InFocus Magazine

NOVEMBER 14 – Fall Into Christmas Market. This is the perfect Fall Market, website like this featuring beautiful handmade crafts, shop unique gifts and selections from an array of local vendors. Also, back by popular demand, is our tantalizing bake sale of delicious homemade goodies. We have music, 50/50 and lots of selection. There will be a donations box for the Comox Food Bank Society. Clean out your pantry, bring your donations and join us from 9am to 2pm. Fallen Alders Community Hall, 3595 Royston Road. Visit www.facebook.com/comoxvalleymarkets FMI.

NOVEMBER 14—Casino Royale Charity Gala. Enjoy games of chance at our “Funny Money” charity casino. With a silent auction, late night hors d’oeuvres, ‘funny money’ auction, door prizes and more on the agenda, you won’t want to miss out on this event. All money raised supports the 4R’s Education Centre (Soc.) a 100% local non-profit charitable organization which has been helping children in the Comox Valley and surrounding areas since 1989. Tickets $40, includes $500 of funny money. Tickets available at Benjamin Moore House of Color, Gone Hollywood Video and from the 4R’s office. Visit www.4rseducaton.com/events FMI. 7pm-midnight. Crown Isle Resort.

NOVEMBER 14—The Woolgatherers Annual Sale will be held at the Courtenay Legion Hall, 367 Cliffe Avenue, from 10-4. Admission is free. Coffee/Tea and baked goodies will be available for $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family. A variety of woven, knitted and felted articles will be available for sale, just in time for your Christmas shopping. Guest artists will include Bruce Matthews – Denman Island wood turner and Jeanette Roberts – Rovings and handspun yarns. The Soroptomists will be there with information on the various projects they support to assist women and young girls. Call Norma, 250-890-1218 FMI.

NOVEMBER 20—Buckman Coe + adham Shaikh. This double bill brings together one of BCs best bands and top electronic producer/performer. Not to be missed! The Waverley Hotel, Tickets $15/advance, available at Bop City, the Waverley Hotel, online or by phoning 250-336-8322. Doors open at 9:30 pm. www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

NOVEMBER 20—Moonlight and Magic. Celebrate with us at our annual Moonlight and Magic Extravaganza. From 5-9pm, Downtown Courtenay welcomes residents and visitors for a night of fun, friends and fiery festivities. Moonlight and Magic Night Market on Duncan Avenue, Christmas tree light-up, live fire performance, music, craft fairs, roving performers, choirs, shopping and dining specials and more. Bundle up, gather your friends and family and head to the heart of the Comox Valley for a magical night. www.downtowncourtenay.com

NOVEMBER 20 – DECEMBER 26 — 41st annual Christmas Craft Fair. This annual Craft Fair features more than 60 local and regional artists. Jewelry, pottery, toys, hand-made and hand-crafted items – something for everyone on your Christmas list! The Craft Fair runs until December 26. Comox Valley Art Gallery, Downtown Courtenay. Visit www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com FMI.

NOVEMBER 21-22 — Fanny Bay Community Hall Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Saturday 10am – 4pm & Sunday 22nd 10 – 3pm. Offering good smells from the open concession while more than 40 tables of Comox Valley and beyond talents in Quilting, Baking, Jewelry, Wood-Metal-Pottery, and Needlecrafts are creatively displayed for your unique gift shopping pleasure. Free admission.

NOVEMBER 21, DECEMBER 19 & JANUARY 30 — Bates Beach Farm Music Series. This music series features Youth Vocal All-Stars. These performances support our young vocalists by proving a unique opportunity to showcase their outstanding skills and all supported by an ensemble consisting of many of the Valley’s first call musicians. Little Red Church in Comox. Doors open at 7pm, music at 7:30pm. Tickets $12 at the door, $10 advance, available at Bop City and Red Carpet Boutique. Visit www.littleredchurch.com FMI.

NOVEMBER 27—Bass Vixens with Dakini, Lady K & Lady AK. Simply put… these three women deliver the bass. Tickets $12/advance, and are available at Bop City, the Waverley Hotel, online at www.cumberlandivillageworks.com, or by phoning 250-336-8322. The Waverley Hotel, doors open at 9:30 pm.

NOVEMBER 28 – Cumberland WinterFaire. Cumberland’s annual magical, mystical, lively winter arts and crafts fair features nearly 50 vendors and great community vibes! Vendors offhand-made, home-made, up-cycled and fair trade items offer an amazing selection of gift ideas. Jewelry and clothing, adornments and ornaments, hats, toys, candles, health and beauty products, food, live music and more. 10am-4pm at the Cumberland Recreation Institute (CRI). Admission $2, children under 12 are free.

NOVEMBER 28 — Light the Fire Pottery Sale and Show: Comox Valley. Over 20 potters under one roof! It is like going on a studio tour in the pottery Mecca of Vancouver Island and only having to make one stop. There is pottery from the purely functional to the purely decorative and everything in between. Food provided by the Merville GrandMothers with proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. The local food bank will also be represented and will appreciate any food, or cash donations. Partial proceeds of the $1 admission goes to the food bank as well. Door prize, raffle and music round out this festive atmosphere. Florence Filberg Centre, Downtown Courtenay. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

NOVEMBER 28—‘Soul’ Concert, by Just in Time Jazz Choirs. Matinee and evening performances. Mark your calendars and watch for ticket information. You won’t want to miss the three JIT Choirs’ eclectic presentation of everything soul, old and newer, from classic soul to country and soulful rock to rap! Director: Wendy Nixon Stothert, Accompanist: Sean Mooney. Comox Pentecostal Church, 1919 Guthrie Road, Comox.

DECEMBER 3-6—Co-Val Choristers present a delightful Christmas Show—“Once Upon a Christmas” at the Old Church Theatre. Tickets $15. Performances December 3-5 at 7:30 pm, December 6 at 2pm. Call 250-334-2992 FMI.

DECEMBER 4-6, 11-13, 18-23 — Coastal Black Christmas. Live reindeer, santa photos, fireworks. Fridays 4-8pm; all other days 2-8pm. 2186 Endall Road, Black Creek. Visit www.coastalblack.ca for more info, or www.facebook.com/coastalblack

DECEMBER 5—Children’s Christmas Party. Join the festive fun featuring Captain Thunderpants and a visit from the North Pole. The party is for 9 years and under with adult. Lewis Centre, Courtenay from 1-2:30 pm.

DECEMBER 5—Gnarly Little Christmas Craft Fair. Get some great gifts at this 7th Annual Craft Fair featuring youth crafters at the Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre. Youth Crafters, register your table for only $10 for this popular event. CRA, 11am-3pm.

DECEMBER 5 & 6 – Christmas in Black Creek Craft Fair. A rustic Christmas shopping experience in Black Creek with lots of local artisans. Entry by donation, but you should definitely purchase a raffle tickets to win one of the prize baskets. Visit www.blackcreek-cc.com FMI. Black Creek Community Centre, 2001 Black Creek Road. 250-337-5190. 10am-3pm.

DECEMBER 5-6 – Denman Island Christmas Craft Fair. One of BC’s most enchanting holiday shopping experiences awaits you just off the beaten track. This craft fair, now in its 34th year, was named by Westworld Magazine as one of the province’s top winter events. Find out why by spending a day wandering Denman’s cozy little village centre, which is transformed for the event into a festive gathering place. Over 70 of the region’s best and most innovative artisans fill two halls with beautiful wares. There’s a food hall showcasing the craft of cooking, a vibrant outdoor market where you can sip on a hot drink, and a welcoming Island ambience. Both venues are wheelchair accessible. Parking available on site, but we recommend parking your vehicle at Buckley Bay and walking on the ferry. A Shuttle Van will be on hand to transfer visitors from the Denman Island ferry terminal up the hill to Denman Village, or it’s only a two-block walk. 10am-4pm. www.denmanisland.com/denman/christmas-craft-faire

DECEMBER 6 – Come join us for our Comox Community Market in Comox. We are excited to have a great group of vendors joining us to make this a great shopping experience for you. Admission is free, so invite your friends and family – there is something for everyone! Visit www.comoxcommunitymarket.com FMI. 10am-3pm. Little Red Church Community Arts Centre, 2182 Comox Avenue.

DECEMBER 6—Banff Mountain Film Fest World Tour. The Banff Mountain Film Festival, a program of the Banff Centre, is the largest and one of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. From approximately 350 films entered into the annual festival, award-winning films and audience favorites are among the films chosen to travel the globe. Ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel. Sid Williams Theatre, 7-10pm. Visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com FMI.

DECEMBER 8—Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. This is a celebration of Christmas as well as an extravaganza of music and dance, lights and decorations, laughter and tears. Now in its 9th year, it is fast becoming a family Christmas tradition on central Vancouver Island. This year’s singing and dancing includes hits by the Beach Boys, a Rock of Ages medley, Bobby Darin songs, songs from Grease and Moulin Rouge, a Canadiana set as well as many more classical hits and Christmas favorites. Sid Williams Theatre, 7-9pm. Visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com FMI.

DECEMBER 11 – An Old-Fashioned Christmas. The warm ambience of the Native Sons Hall is enhanced ten-fold at Christmas time: the sparkle of twinkle lights and warmth of candlelight, the scent of fresh evergreen trees, cinnamon and hot apple-cider…. Share your specialty appetizer in the elegant potluck buffet. The beautifully dressed guests in formal and vintage style bring the party to life. The bar features Champagne and English Christmas Punch. Dance all ballroom, Latin and swing styles to Christmas favorites and the best dance music from past to present. 7pm-11:30pm. Deadline for tickets is December 9 and tickets will not be sold at the door. Contact Val for tickets at 250-338-9279 or visit www.valdance.com

DECEMBER 19—Winter Solstice Annual Celebration. Join Heathen Strangefellow & the Vaudeville Vagabonds, The Mythmakers, Cathy Stoyko, em as & Mt. Eliah to celebrate Winter Solstice. The Cumberland Recreation Centre, tickets $20 plus GST. Tickets available at Riders Pizza, Bop City and online at www.cvw.tickit.ca. Doors at 6pm.

DECEMBER 24—Unity Comox Valley invites you to their Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service. All are warmly welcomed as we gather to light 12 colored candles reminding us of our God-given inner powers. “We each make a journey during the dark time of the year—looking for the light of hope and the promise of peace. Make your Christmas celebrations memorable this year with Unity. Visit www.facebook.com/unitycomoxvalley, call 1-866-853-9866 FMI.

JANUARY 15-31 – WinterJam. Jam your January in 2016 with WinterJam! This Vancouver Island Festival will be heating up the Comox Valley with an exciting multi-venue music and winter sports festival. Visit www.discovercomoxvalley.com FMI.

JANUARY 27—Corb Lund & The Hurtin’ Albertans. Watch Corb belt out his new album, “With Things That Can’t Be Undone” and make you all swoon! The Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay. Tickets $44/advance (GST included) Tickets onlineor from Bop City, Rider’s Pizza or by phoning 250-400-RIDE. Doors at 8pm. Must be 19 or older (licensed event). www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

FEBRUARY 13 & 14—Cumberland LunarFest., hosted by the Cumberland Empire Events Society. www.cumberlandmuseum.ca

FEBRUARY 21—Heritage Fair. Cumberland Recreation Centre from 10am-4pm. Hosted by the Cumberland Museum. www.cumberlandmuseum.ca

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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 www.unescocenterforpeace.org/partners/ 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 — 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 is indoors for the winter at the Native Son’s Hall in Courtenay. This is the place to find the best selection of fresh seasonal vegetables, free-range meat, seafood, poultry and eggs, pasta, nuts, baking, ethnic foods, take-home meals, cheese and honey, natural skin-care products, pet treats, entertainment and much more—direct from the producers and farmers. Bring the family and start taking advantage of some great holiday gifts and goodies. Native Son’s Hall, Downtown Courtenay 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 November 20 – December 26 — 41st annual Christmas Craft Fair. 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 November 10-29—A Group Show by Brushworks. December 1-19—Painting Pals, a show and sale by Shraon Lennox and Bev Johnston. Closed December 20-January 11 for holidays. January 12-30— Inspired by the Canadian West Coast, by Bert Badey and April Dyck. 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