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Josh De Grandi wins Whistler Comedy Showdown

Arts News: Some bunny at library; photo challenge launched; Refresh Market back
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Whister Comedy Showdown winner Josh De Grandi. FACEBOOK PHOTO

This year's king of comedy has been crowned. Australia's own Josh De Grandi took home the laughs and a cheque for $1,000 at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival's (WSSF) Whistler Comedy Showdown on April 11 at Buffalo Bills.

"With his $1000 winning cheque,(De Grandi) will be able to live off more that just 'large spoonfuls of margarine and disappointment,'" wrote WSSF's Kristy Aleksich in a release. "Let's hope this talent keeps gracing Whistler's stages with his incredible gift for inducing laughs."

Second went to Nadine Peterson along with $500, while Nikki Best was awarded third and $250.

When the witty contenders began their journey April 7, it was anyone's guess who would take the top prize. Seventeen comedians began the journey with seven making it to the finals.

Comedy Showdown organizer Tara O'Doherty says proceeds raised from ticket sales will go to Whistler's Concussion Support Group, which recently lost funding from Vancouver Coastal Health.

The audience was treated to standup by Vancouver's John Beuhler, fast becoming one of North America's favorite comedians, as the judges deliberated.

PHOTO CHALLENGE LAUNCHED

The Whistler Multicultural Network, in partnership with the Whistler Public Library, Arts Whistler, and the Whistler Museum IS launching a photo challenge, "Show Us Your Whistler."

Organizers hope to gather photos showing Whistler residents, both adults and youth, experiencing their community by showcasing how they live, their values and aspirations.

They want residents to take photos of what makes them feel they "belong" in Whistler, through one of five themes: My home, my culture, my town, my work and my family.

The winners of the Your Whistler challenge will be announced and displayed at the annual Whistler Multicultural Festival at the Whistler Public library on June 9 at 6 p.m., and then stay on display at the library through July 1.

For more information, email info@welcomewhistler.com

The submission deadline for the photo challenge is May 22.

Full details and entry form at www.welcomewhistler.com/photo.

SOME BUNNY LOVES YOU

Join author Jesse Thom at the Whistler Public Library April 16 for a special puppet show and performance of his children's book Some Bunny Loves You.

The free puppet show, which starts at 1:30 and goes until 3 p.m., features handcrafted puppet versions of the book's bunny characters, including Liza (who sleeps in a raspberry), Gerald (on his flying toast), as well as Gilfred Mackenzie and a giant Whale Submarine.

The book is a fully illustrated music and songbook that takes the reader on a journey through an imaginative world of very peculiar bunnies.

Each copy of Some Bunny Loves You has a CD with the songs on it and Thom has also expanded it to a multimedia package with finger puppets of the characters. Those who buy the book are also given access to exclusive puppet videos online.

"All of this is for $12, which we thought was pretty fair," Thom told Pique earlier.

The book, which was self published, can be purchased from Armchair Books in Whistler Village, and online at Etsy and Amazon. More information can be found at somebunnybook.com.

REFRESH MARKET KICKS OFF FIRST TWO-DAY EVENT OF 2017

One of B.C.'s best showcases of local designers and brands returns to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish for its first two-day market of the year.

Over 100 creatives and pop-up shops will participate in the 11th Refresh Market on Friday April 28 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounted early bird tickets are on sale now.