When it comes to the arts, the West Shore is home to some truly world-class talent.
Just ask Andreas David, owner of West Shore Music Academy. Originally hailing from Germany, David arrived on the West Shore two years ago. A drum performer and instructor with over 30 years of experience, David immediately saw the opportunity the West Shore held for new businesses, opening the Academy in March of this year.
“We really like it here,” he said. “It’s pretty obvious that the community’s growing and we think it’s the perfect balance between small town and big-city feel.”
David is just one of many local and regional acts taking the stage Aug. 4 at the B.C. Day Performing Arts Festival, a free all-day event at Westhills Stadium, sponsored in partnership by Westhills and the West Shore Arts Council.
The festival celebrates the talents of our region through a full day of performances, including music, theatre, dance, clowning, magic and more. The West Shore Music Academy’s performance will feature a recital of a piano piece from a student and instructor duo, as well as David himself, performing with other instructors from the academy for the first time as a group.
“I’m pretty excited to have a student performing – that’s our goal, to inspire young people to perform and learn,” David said.
Here are some other great arts events upcoming on the West Shore:
• Kick off the B.C. Day on weekend with a concert of pop and opera favourites from local performer Ken Lavigne at the Church of the Advent on Aug. 2.
• The Clothesline Art Show returns to the Coast Collective on Aug. 9, featuring live music, food vendors, interactive displays, nature walks and more. Timed to coincide with the Basically Birds show inside the gallery, this year’s Clothesline will incorporate bird-related themes and activities for the ornithologically-inclined.
• Have you ever tried plein air painting? Metchosin Community House hosts a weekly painting group that visits scenic areas over the summer to capture the stunning West Shore sights. Aug. 5 the group will meet at the Duke Road kayak launch and on Aug. 12 they’ll be at Pearson College. Visit metchosincommunityhouse.com for more details.
• Aug. 7 is the deadline to submit artwork applications for the popular Inspired by Emily show at the Coast Collective. Create some works that reflect the uniqueness and energy of this incredible artist who helped to define the identity of the West Shore. Get inspired by checking out the Emily Carr Guide and Map, available online at westshorearts.org/emily-carr-map.php and in print at the Coast Collective.
More info on these events and others: westshorearts.org/arts-events.php
Johanna Henderson is a volunteer director with the West Shore Arts Council.