Still stuck for Christmas gift ideas? (Oh, come on, I can't be the only person who hasn't finished - er, started - my shopping yet.)
You can give a unique gift to a friend and help leave a cultural legacy for New Westminster.
Yes, I'm talking about the Kickstarter campaign to help City Stage New West raise $3,000 towards the cost of creating a professional cast recording of Stump City Stories. The original musical by George Ryan, which was commissioned by City Stage New West in 2009, tells the story of the Royal City's and B.C.'s history.
The theatre company plans to donate CDs to various organizations - the city, the Fraser River Discovery Centre, the museum and archives, the library, the school district - to use for educational purposes and civic events.
As of the writing of this column, the campaign had 28 backers with pledges totaling $1,395. The group must raise the entire $3,000 by Dec. 24 in order to get the money.
Various gift incentives are offered for different levels of pledges, starting at $25 - which entitles you to a cast photo holiday card, a show program, a CD hard copy next spring and an early digital download of the signature tune, Stump City.
Higher levels of pledges receive other gifts, including sing-along sheet music signed by the composer.
Check out the campaign on Kickstarter to help out.
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If the holiday season has you thinking about helping out someone in need, here's one for you.
Tonight (Friday, Dec. 13) is the Give Meaning Variety Show at Massey Theatre.
The show features a variety of award-winning performers raising funds to help with Typhoon Haiyan relief.
It will include comedy and magic acts, Fresh Groove dancers, singers, an Ati-Atihan marching group and more.
Platinum seating is $39.50, gold seating is $29.50.
Check out www.masseytheatre.com or call 604-521-5050 to buy tickets.
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Literary types, you may want to check out some events in town this weekend.
Another Poetic Justice reading session is happening on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Heritage Grill backroom, 447 Columbia St.
This session is hosted by Sho Wiley and features readings by Gavin Hainsworth, Alan Hill and Gail Van Kalsbeek, along with an open mike.
It's the last session before the holidays, and it starts up again Jan. 5. See www.poeticjustice.ca for more.
Also on Sunday, New Westminster author Evelyn Benson will be doing a book signing and reading at Renaissance Books from 2 to 4 p.m.
Her new book, A Century in a Small Town: One Family's Stories, chronicles her family's tales of life in the city from 1895 to 1993.
Renaissance Books is at 43 Sixth St., downtown.
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OK, I wouldn't be me if I didn't do a little shameless self-promotion at least once in the Christmas season.
If you're looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit, then I must recommend that you show up at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church this Saturday (Dec. 14) for a fabulous 2 p.m. concert.
New West's own Amabilis Singers (to which I belong) are presenting A Christmas Wish, featuring a mix of holiday music from familiar classics to some beautiful, less familiar offerings.
Tickets are $20 (or free for children under 12). You can buy at the door or book ahead at 604.433.6538.
New Westminster Christian Reformed Church is at 8255 13th Ave. (between Newcombe and First streets) in Burnaby.
Hope to see you there.
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Got an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
