You can enjoy some jazz music, get your Christmas shopping done and help out a good cause.
New Westminster storeowner Rose Ternes is opening up her shop, Cadeaux, on Thursday night to give back to the community.
Cadeaux is hosting musical performances from New Westminster Secondary School students from 5 to 9 p.m. - and donating 10 per cent of the evening's proceeds to the school's music program.
The money will help musicians pay for a trip to the invitation-only MusicFest Canada event in Ottawa this spring.
"We're delighted to help NWSS music students perform and compete on a national stage," said Ternes. "They've worked hard to earn this opportunity - and the support of our community."
Over the last few years, the NWSS music program bands have received many awards and accolades, capturing a Best Senior Choral Jazz award as well as five more awards and three individual scholarships in the 2011 Envision Jazz Festival held in Surrey.
From their high standing in the music performance community, NWSS has received invitations for six of their bands and ensembles to perform at MusicFest.
"This is an unparalleled opportunity for our high school students to perform, participate in clinics and workshops with professional musicians, attend concerts, and network with other young Canadian musicians," said Ternes, adding that students will also be able to connect with recruiters from post-secondary institutions and compete for scholarship and bursaries.
During Cadeaux's evening event on Dec. 8, shoppers will be treated to live jazz and carols performed by a number of New Westminster's finest young musicians, many of who have performed in and around the city for the past few years. From opening the 2011 Hyack festival, to performing at the Arts Council's YamJam and Artists on the River this past summer, these student musicians have been headlining and lending their talents to making New Westminster a powerhouse for the performing arts.
Cadeaux Gifts and Home Embellishments is at 467 East Columbia St. in Sapperton. Check out the website at www.cadeaux-gifts.ca for more details.
For more about the New Westminster Secondary School music program, see www.nwssmusic.com.
