The Quesnel and District Community Arts Council (QDCAC)’s 2019-20 season of children’s and family concerts features four unique performances.
QDCAC president Colleen Brines is looking forward to bringing a wide variety of shows to Quesnel this October, November, January and May.
The first show of the season will be Sarah Hagen performing a family classical concert featuring the story of Babar the Elephant Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Chuck Mobley Theatre at Correlieu Secondary School.
“Sarah Hagen is a classical pianist, and she is amazing,” said Brines. “She’s going to come in and spend the afternoon with a Grade 5/6 class, and she will take photos that she will use in her show. She’s amazing and lovely.”
Next, the QDCAC will present the Foothills Brass Quintet Sunday, Nov. 3.
Celebrating 37 years of entertaining audiences, the Foothills Brass Quintet delivers “serious fun,” according to the QDCAC’s brochure.
“The Foothills Brass Quintet has been here before with Quesnel Live Arts,” said Brines. “Basically, all these shows are good for parents too. They’ll enjoy it.”
The next show is Friday, Jan. 31 with Axis Theatre. Indigenous Storytellers spin the Kwanten First Nations tale of Th’owxiya: the Hungry Feast Dish. The mouth of Th’owxiya holds the most wonderful foods from around the world, but if you steal from her, you will pay a terrible price, for Th’owxiya has developed a taste for children.
“I saw this show in Vancouver, and it’s amazing,” said Brines. “It’s going to be quite a delight.”
Will’s Jams with Will Stroet is coming to the Chuck Mobley Theatre Saturday, May 2.
Stroet has a show on CBC Kids, and he has performed in Quesnel with his band in the past. For more than a decade, he has been entertaining children through his bilingual music and inspiring them to be active, healthy, creative and engaged in the world.
This year, for the first time, the QDCAC will be offering season’s tickets for the children’s and family concerts.
Tickets for the shows are $10 per show or $32 for season tickets. For a family of five, tickets are $40 per show and $5 for each extra person. Starting Sept. 7, advance tickets will be available at Bo-Peep, Circle “S” Western Wear, the Quesnel Visitor’s Centre, and the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre.
Along with the upcoming children’s and family concerts, the QDCAC is gearing up for B.C. Culture Days 2019 and a special celebration of the arts council’s 45th anniversary.
The QDCAC is celebrating its anniversary and B.C. Culture Days Saturday, Sept. 28.
From 2-4 p.m., the QDCAC invites the community to join arts council members for cupcakes and music by the Aca Bella Singers at the Arts and Recreation Centre.
Later that day, the QDCAC presents Emily Carr — Small Wonders by the Canadiana Musical Theatre at 7 p.m., at the Chuck Mobley Theatre. Admission is by donation.
“Free-spirited Emily runs afoul of her father’s strict English ways in a lively, funny and touching musical about this wonder-filled girl,” states the QDCAC’s brochure. “Embracing her passions will put her at odds with straight-laced Victoria, but ‘Millie’s’ irrepressible love for nature, art and animals will shape the course of her life.”
This fall, the QDCAC will also be presenting Jake’s Gift by Wells playwright and actress Julia Mackey, in partnership with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 94. The performance will take place Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Quesnel Legion.
Jake’s Gift is an award-winning play about a Second World War veteran’s journey back to Juno Beach for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. At its heart, Jake’s Gift is about the importance of remembrance, and it makes personal the story behind one soldier’s grave.
Also in the works are a “Leap Into Spring” day of fun and music for the whole family planned for Feb. 29, 2020, and a Children’s Festival planned for May 23, 2020.
Watch the QDCAC’s Facebook page and website for more information.
The QDCAC will be selling tickets and sharing information about the upcoming season at the Quesnel Farmers Market Sept. 7, 14 and 21.
For more information about the children’s and family concert series or Culture Days events, call 250-992-8200 ext. 2233 or visit quesnelarts.ca.
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