I'm glad the recent frigid weather has improved, making it easier to get to some of the awesome events featuring local performers, artists, artisans and cultural organizations happening in the city over the next couple of weeks. Even if the thermometer drops again, it is worth letting the car warm up for a few extra minutes to get out to these hot happenings.
Let's start with vocalist Maureen Washington, a Prince George favourite, who will be returning to her hometown on Friday to perform songs from her latest album Harvest Moon. With now nine albums to her credit, Maureen's vocal diversity includes blues, jazz and funk. She and her band are playing the PG Playhouse. The performance starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are still available at Studio 2880.
The Bel Canto Choirs will be holding a gala performance on Feb. 4 entitled Celebrate our Love at the Columbus Community Centre at 201 Domano Blvd. Tickets are $40 per person and include a delicious sit-down dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 250-563-2880.
Theatre Northwest's latest production, Drowning Girls, is now on stage and runs until Feb. 15. I am looking forward to meeting the cast and seeing the show soon, especially since it is billed as a "murder mystery like you've never seen it". If TNW's other productions this season are an indicator, you may want to consider getting tickets to the show soon, before they are gone. Tickets are available at Books and Company, or by visiting www.theatrenorthwest.com.
The Kiwanis AleFest 2017 marks the third annual craft beer festival in Northern B.C. With a mixture of the finest craft breweries and some of our community's finest restaurants, this event is held at the Two Rivers Gallery on Friday and Saturday. Explore the taste of high quality, local, handcrafted beers all while contributing to a fundraiser for children's charities and projects. This is one event that will definitely warm your spirits. For more information on tickets, visit www.kiwanisalefest.ca.
And speaking of the Two Rivers Gallery, the man behind the faces in the trees of Cottonwood Island Park is having a show called Friends I've Met. Come out tonight at 7:30 p.m. to meet Elmer Gunderson, a prolific local carver who uses wood, marble and other media to share his stories.
For more information on this exhibit and the many others at Two Rivers Gallery, visit
www.tworiversgallery.ca.
One of the biggest events of the season kicks off on Feb. 3 with the opening of the 2017 ColdSnap Festival free, outdoor Celebrate PG concert held at Canada Games Plaza at 7:30 p.m. Featuring indie rock, jazz, Celtic, traditional folk, hip-hop, and more, ColdSnap runs until Feb. 11. And as a huge added bonus for our community, festival organizers and community partners are offering the Come in From the Cold workshop series covering a range of mini-concerts, jam sessions and instructional sessions.
For a complete list of festival concerts workshops, please visit www.coldsnapfestival.com.
And finally - for adults who still like to play like a kid - why not check out the 19+ Way Late Play Date 2 happening at Exploration Place on Feb. 4, where you can discover, investigate, and explore during an adult night out. Get your glow on in the new exhibit, Worlds of the Night, and join in on science activities, minute-to-win-it games, a live DJ, Chinese New Year fireworks, fully licensed bar and light snacks. Tickets are $35
and for more information visit www.theexplorationplace.com.
