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Giller winner coming to town

Whistler’s writing group, better known in the these parts as the Vicious Circle, is bringing a big name in the literary world to our own backyard in February.

Whistler’s writing group, better known in the these parts as the Vicious Circle, is bringing a big name in the literary world to our own backyard in February.

Joseph Boyden, winner of the Giller Prize for his novel, Through Black Spruce, will take part in the 8 th annual Literary Leanings event, Between the Sheets. Boyden will be in town on Feb. 18 at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, in conjunction with the Whistler Winter Arts Festival and the 2010 Cultural Olympiad.

Shelagh Rogers, former host of CBC’s Sounds Like Canada and The Next Chapter, sits down with Steven Galloway, author of The Cellist of Sarajevo, Boyden and his wife, fellow novelist and former trapeze artist, Amanda Boyden, to chat about the literary world. Tickets to the event are $20, and they are available at www.theviciouscircle.ca .

Anyone who purchases the new releases of the three featured authors from Armchair Books — a.k.a. the Vicious Bundle of Fun — will receive a free ticket to the Literary Leanings event.

 

Conjuring up Christmas cheer

Well, it’s finally December — throngs of Whistlerites are glued to the window, anxiously awaiting the arrival of snow as they deck their halls for the holiday season.

Anyone looking for a good kick-start to their Christmas has a wide array of concerts to help get them into the spirit of things.

Festivities kick off with the Sea to Sky Singers performing a range of jazzy songs, including “The Three Kings,” on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Squamish Baptist Church. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

The CBC is coming to town to host a reading of A Christmas Carol at the Whistler Public Library (WPL) on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. This literacy fundraiser features Paul Grant, of CBC’s Hot Air show participating in the community reading, which also includes performances by the Whistler Children’s Chorus. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at WPL and Armchair Books.

The following day, Sunday, Dec. 14, the Whistler Singers are set to perform at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church.

On Sunday, Dec. 21, the Whistler Children’s Chorus once again takes the stage, but this time, it’s for their big annual Christmas Concert for the food bank. Admission is by donation, and the performance takes place at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church at 7 p.m.

If you feel like joining in the fun, head to the Community Holiday Singalong at MY Millennium Place on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. Admission is by donation.

And on Christmas Eve, the Whistler Children’s Chorus and Whistler Singers team up for the 25 th annual Christmas Eve interdenominational service of lessons and carols, featuring community readers and a singalong at the Westin Resort and Spa, starting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Crafting with Mountain Blooms

Looking to put a unique, handmade twist on your holiday décor? Head to Mountain Blooms Florist to create a distinct Christmas centerpiece or wreath.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10 and 17 at 6 p.m., Mountain Blooms will be holding wreath and centerpiece decorating sessions, with prices ranging from $35 to $55 for centerpieces, and $35 to $60 for wreathes.

Contact 604-932-4599 for more information.

 

Return of The Nutcracker

Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King are coming back to Whistler this winter.

From Friday, Dec. 19 until Sunday, Dec. 21, the Goh Ballet Society will perform The Nutcracker: The Dream of Clara Returns at MY Millennium Place.

For tickets, visit www.myplacewhistler.org .

 

Brackendale Then and Now

The Sea to Sky region has transformed drastically since the pioneering days of the late 19 th century, and now those changes have been captured on film in Helmut Manzl’s film, Brackendale Then and Now.

The 57-minute original SHS film traces the social and economic transformation of Brackendale, featuring narrative of long-time residents, on-site video footage and an impressive collection of original photos.

The Squamish Historical Society premieres Brackendale Then and Now at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 at the Brackendale Art Gallery.