May 17, Sweeney Singers spring concert is at 7: 30 p.m., Bakerview Church, 2285 Clear-brook Rd., Abbotsford. By donation. Call 604-856-7765 or see sweeneysingers.com
Vancouver's favourite bluesman Jim Byrnes will be performing in the small venue of the Dewdney Pub - also known as the 'Church of the Blues' - this Sunday. The show starts at 4 p.m.
Norman Foote at Clarke May 9, Juno Award-winning children's entertainer Norman Foote plays the Clarke Foundation Theatre, 33790 Prentis Ave., Mission. Show is at 7 p.m. He's in concert with Deroche, Dewdney and Cherry Hill elementary school choirs. Tickets $10 at the door.
Gloria Dei Chorale May 24, the 45-voice Gloria Dei Chorale, directed by Abbotsford's David Rushton, Canada West Chamber orchestra and Andrea and Amaris perform at 8 p.m. Bakerview Church, 2285 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford. Tickets at House of James, King's Music, Bakerview Church and at the door.
To mark a new era in Abbotsford's community theatre, Gallery 7 Theatre and Cliff House Event Entertainment join forces to present Fest of Fools, a comedy and musical extravaganza featuring host and comedian Cliff Prang, impressionist Ben Simcoe, the acclaimed Langley Ukulele Ensemble along with other entertaining surprises.
Earth Water Sky May 3 - 28 the Kariton Art Gallery, 2387 Ware St., Abbotsford, opens Earth Water Sky in by Central Fraser Valley Graphic Guild. Opening reception May 5 from 1 - 4 p.m. See abbotsfordartscouncil.org.
VCS finale May 3, the five trombone combo I Tromboni performs in the last Valley Concert Society regular season concert, 7: 30 p.m. at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. Tickets are also on sale for the VCS 30th anniversary concert with renown Canadian tenor Ben Heppner on May 27. See more at valleyconcertsociety.com
Following successful auditions, nearly a dozen Fraser Valley Academy of Dance students have been accepted into professional divisions, spring seminars and summer ballet intensive programs around North America.
Visual arts students offer impressive displays for the opening of UFV's Bachelor of Fine Arts grad show, starting with a reception April 26 at 6: 30 p.m. in the Visual Arts Gallery, Building C, room C1043 on UFV's Abbotsford campus.
The Abbotsford Agrifair and Darcy D Music group from Abbotsford present the fifth annual Valley Voices Vocal competition, dedicated to the development of young talent with the intent of instilling hope in those who may not otherwise experience the realization and possibility of living their worthwhile dreams.
The Gloria Dei Chorale, the Canada West Chamber Orchestra and identical twin soloists and recording artists, Andrea and Amaris, present Vivaldi's' Gloria, with additional vocal duets with orchestra and joyful choral selections. The May 24 concert is at 8 p.m., Bakerview Church, 2285 Clearbrook Rd. and May 25 at 8 p.m., New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 - 13th Ave., Burnaby. Tickets: adults $15, students $10, children 11 and under free; at House of James, King's Music, Bakerview Church, in Abbotsford, and at the door.
May 4, Fest of Fools: An Inspirational Comedy celebrates Gallery 7 Theatre contributions, at MEI Secondary, 4081 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford. Tickets $20 at www.gallery7theatre.com or at House of James. Doors and silent auction open at 6: 30 p.m., show at 7: 30 p.m. Comic comedian Cliff Prang, impressionist Ben Simcoe and the Langley Ukelele Ensemble.
Deroche historian and author Daphne Sleigh has pushed back a veil on the life of remarkable artist-monk who has lived his life in the Fraser Valley almost unknown to the outside world, but who is considered to be one of the nation's most significant and original artists.
Weir reads at The Reach April 25 at 7 p.m. Ian Weir, screenwriter and author of Daniel O'Thunder and The Resurrection Man reads at The Reach, 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford. Co-hosted with Fraser Valley Regional Library. See reach.ca for more.
