Jazz Club. In the past year the Jazz Club has had over 20 different host combos with 200+ musicians aged 13 to 80 years on the stage. The Avalanche Bar and Grill on Eight Street, Courtenay, 7:30-10:30 pm. www.georgiastraightjazz.com

EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Night Open Jam. Stellar house band, ready to play music in almost any style! 9 pm. No cover. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322. FMI visit www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

EVERY FRIDAY—CCTSC Cycling. Come join us one one of our weekly rides. We are a road cycling group of active adults and members of the cross Canada Cycle Tour Society. Meet at Florence Filberg Centre lower parking lot at 10am. We cycle at a medium pace of 20km/hr for a 40 to 80km ride.

EVERY FRIDAY — Conversation Group—a great opportunity to practice English in a safe and welcoming environment. Sponsored by the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Courtenay Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Every Friday, 1-20 pm. Last Friday of the month, 1:30-3pm. Call Jean, 250-338-6359 FMI.

EVERY SATURDAY — The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market moves back outdoors for the summer at the Courtenay Fairgrounds on Headquarters Road on April 9. Come out and visit the 50 plus vendors for the freshest selection of seasonal vegetables, free-range poultry and eggs, ethnic foods, seafood, cheese and honey, fresh baking, natural skincare products, pet treats and more plus live music the entire family can enjoy. (March 26 and April 2—Farmers’ Market is indoors at the Native Son’s Hall in Downtown Courtenay.) Every Saturday from 9-noon. FMI: www.cvfm.ca

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GALLERIES

ART ALCHEMY STUDIO/GALLERY This unique space is home to working artists’ studios and their gallery. Come wander through and see paintings and glass art in the making. .362 10th Street Courtenay • www.artalchemy.ca

BETTY & NEIL BOYLE’S STUDIO AND GALLERY On display are oil paintings of numerous subjects such as figurative, floral and landscape, which reflect the use of the Impressionist palette. www.neilboyle.com • 250-338-0530.

BRENDA CALHOUN ARTWORKS Award-winning Courtenay artist. Realistic acrylic, mixed media and watercolor paintings of still lifes, florals and tranquil scenes. Phone? 250-897-1816 or visit www.brendacalhounartworks.com

BRIAN SCOTT FINE ART Colorful expressionist oil paintings by Brian Scott on display in his Gallery/Studio in Black Creek. Historical and local scenes from the Comox Valley and around BC. By appt 250-337-1941 • www.brianscottfineart.com

BRYAN KEMILA FINE ART STUDIO / GALLERY Original acrylic paintings and prints for sale, featuring the female form. Shows include Playboy’s Glamourcon Chicago & Los Angeles, Seattle Erotic Art Festival, Montreal Erotic Art Show, Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Taboo Show. Gallery open 10 – 4 Mon. to Sat. by appt. 250.338.7254 • 3021 Rachel Road, Courtenay • www.SigndesignBC.com

COMOX VALLEY ART GALLERY   Regional public art gallery dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and celebrating emergent contemporary art practice.580A Duncan Ave., Courtenay • 250-338-6211 www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com

CORRE ALICE ART GALLERY Frelone’s Grocery in Cumberland has been transformed into an art gallery and studio space by professional artist Corre Alice. 2781 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland

CREATIVE SPIRIT GLASS BEAD STUDIO Visit my studio to see the process of glass bead making (flame working) and view the wearable, handmade glass bead jewelry made on-site. 365 Ships Point Road, Fanny Bay. • 250-335-3355

CREEKSIDE GALLERY Fine art photographic prints by Vancouver Island artist David Innes. Vivid impressions of the West Coast, Provence, Colonial Mexico & more. 540 Salsbury Rd., Courtenay 250-703-4725 www.lapausebb.com/gallery

I-HOS GALLERY Northwest Coast native art, gold and silver jewelry, prints, carvings 3320 Comox Ave., Comox • www.ihosgallery.com • 250-339-7702

JOE SMITH STUDIO & GALLERY Original works of art in watercolors and acrylic painted in a realistic style. Local and west coast scenes. Art cards & prints also available. 5867 Garvin Road, Union Bay • www.joesmith.ca 250-335-2578

MARINER’S LOOKOUT ON COMOX BAY GALLERY/STUDIO Original acrylic paintings, life drawings and relief sculptures by Henrie Beaudoin and guest artists. Open most weekday afternoons 1-4:30 pm. 122 Stafford Street, Comox, BC 250-898-9010

NANCY J. MORRISON STAINED GLASS STUDIO Original works in stained glass showcasing various styles. Welcome to visit my studio/gallery located in “Tin Town”. Open Saturday 10 to 2 or by appointment. 2364 Rosewall Cr. Courtenay. 334-0262

PEARL ELLIS GALLERY March 15-April 3—Vickie Lapp memorial photo awards show.  April 5-17— Leonard Barrett “The Forgotten Ones”.  April 19-May 8 Monday Bunch Group Show.  May 10-29— Campbell River Seaside Painters.   1729 Comox Avenue, Comox • www.pearlellisgallery.com • 250-339-2822

POTTERS PLACE Our gallery and shop has been in operation for 15 years and showcases the largest selection of stoneware, porcelain, raku and specialty firings in BC. Run by a collective of enthusiastic potters.  www.thepottersplace.ca • 180B 5th St., Courtenay • 250-334-4613

RICHARD MENARD STUDIO/GALLERY Wood and stone sculpture and painting. Richard’s work is an eclectic mix of eastern philosophy and West Coast materials, style and form—subtle, exquisite and powerful works rooted in and inspired by nature and healing. 6141 Lacon Road, Denman Island. • www.richardmenard.com

SHELLEY’S STUDIO The home-based Comox studio of designer/artist Shelley Barr is open by appointment only. Unique textile art wall hangings, pillows and clothing as well as her mixed media collage paintings and photography. 250-334-7407 • [email protected] • www.shelleystudio.ca

STOFER GALLERY A welcoming home studio and gallery on Denman Island. Features a wide range of expressionist paintings by Canadian artist Dawn Stofer. 5305 East Road, Denman Island • www.stofergallery.com • 250-335-3246

TERESA KNIGHT ART STUDIO View original paintings by Teresa Knight at her studio in Union Bay. By appointment 250-335-3234 or www.teresaknight.com