New Westminster's poet laureate is being featured at the next Spoken Ink night in Burnaby.
Candice James is the guest author for the Burnaby Writers' Society's reading series night, set for Tuesday, March 18 at La Fontana Caffe in North Burnaby.
James will read from Ekphrasticism - Painted Words, a book that combined her poetry with the art of Don Portelance.
James is a poet, writer, musician, singer-songwriter and visual artist, who has several poetry books to her credit. Recent volumes includes Bridges And Clouds in 2011, Midnight Embers - a Book of Sonnets in 2012, and Shorelines in 2013.
She's also in her second three-year term as the city's poet laureate and has made herself known around the city and beyond through her work with the Royal City Literary Arts Society, the League of Canadian Poets, the Federation of B.C. Writers, Slam Central and more.
You can find out more about her at www.candicejames.com.
If you're interested in attending Spoken Ink, then drop in to La Fontana at 101-3701 Hastings St. for the 8 p.m. event. There will also be an open mike session - sign up at 7:30 p.m. if you'd like to take part.
Spoken Ink is presented by the Burnaby Writers' Society on the third Tuesday of each month (except summer). For more information, see www.burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com or contact [email protected].
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Music lovers, here's one for your March calendar.
Renaissance Books is playing host to a performance by Just Duets on Saturday, March 22.
Just Duets is Andrea Smith and David Lidstone, with their musical collaboration that's described as "wonderful sibling-like vocal harmonies with solid guitar accompaniment."
Their repertoire covers songs of life and love from a variety of musical genres, reflecting a commitment to social justice, Canadian roots and poetry in song.
They have released a CD titled Get On Board.
Their performance is set to run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10. Call 604-525-4566 or email [email protected] for more.
Renaissance Books is at 43 Sixth St.
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Love handicrafts? Love art? Love shopping?
River Market is the place to be on Saturday, March 15 for the market's Artisans Fair.
Artisans from New Westminster and farther afield will showcase their wares including jewelry, books, knitwear, painting, carving, beadwork and more.
"There is truly something for everyone," a press release says. "Shop local, shop unique, shop wonderful."
The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca/community/artisans/ for all the details.
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Drop in to the New Westminster Public Library to check out two new art exhibitions for March.
On the ramp gallery, you can find watercolours by Esther Johnson. A library press release notes that Esther, who is legally blind, started painting at age 90 at the George Derby Artworks Studio.
"At first painting from memory, her boats and flowers are joyful and colourful," it says. "Her art is a way to express her creativity and help her access her memories and share them with others."
Upstairs, you can find Through the Lens in New West, the winning photographs from the WINS (Welcoming and Inclusive New Westminster) Photography Contest. The contest invited photographers to show their visions of New West as a welcoming and inclusive place to live, play and work.
You can check out both exhibits at any time during library hours. Drop in to 716 Sixth Ave., or call 604-527-4660 or see www.nwpl.ca for more information.
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Film buffs, don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming Last Mondays at the Movies screenings.
The Arts Council of New Westminster's film series is continuing at the Massey Theatre, with showings on the last Monday of the month.
Coming up on March 31, it's the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom, which shines the spotlight on the backup singers behind some of the last century's musical legends. (The March movie was previously announced as Philomena, but the schedule has since changed - keep an eye on the arts council website for the most current details.)
On April 28, you can enjoy The Invisible Woman, which tells the story of Charles Dickens' secret relationship with a budding actress who appeared in a play he adapted. It stars Felicity Jones as Nelly and Ralph Fiennes as Dickens.
The Massey Theatre is at 735 Eighth Ave. All screenings are at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $9 at the door.
See www.artscouncilnewwest.org.
Got an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
