Poetry lovers, this one is for you. The New Westminster Public Library is celebrating National Poetry Month with an evening of poetry on Tuesday, April 3 at 6: 30 p.m.
The evening will include the launch of a new book of sonnets, Midnight Embers, by New Westminster poet laureate Candice James.
She'll be joined by Trevor Carolan and Kyle Christennson for readings from their work, followed by an open mike session.
Guests will have a chance to chat with the authors and buy their books.
It's a joint celebration of the League of Canadian Poets and the library, and the fun takes place in the library auditorium at 716 Sixth Ave.
Call 604-527-4667 to confirm your attendance.
Calling authors
Are you an author? Do you have a book you'd like to share? Or perhaps you're with a writing group, a poetry group or some other form of the literary arts.
Then you might be interested in taking part in a marketplace at the upcoming Lit Fest New West.
As part of Lit Fest, April 14 at Douglas College, there will be an all-day marketplace set up in the main concourse.
Groups and individuals can book tables for $25 apiece.
For all the details, or for exhibitor registration, check out the Arts Council of New Westminster's website at www.artscoun cilnewwest.org.
Dead Poet's Slam
And while we're on the subject of Lit Fest, here's another fun one for the poetry crowd.
More details have been released about the Dead Poet's Slam that will kick off Lit Fest on Thursday, April 12.
As poetry fans undoubtedly already know, the usual poetry slam is a competition where poets read or recite original work. At a Dead Poet's Slam, however, the poets read a dead poet's work - and sometimes come dressed in costume as the dead poet in question.
The performances will be judged by five randomly selected members of the audience.
All the entertainment is happening in the back room at the Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St., and it's hosted by Reese McBeth.
Admission is $5 at the door, and doors open at 7: 15 p.m. Slam sign-up is between 7: 30 and 7: 55 p.m., with the slam starting at 8 p.m.
The top three winners will "slam off" on Saturday, April 14 at the closing Lit Fest New West showcase on the stage at Douglas College.
Want to know more? Check out www.artscoun cilnewwest.org.
French choir holds concert
Parlez-vous français? Even if you don't speak French, you may want to check out a concert by the francophone choir Les Ãchos du Pacifique.
They're performing on Saturday, April 28 at 7: 30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 828 Laval Sq. in Coquitlam.
They're conducted by local teacher Luke Mayba and accompanied by pianist Cindy Shih.
Tickets are $12 regular, or $10 for students and seniors. Children 12 and under get in free.
Group rates are available for 10 or more.
For details about the choir, call 604-266-4699 or contact lmayba@sd40. bc.ca, or visit the website at www.lesechosdupaci fique.com.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, jmaclellan@royalcityrecord. com. You can also follow her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan, or check out her blog at www.royalcityrecord.com.