Summer is just around the corner, and that means the schedule for the Harrison Festival of the Arts has been announced.
This year's festival lineup is an eclectic mix of sounds from around the globe. It will run from July 7 to 15, filling up the beachfront every day, and spilling out of the hall each night.
Evenings in the hall will start off with blues singer Shakura S'Aida (July 6), Markus James and the Wassonrai (July 7) and four-time Grammy nominees Cedric Watson with Bijou Creole (July 8).
The Literary Cafe is back, with readings by Alex Leslie and Kevin Chong on July 9.
Music by John Gilliat will be a part of that evening, as well.
On July 10, plays from the 2012 UFV Theatre Directors Festival will be featured. Then it's back to the music on July 11, when Sketch hits the stage with their new wave of Celtic-based dance floor sounds.
Other acts to play the hall through the festival are Sidi Toure, Mike Farris and the Cumberland Saints, Niamh Ni Charra Band and Wazimbo.
There will also be plenty of beachfront music, including MAZ, the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration, Ken Whiteley, Jaffa Road, Inez and Jason Burnstick, and more.
There is still time to get early bird tickets for the festival at a reduced price, including a savings of $15 for a full festival pass.
For more information on concerts, other events and prices, visit www.harrisonfestival.com, or visit the Harrison Festival Society on Facebook.
OTHER EVENTS:
The Other Big Band - Aldergrove Legion is pleased to present a night of swing music with the Fraser Valley favourites. Enjoy a night of dancing and listening to the 14-piece orchestra with female singer on Friday, June 29, at the Legion, 26607 Fraser Highway, Aldergrove. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each. Reserved seating with tickets on sale from Legion bar staff. No minors, but all adults are welcome. Info: 604-856-5423.
Canada Day in Mount Lehman - start the day with a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the Mt. Lehman Community Hall, located at Mt. Lehman and Taylor roads, west Abbotsford. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. from the Mt. Lehman Credit Union, 5889 Mt. Lehman Road. Cake and festivities to follow at the Mt. Lehman Community Hall. If you would like to participate in the parade by driving your car, motorcycle, tractor, bicycle, float or walking or roller blading please meet at the credit union at 9 a.m.
Canada Day Country Fair - at the Aldergrove Legion, 26607 Fraser Highway, fun for the whole family in our fenced area, Sunday, July 1, noon to 4 p.m. Carnival games for children, children’s sack races, bouncy castle, Mr. Flowers balloon artist on site noon to 3, children’s magician Andrew on stage at 12:30, flag tattoos, flags. Food: Canada Day cake, popcorn, cotton candy, hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, salads. For adults inside: dancing 3-7 p.m. to Inner Wild. Come out and help us celebrate Canada’s birthday, have fun, win prizes, support our local charities, all welcome.
Rock Painting for Beginners - Monday, July 16, 10:30 to 12 noon at City of Langley Library, 20399 Douglas Crescent. Turn an ordinary rock into a work of art at this fun program for ages 6 to 100. Learn how to paint a kooky pet rock or a beautiful flower. The ground’s the limit! We’ll provide rocks, but feel free to bring your own. Registration is required: call 604-514-2855.
Pajama Storytime - at Muriel Arnason Library, an evening program of stories, rhymes and songs for children age two and up and their caregivers. Children are welcome to come in pajamas and bring a soft toy, Wednesday, July 4, 7:00 -7:30 p.m. Free, but registration is required: call 604-532-3590.
Family Storytime - at Muriel Arnason Library, children ages two and up and their caregivers are invited to join library staff for a half- hour program of stories, songs, puppets and rhymes, Tuesday, July 17, 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Free, but registration is required: call 604-532-3590.
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions - Do you or a family member live with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease? Jay Bains and Rhonda Carriere from the University of Victoria’s Centre on Aging will discuss self-management tools for managing pain, fatigue, healthy eating, exercise, emotions, and working with your health care team, at Muriel Arnason Library, Wednesday, July 18, 7-8:30 p.m. Registration is required for this free program: call 604-532-3590.
Canada Day at Fort Langley National Historic Site - Sunday, July 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission. Watch the Citizenship ceremony at 10 a.m., then wish Canada a Happy 145th Birthday and eat cake at 12 p.m. Watch an historic weapons demonstration at 12:30 and 3:30 and then spend the day enjoying multicultural music, and family activities. Free admission. For full schedule visit www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley. Info: 604-513-4777 or email fort.langley@pc.gc.ca
All about e-Readers for Seniors - Thursday, June 28, 7 p.m. at Murrayville Library. Learn how to select and download free e-books from the library to your computer or e-reader. Reserve a seat for this free program: 604-533-0339.
Ukrainian Soul Food – Perogies, cabbage rolls and borsch available Friday, June 29 at fundraiser from 4:30to 7:30 p.m. at Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 13512 - 108 Ave, Surrey. Eat-in, take away, or ready for your freezer. Info: 604-531-1923 or 604-581-0313.
Comics and Manga - Thursday, July 5, 1-2:30 p.m. at City of Langley Library, 20399 Douglas Cres. Learn to draw comics and manga. Start by creating your own characters and go through the process of writing, drawing and inking the first page of your comic. Learn some of the techniques the professionals use. For ages 9 and up. Registration required: 604-514-2855.
or visit to let us know you are coming to this program.
Mission Folk Music Festival - 25th annual fest features music from around the world on daytime stages and evening mainstage, July 20-22 at Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission. For schedule, performer details and ticket info see: http://www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca/
Harrison Festival of the Arts - 34th annual at Harrison Hot Springs, July 7-15. Nine days of music, theatre, visual and literary arts, outdoor art and craft market, workshops. Info: http://www.harrisonfestival.com/festival.index.gk or call 604-796-3664.
Conversation Circles - Thursdays, May 17-July 26, 3-4 p.m., join group leaders Olga Toth and Virginia Miller at the City of Langley Library to practice your English in a fun and friendly environment. You will improve your conversation skills and make new friends at the same time. Free. Refreshments will be provided. Drop-in.
Fort Langley Library Knitting Circle - Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Drop-in. Bring your knitting to the library and enjoy the companionship of working with others on your project. Beginners welcome. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca (registration appreciated).
Fraser Health Crisis Line - recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, visit website www.options.bc.ca and follow the link for the Crisis Line. Next training starts July 7.
TOPS – Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a non profit weight loss support group, meets Monday nights in Aldergrove. Info: Susan at 604-856-1138.
The Spencer Davis Group - Thursday, October 25 at Cascades Casino Summit Theatre, Langley. Tickets $49.50 (plus facility fee and service charges) from Casino Guest Services or charge by phone 604-530-2211 or online at www.ticketweb.ca
Moms’ Morning Out — A morning at which you can discuss your concerns and challenges and share your ideas and solutions with other moms. Free nursery and free preschool program, coffee, refreshments, open discussion, and a variety of DIY projects, guests and demos. Tuesday mornings 9-11:30 a.m. at Aldergrove Alliance Church, 26291 28 Ave. Info: 604-856-3447.
Langley Amateur Radio Association — meets first Thursday of month at 7 p.m. at Brookswood Firehall #5, 20355 32nd Ave., Langley. Coffee and sweets provided. Info, email: Don dondee@shaw.ca